New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-09-26
SIN]fER CHARITABLE WORh.
THE RECORDS OF THE CHARITY ORGANIZA-
TON SOCIETY

The Charity Organization Society found moro
work 20 dc on behalf of destitute families this sum-
mer than last. A marked change for the better
has taken place since september /. but until that
date unusually heavy demands were made upon
the charitable resources known TO the society
From the figures Just furnished an Interesting
comparison may be made between tho summer
months OF 1881 ard those Of 1896.
The total number of applications received by the
society in June July and August 1896 Including all
made f. the Joint Bureau In the United Charities
Building 5.GOS. n the same months OF 1881
the number was 1856. The average number OF fam
i!ies under tho care ~ district committees at one
time IN that summer ISL. This year II was osS
Last year volunteer friendly visitors called regu-
larry "a families this year 25s. Many moro
In either year would have been benefited by SUCH
visits II volunteers had been forthcoming Churches
and cooperating societies relieved the Charity or
ganization Society Of 1872 families in the three
months OF 1891. against l27 similar transfers in
1886 Relief procured from other societies or
churches in the case ~ 3r3 families In the present
summer In comparison with 90 IN lSS. For large
proportion OF these families relief was provided by
the Association for Improving the Condition OF the
Poor In pursuance Of a standing plan 81 co-opera-
tion between the two societies
The German Society the United Hebrew Chart
ties the Society OF ST Vincent de Paul the Harlem
Relief Society the Down Town Relief Bureau With
OF other private charities, and also the Pub
lie Department OF Charities have responded
promptly 10 practically all demands made upon
them N behalf OF families found on investigation
70 come within their legitimate scope. The most
important service rendered 10y the society Is this
Of bringing the needs % families quickly 10 tho
attention OF societies CITY departments. or private
individuals who able and willing TO give them
adequate assistance.
~, ,na three months q 1891 under consideration
the Charity Organization Society dlsbursed in re-
lief besides sums obtained from societies. churches,
ff,sF. Lee Lac . lao u 81 x
pended In this way last year. The extra burden
Of the larger number of destitute families thus fell
Il properly should. upon ordinary charitable re-
sources rather than upon the sums raised by sp'-
ciai appeal Temporary work was secured Tor l'O
persons : against ~ In 1895. indicating greater
difficulty IN finding temporary employment. Wood
yard tickets were a. a consequence. used more
freely district agents giving edl. against S'S
IN the period last year. There was the same
difficulty In finding temporary work Tor Women;
ara @is tickets 10 IN" worHrooHs lpr i -,
women were required wh!.. oiy 10 VIZ ~
the am" months OF lsG. The laundry maintained
10y the society was closed for part ~ the presrnt
summer. and only - permits are recorded while
l2s were issued last year.
Pe-naps the hest indication OF tho amount OF
work done by The society H. the number 81 VISITS
made by Its investigators and agents 1h"re .W'r'
ei74 such y-its IN June. July ana Augu-- oi "a.
year and 7el- IN The same months ~ 1871 This
does not include the visits mad" by friend y. VS.
would Increase the number given for l", TO con
sdrrahly 500" Another similar test Of me re-
uy ORGANIZATION Society Is the number 81 cans
made AZ the district Offices. which Was gr'atef ny
ONE third this year than last.
~ resolution 81 the Department % thaf4il's,
taking effect on June ! 1897. admission 90 me if"'.
municipal lodging house is only on presentation OF
ticket from the charity Organization Society or the
Superintendent ~ Outdoor Poor ~ the Once
OF m" latter closes at 40 o. while the night Of
ice Of tho society is oprn until miGn ght. nearly
all appi!ca. .ous FOR free .oaslng- IN the three
months under review have been made - the United
Charities Building The number has huctuatrd
from twouty-hy 20 hundred night but. on
the whole. has diminished - -" opportunities
for work have improved rrd a. fhe flls" state
nieu's md. ty some applicants have been exposed
hy invest gpt.Ou A. Yresen' ID" majority - those
" no cali are men VINO for som" accidental reason
are temporarily destitute. Many ~ them hav" So
cured ernI svrnfr' but without means or cr III
10 secure lodgings until their FIRST pay day. In som"
cuscs this period has been crurly and unnecessarily
,ro ong.. nv the practice u fprtnightly instead Of
weekly payments. The preference given 20 appi-
cauts WITH political pulls a!so works hardship 10
individuals.
Tho OPPORTUNITY f1r work j. most welcome feat
ure 81 the present outlook and II T. hoped That T.
will not attract thu city horde % incompetent.
unskllled iahorers who will remain after the tenn
por,rv EMPLOYMENT IL over. undesirable competitors
in the labor market and LnEelpAbe burdens On the
charitable resources OF he city