New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-14
TO PROMOTE FRAUD AND PAUPERISN.

II is unpleasant to learn that senator
Ahearn's bill in relation 10 children comml''eu
to charitable and public institutions ID ibis GU!
is making progress at Albany III mas peen
wildly described IAN act 10 encourage '"e
rearing of destitute children that their parents
",nav be supported by the State, and we DO not
think that the characterization IS UNJUST lhose
who are most slrenuously opposed TO the p.ii
do not charge that II reflects any unWorth!
purpose but being convinced tnat IL "oulu
lead 10 evils far greater than those WHICH its
honest supporters wish 70 mitigate they VIII
continue 10 urge It's rejection by the Leglsla'-
ire 1t provides, in brief. that upon the appl'
cation OF the parent or guardian of a child coih'
r,itted 10 an institution in this city the Socle!
fo.. the Prevention Of Cruelty 10 Children SMALL
IN a proper case after due inquiry. restore the
child TO its parent or guardian, TO whom there
unon the Controller is authorized TO transmit
through the society the money allowed by law
for tbe child's maintenance in the institution
from which 1t has been taken: such change OF
custody being revocable by the society. IL
follows that parent or guardian. on the plea
OF inability TO support a child, might secure us
commit,al TO a public institution and supse-
oneptlv its return. together with an allowance
or 81 a week TOT an lHutHu!te peiiou' i-'' 49,
only might be done, but inevitably wouid DC
done and rhe inclination 70 such trickery wouio
probably become the chief fruit of the enact
ment.
Philanthropc workers are among the strong
est opponents of this bill The Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty TO Children is averse 10
having such responsibility thrust upon IT, Inc
Controller is understood TO regard 1t win ois-
favor. and the State Charities Aid Association
has gone on record against it in the following
cogent arraignment
First-The proposed legislation would estao
in this city system of public outdoor reHe!' a
system which in large cities mas aiways ne ts
found to promote pauperism, 10 discourage SER
reliance and thrift, and TO be especially llaDie
10 fragrant abuses.
Second-The system Of outdoor relief proposed
by the bill is particularly dangerous and ob)ec-
tionable in that it proposes a grant Of hXed
sum of money per year for each child, without
reference to the particular circumstances and
needs of the family or to changes that may occur
in such circumstances
Third-The bill places the entire responsibility
for the actual administration Of the proposed
system Of outdoor relief in the hands Of the New
York Society for the Prevention Of Cruelty 10
Children, which is private corporation ana
has direct responsibility to the people OF this
city.
Fourth--The bill authorizes the summary re-
commitment by such society Of children who
may be discharged from institutions under the
bill and who may subsequently have been with
their parents for term Of years-a power which
is now. and should ever be. irtrusted 10 none but
duly constituted judicial authorities. and the ex
ercse Of which should be safeguarded by the
statutory requirement that in every case there
shall be hearing. after due notice TO all par
ties concerned, and that there shall be a record
of the evidence presented
Fifth-The duty of formulating rules and regu-
lations govern the administration Of such out
door relief is imposed solely upon the Controller
of New-York City and the Aforementioned So
c!ety. no part Of such responsibility being vested
IN the Mayor Of the city. the Board Of Estimate
and Appointment, or the Department OF Pub
lie Charities, which, in all other respects. Is
charged with the public relief of the poor of this
city.
Doubtless the bill is capable Of amendment
into less Objectionable FORM but we cannot
believe that any change which did not obt-
crate its primary intention, and consequently
remove all desire for its adoption, would render
1t harmless. We hope that it will be halted
where il is. It's defeat would be as kind 10 its
sincere supporters as 10 the individuals who
would employ 1t TO their own decentralization,
and TO the community in general