New-York tribune., 1899-10-02
THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY'S WORK
AN ORGANIzATION THAT SECURES JUSTICE
AND LEGAL RELIEF TO THE POOR
IT'S NEED OF SUPPORT.

AN ORGANIZATION THAT SECURES JUSTICE
AND LEGAL RELIEF TO THE POOR
IT'S NEED OF SUPPORT.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: VIII you kindly give space at this time TO
a statement by lover Of justice bearing on the
excellent work Of the Legal Aid Society? To
the citys visitors. well as to our own
citizens ia extended n hearty invitation TO IA
miliarize themselves ere they return home with
this special branch OF social study by visiting
the Office OF the Legal Aid Society. at No 239
Broadway. entrance on Park Place. any after
noon. The attorney and his assistants are usu-
ally engaged in the courts on cases during the
fOrenoOns.
The Legal Aid Society serves only those who
are poor and helpless and who have been un-
Justly treated. In its work Of securing Justice
for the oppressed. the restoration OF personal
rights practical and helpful sympathy FOR the
abandoned and despondent, and in almost every
other conceivable instance where a worthy ap-
pllcant seeks legal advice and help. does this
society unostentat!ousy carry on fits efforts for
the social uplifting of the oppressed and down
trodden. and encourage them to seek higher
standard OF life
Il Is astonishing upon inquiry 10 find that as
yet so few Of the many untiring and faithful,
earnest workers In the many philanthropic
channels have allied themselves with this move
ment. For nearly twenty-four years it has
quietly and efectually in its necessarily limited
Offices (resulting from its limited financial sup
porD helped and cared for over ninety six thou
sand persons Of all nationalites and creeds.
Now the work has SO increased that during the
present year there has been an average Of eight
hundred to nine hundred clients making appllca-
tion each month. irrespective of cases under
litigation. Again. to one who takes mental note
of such matters. il is surprising that in the
many conventions and public gatherings for
the study and discussion Of sociological and
labor questions Of the day. with one or two ex-
ceptions the far reaching questions Of justice
and legal relief have been almost totally ig
nored. at the same time IT Is proved that work
in this line is indispensable. for nearly all the
we'll known charitable and relief societies refer
their applicants 10 the Legal Aid Society. since
they have no provision for that special form Of
relief and. save the Working Women's Pro-
tectiye Union. with its limitations. no other So
Ciety has evidently been willing To assume the
heavy responsibilities OF such work.
Consequently. il would be supposed that
generous and hearty cooperative spirit would
he shown toward the Legal Aid Society by all
public and private charities, and particularly by
honehcent workers. who will, it Is assured. al
most invariably find that If the poor can only
receive justice and fair recompense for services
rendered, etc. they will not ask nor often need
charity Moreover. the work Of the Legal Aid
Society should bee encouraged and strengthened
by the power of the public press as well as by
individual support ON all sides. so that the
Board Of Directors and its noble staff of work
crs may more efficiently meet the increasing
demands made upon n.
No one VINO VIII take the time to look i'm at
the Office any afternoon can fail 10 realize the
special needs Of 'he society as they look upon
the faces Of the clients who crowd the rooms
applying for ADVICE and justice. And now that
the seamens branch has been opened at 80. -
Pike-st through the kindness and cooperation
of the various We'll known seamens societies,
many an Interesting story can be heard there
and the gratitude seen Of those brave men Of
the sea who have referred their grievance to the
attorney. and for whom justice has been
cured.
Truly New-Yosk is great city, and Of her
noble charities Institutions. etc, she may justly
boast. Not the least. but rather one " the most
far reaching IT all agencies 20 which She owes
great deal IS the Legal Aid Society. which has
not only meted out justice but has raised the
standard # her citizens.
LOVER OF JUSTICE.
Neu- York. Sept % 1899