New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-22
IDEAS ARE CONTAGIOUS.
DIR. MOTTET SAYS THEY MAY BE SPREAD
AS SURELY AS DISEASE.

The summer school of philanthropy yester-
day usual in the library Of the Charities Or
ganization Building DR. Jeffrey R Bracket Of
Baltimore. presiding.
The subject being studied by the school is
the treatment of needy families in their homes. and
yesterday the first steps were considered Mrs. F
P. Strickland. superintendent Of the Joint Applica-
ton Bureau, explained the methods Of her office
and emphasized the Importance Of sympathy and
tact in dealing with applicant.
"One Of the chief requisites in interviewer"
she said, is to be good listener. In many cases
the story be obtained almost entirely in this
way, the who interviews putting occasional
question only. There can be set rule for direct
ing the conversation. One must be governed by
the individual with whom she has to deal the needs
in the and the circumstances attending 1t.
1t is preferable that the head of the family should
be interviewed. as he is often responsible for the
condition of affairs.
1T is necessary to get complete facts, but II is
not always wise to attempt to get them under all
circumstances, as for instance, In the case Of
sick or weak 1t is better to waive all
questions aside from the name and address, and
if she has home assure her she will be visited
once. The time for questioning will come. but
a great deal is gained by deferring all questions
not absolutely necessary until she has had some
tangible evidence of charitable interest in her.
There is danger in incomplete records the greatest
of which Is that the applicant may receive improper
treatment.
After an application has been made and 1t Is
obviously necessary to have the family visited, II
is essential that experienced visitor be assigned
to the case one who has at least general knowl-
edge of human nature, Of human life and its neces
Stiles and who IS well endowed with good sense
and tact. The treatment in different cases is
varied as are the applicants set rule can be
followed; each must be treated according TO its
special needs"
An address by Mrs. E. V. II. Mansen, investigat-
ing agent of the Charity Organization, followed, IN
which she touched upon the following points:
v.y-F4., aal+
good temper. bright manner, real sympathy for the
poor-not gush-a knowledge of relative values. a
thorough knowledge OF the resources Of the city.
A family should he approached in the home with
great and tact.
Many Of worst critics have been brought TO
acknowledge the wisdom of a thorough tnvestiga-
ton before dealing with family. causing this So
ciety.'' she said. Ito the warmest approval
Of those who formerly sneered at or loudly de-
nounced its method"
DR. Henry Mottet rector OF the Church OF the
Holy Communion, gave interesting account of
the philanthropic work in his church. which he
said. began the fresh air work that IS now SO i'm
portant a part OF all philanthrOpic endeavor. In
that church also the first club for workingmen
formed. and its first effect was TO withdraw the
family OF every who became member from
the ranks of those receiving support from the
church. The club developed self-respect which de-
vcIopment should he the aim 81 all work for the
bettermeut OF humanity
Ideas are As contagious ms disease and may be
spread surely" said Dr. Mottet. Il resolved to
spread a mania for books and succeeded in in
creasing the membership IN the Muhleuberg Free
Library 10 amazing extent. Get every one TO
he lover OF books and You lift the whole race.
The man who has nice looking hook under his
IS not half likely 20 drop into the saloon.
Another point emphasized by the speaker was
always possible il you only know how. 20 spend
less than YOU earn If only a cent = day ne said
nave spent an my lie win children. ana IN the
church We nave tried 10 Train them into habits OF