New-York tribune., 1900-01-03
POPULAR OBSERVATIONS.
QUESTIONABLE CHARITY METHODS.

COLLECTIONS OF WHICH The LARGER PART GOES
TO THE AGENT COLLECTING.
To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: think the public should be put IA its guard
against some questionable schemes which are be-
ing operated in the name OF charity. A has
recently come TO my knowledge where the manager
secured comfortable living for himself with little
effort and with only small proportion Of profit
to the cause he represented compared to what the
contributions Of money amounted 10.
do not wish TO give any names. because nothing
could be done 10 the who kept carefully clear
Of llegaity, and who has left the city. and
because II would bring unpleasant notoriety on
worthy institution for which he collected money.
But there are probably others Ike him This mans
plan is to propose to some charity to collect
amount OF money in a certain time. When the
offer is accepted he appoints agents TO visit bust
ness and firms TO interest them in the cause
and ask for subscriptions. So far. very good.
These agents we're raid salary. but retained
commission OF = per cent on all sums collected.
The only credentials they carried 50 far as dis
coverabIe. consisted of a yearly report Of the
stitution canvassed for, which OF course any
could get
One-third only Of the contributions went 70 the
charity The rest was kept by Mr. Blank, who did
no work beyond appointing the agents. receiving
their reports and writing few letters. Allowing
a small percentage for postage and advertising. it
VII De seen that his share amounted to about $40
tons large small. His style of living in
dicated that he made good thing of it. The con-
trioutors presumably supposed that whatever they
SaVe-N $40 or solvent direct to the beneficiary.
instead OF helping 10 support several intermediates
ana It was tacitly understood by the agents that
this need not be mentioned
A who answered one OF Mr. Blanks ad-
Fertisements for agents asked specifically this
point and was answered impatiently, Certainly
not. W hat business is it OF theirs7 You and I
must get our living out OF this OF course he
added. any one with might know that
some expenses would have to be paid
The applicant, who a clear headed young
woman thought the proportion for expenses in
TINS case rather startling and after few more
questions declined the position not choosing 70
have 10 do with undeFhanded scheme Mr..
Blank, who had at first been anxious engage her.
finally ac4uiesced with remark that ne didn't
believe they would get along together anyhow.
He never saw anybody who asked many ques-
tions.
Theirs not TO reason why" was probably his
motto for agents But he careful make
false representations II many words. and If his
given them such instructions I told that the
plan was agreed to by the Ladies' Auxiliary OF
the institution in question II must have been
y Without sufficient thought their part and pos
slDIy II WIS not clearly understood by OF
them.
Those giving money should be sure that they pay
Il only to fully accredited person. It may seem
rude TO appear 10 doubt the good faith Of a person
asking Tor a contribution. but a responsible and
honorable solicitor, would think. would prefer
not to wait to be asked. but would produce her
credentials at Schemes that will not bear
investigation viii do more harm than good in the
long run to the cause they represent Such causes
l write in the hope of helping not hinderiug
Brooklyn, Dec. 13, 1893 l. H.