New-York tribune., 1901-07-17
POLITICS IN CHARITIES.
DIR. LINDsAY's INTERESTING TALK ON
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

The Summer School of Philanthropy listened yes
terday 10 a paper on THE Political Element in
Public Institutions by DR.. Samuel VI. Lindsay
He began by saying that private charities
often not free from analogous Influences. In
many cases." he said. "denominational charities
are by social cliques Such restrictions hedge
the board Of managers that practically fitness is
ignored and family church relationship is
the basis for selection. Naturally, this frequently
serves hind:ance TO advancement, and oper-
prevent the adoption of newer and better
methods Of administration
DR.. Lindsay spoke at some length the dangers
incurred by public subsdizng Of private charities
asserting that establishment OF State institu-
tions, for which the State officials would be re-
sponsibe. is much wiser.
When State appropriation is relied on by a
private institution said the speaker, there is
strong temptation TO shape the policy of that in
sttution in accordance win the wishes of men who
influence the amount appropriated"
He gave instance a case known to him, IN
which the president Of the board Of a prominent
Philadelphia charity asked the board to give him
5000 without asking any questions" promising
that the amount would be more than made good"
The State appropriation that legislative session
more than double that Of any previous year
''The inference TO be drawn was necessarily dam
aging" added Dr. Lindsay, who went on TO say
that the States that contributed most largely TO
private charities are conspicuous failures in the
work Of relief while the private charities that
indpendent Of State aid are much more efficient
as a rule
The speaker emphasized the need for special
training Of workers in this field, whether in the
relief or correctional departments, and said that
scientific study OF the criminal is necessary as
OF the pauper the insane or idiotic, the deaf
and dumb He deplored the phase of politics that
removes officers in State institutions at every
change OF administration, affirming that special
training ana personal fitness should be the basis
q appointment. and removal should not be pos
sble while the duties faithfully performed
1t is true that considerable progress has been
made in this respect" said the doctor. ''and II is
largely owing to the aroused and enlightened public
sentiment that is directly attributable to the or
ganized private charities Of the larger cities
Before the reading of DR.. Lindsays paper there
was discussion almshouses in various States
Miss Dinwiddie. OF Virginia, described in that
state whose condition and methods seemed almost
incredible to the school, member commenting
II sounds almost like Dickens talei"
A member from Kentucky told Of an airnshouse
tnere that was investigated" not long ago She
SAID that its superintendent formerly "a river
steamboat captain" and treated the inmates Just
NE his negro deckhands.''
Il was reported that Chicago has a separate in
sttuuon for paupers affected with tuberculosis
hnlch is trying the sunshine treatment
At the close Of the session the school visited the
educational Alliance. East Broadway and Jeffer-
son-st.