Evening star., 1901-03-27

immense number Of visits on the part of
the agents, but the effects, apart from the
material benefits. are productive Of much
good, as they afford an opportunity for
friendly chat and sound advice much in
fuence is gained in the uplifting of char
acter Of these people. The society needs
more trained agents for this kind of work
or the aid of volunteer visitors, who could
aid in the collection of savings and at the
same time teach them how to help them
selves and gradually raise them above ..ie
need of charity.
ut is scarcely necessary to emphasize the
fact that the Associated Charities, after
seeing that emergency relief is procured,
makes every effort to provide employment,
and after employment is secured, to en-
courage thrift and economy.
Chief Causes Of Need.
1.-THE chief causes of need are lack of
employment, sickness. old age, no male
support Incidence and inefficiency. unfor-
tunately, a large class of those habitually
unemployed are SO by reason of some phys
ical, mental or moral defect. In the class
of moral degenerates it would be most
unwise procedure to extend relief, and yet
they offer a good field for constructive work
by the agents and volunteer visitors. In
the two former classes temporary and even
permanent relief is often the only remedy,
and here the agents exert their utmost in
huence in seeing that the right kind of help
is given. especially by relatives or organi-
cations whose duty it is to assume these
burdens. There are however, quite num-
ber of applicants, who, by reason Of age
or some physical infirmity, are unable to
earn livelihood, and yet can contribute
something toward their support, if an op-
portunity is afforded. There are men and
women who are perfectly competent to ad
dress envelopes for advertisements, circu
lars, receptions and weddings and there
are others who could deliver these at the
respective addresses. This mode Of deliv
cry would be especially applicable to mat
ters such as calendars, telephone books an
nua1 reports, etc, either too heavy for or
binary postage or for matter likely to be
crushed in the mail, and merchants and
others would greatly assist the cause of
humanity by having the work done through
the office Of the Associated Charities.
Again, there are applicants who ara
competent to act as watchmen for build
ings or of structures in the course Of erec
ton, while another class could be employ
ed in general job work. cleaning, attending
furnaces, moving lawns, etc. All pe1 sons
requiring labor of this character should ap-
ply to the central office. Indeed, our me-
chanics. merchants, newspaper publishers,
telegraph and messenger companies would
greatly aid the cause by giving preference
classes.
1.-The general results ACCOMPLISHED during
the past five years are the best testimonial
as to the services rendered by Mr.. Geo L.
Wilson, the general secretary; and while
his appointment as secretary of the hoard
of charities will take him from the imme-
diate work, it is a matter Of satisfaction
that as a member of the board of directors
his influence for good work will continue
1.-THE results of the correction If abuses
in the medical charities are equally strik-
Ing and viii! be presented In a future COM
munication.''