The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-19
UNITED CHARITIES HAS WORKED HARD Number of Prominent Citizens Attend Annual Meeting OFFICERS READ REPORTS Organization Is In Good Financial Con. dltlon and Has Aided Hundreds
 of Worthy People During
 the Past Year.
OFFICERS READ REPORTS

Quite a number of prominent citizens attended the annual meeting of the United Charities last night in the Commercial club rooms, and heard interesting reports from the officers of that institution.
 The reports show that the organization is in a good financial condition, and that it has aided hundreds of people during the past year. After the reports had been made, Rabbi Newfield, J. H. McCary. J. A. VanHoose, John w. O'Neill. Oliver Chalifoux, the Rev. J. W. Canty John son, Mrs. Carr and Mrs. A. D. Elford spoke in regard to the work
 Rabbi Newfield urged that all the char ity organizations should be placed under one head, as that would centralize things, reduce the cost of operations and have all donations go through one channel. This would insure a larger showing and would make it easier to aid people in dis tress.
 Officers Elected.
 At the meeting J. A. VanHoose was elected chairman and John w O'Neill, secretary. The following board of direc- tors was named: Mrs. J. A Torrey, Mrs. A. D. Elford, Mrs. Val Glib. Jr., Mrs. R. D. Lewis, Mrs. w. s. Lowell. Mrs. Sterling Lanier, Mrs, Mary N. Carr, Mrs. F. D. Squires, Mrs William Hardie, Mrs. D. M. Davidson, Mrs. A. B. Loveman, Mrs. c. E. Deshazo, J. H. McCary John w. O'Neil, J. A. vanHoose, Oliver Chalifoux, Lew Lazarus, Rabbi Newfield, Dr. Gaston Torrance and R. E.. Collins.
 John w. ONeill was appointed com mlttee of one to request the city to allow the charities to use a room in the city hall building for the work. The reports of the officers were as follows:
 To the Board of United Charities, Ladies and Gentlemen-In reviewing the work of the past year there is but little variation from the report of the year be- fore. Our history has been about the same and we have the same conditions and per plexities confronting us. The superintend- ents report will show in detail what has actually been done. She keeps a careful record of every case of need or suffering brought to our attention.
 As you already know, this society Is non-sectarian, and is one of the public institutions of the city, but we are largely dependent upon voluntary contributions to carry on the work. By comparing the treasurer's reports you will see that our resources for the past year have been less while the demands upon us have been greater, so we must devise ways and means to repenish our treasury. We are very grateful to those kind. generous friends who came to our assistance, and trust their numbers and donations will increase with our needs and growth this coming year. We have had to be very careful in our expenditures, and in some few instances had to refuse pecuniary aid that might have been given with fuller treasury; but still every deserving case of need which has come to our notice has been relieved as far as our limited means would justify.
 This is the time to elect a board of d. rectors for the ensuing year, and 1t is the wish of the society-indeed our consti- tuition requires-that all denominations should be represented on this board, which Is composed of twenty persons, whose hearts are in sympathy with this Humanitarian work, and who will at tend the monthly meetings and assist the officers with their counsel.
 One of the most perplexing questions In connection with this work is how to help the poor without pauperizing them and detracting from their self-respect. One of the best aids in accomplishing this much desired end is a work house, where men and women could ma immediate employ ment, and earn an honest penny by their labor. This plan is working finely in other cities and I urge that you will exert your influence with our phiianthropic workers in establishing an institution of this kind in our midst.
 Another thing we need is the cooper ation of all charitable organizations here and elsewhere, and the citizens generally, in suppressng vagrancy and street beg ging. This in a large measure can be done by steadily refusing to give anything to beggar at your door, but refer them to this society for aid, knowing they will be helped If deserving. We make no dis tinctions as Ito race, color or previous condition" and as far as possible ob- serve the "golden rule" Respectfully sub mtted, MRS. ROSE c. LEWIS, President of United Charities. Receipts and Expenditures.