The San Francisco call., 1904-04-25
BOSTON'S PUBLIC CHARITY.

~ the publication of the annual report of
X the Boston Board of Overseers of the Poor good
- deal of interesting information is given on some
the social problems of that city and incidentally the
is disclosed that the problem of the poor the
United States complex but what it be vir-
tuay solved if due attention be given to it in spirit
sympathetic but sentimental that there will be
either the side of indifference to the needs
of deserving people who in distress of overgen
erosy the undeservng who habituay prey both
public and private charity
The notable feature of the report presented in
summary given by the Boston Transcript is contained
in the statement:
"Whle the population of Boston has increased in the
last twenty from 37oI2o to 6o7oo7 an increase OF
228 6S persons the number of families aided by the
Overseers has actually decreased from 4o75 236 de-
of I7eo families In the period the average
per family has increased from SI6o3 per family to
$40 per family; the amount of aid given directly to
the in 1902 being $7a,4o8 "a 242o families while
the amount given in 1888 was $68,o8o 90 to 4o75
families
These figures showing remarkable decrease in the
number of families receiving aid from the city, while at
the same time there increase in the amount of
money granted for ad is said be due the fact that
the Overseers giving closer attention to their
duties than formerly. The result is the city is longer
granting money families that do not deserve it, and
consequence is able give effective aid to those
who do deserve it.
Another interesting feature of the report is the show
ing made of the work of The Wayfarers' Lodge in
stution where tramps taken Of The lodge is
open until midnight Throughout the year and all appli-
for lodging received In former years it
the limit the number of consecutive lodgings
three for each man. but the rule worked badly for
enabled habitual tramps solicit money for lodgings
the ground that having been three consecutive nights
the lodge they would not be received there again.
Each applicant is given BATH bed and breakfast be-
ing required to do two hours work at wood saving in
return.
Efforts made to get work for all who desire it,
but in many it is clear there desire of that
kind the part of the applicant for lodging The
port says "We try to do something to help the appli
better life. Suggestions of places where he
apply for work often made and encouragement
given to apply the Industrial Aid Society
the street for work. We able to influence but a
small proportion make any effort TO help themselves
The solution of the tramp problem it will have
be effected by something in the of compulsory
work least upon policy of work no food The
Boston Overseers say "Tramping evil, disease
of the body poltc would entirely disappear pos
sibe apply the work in every city and town of
the country Wherever it has been tried has proved
most efhcacious, but most communities consider the
pense of applying it too great. 1t would If
groups of small could combine together and main
tain tramp house with work test, sharing the
pense proportion the valuation population of the
respective In this way the expense would not
bear too hard any town..