Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-29
AID OF CONSERVATIVES
CITIZENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION
IN NEW FIELD.

The work of the Citizens Relief Associa-
ton, the funds of which are distributed
through the agents Of the Associated Char
tiles, as shown by the annual report just
issued, has, In addition to the usual
methods, been largely directed to the as
sisting of INDECENT consumptives.
During the five months between May &
and October /. 1905 s5s6.34 have been ex-
pended for milk and eggs, it having been
thoroughly demonstrated that one of the
principal means of curing tuberculosis is
by generous Diet of such special food as
milk and eggs.
a diet kitchen has been inaugurated, and
with the cooperation of the Instructive
Visiting Nurse Society, which have distrib-
uted the supplies, 1t is believed the general
public have been safeguarded by a large
reduction of the dangers of contagion
from sputum of ignorant consumptives. So
gratifying have been the results that the
association has decided to continue this
new extension of relief work.
Since its organization in 1893, as the sue
cessor of the central relief committee
the association has confined it's work to the
collection of funds and supplies and the
distribution of relief to the worthy poor
who are In temporary need and have no
other resource to which they can apply.
Its work is supported almost entirely by
volunteer contributions from public-sprited
persons who recognize that under its direc-
ton funds for the relief of suffering among
the poor can be expended to better advan-
tage than by many individuals only partly
acquainted with the situation and each act
ing independently. Under the system which
has been followed since the association
was Incorporated begging and poverty are
discouraged, while worthy cases of need
are generously helped.
Treasurer's Report.
Mr.. John F. Wilkins, treasurer of the
Citizens Relief Association, in his report
states that sS62O.67 were disbursed be-
tween August l, 1904, and November 1,
1903, almost entirely for groceries, fuel,
shoes, milk, eggs, meals and lodgings given
to carefully investigated cases through the
agents of the Associated Charities.
President Nicholas Murray Butler, speak
ing of the spirit actuating relief aSsocia-
lions. said: We cannot legislate men into
comfort or resolve them into happiness, or
pass ordinances that will fill them with self
respect, but we can take them by the hand
one by one and help them to stand alone,
until they in turn are perhaps able to help
Others"
In his report of the work Gen. George NJ.
Sternberg, president of the associa ton,
speaking of the fundamental principle that
should govern the distribution of material
relief says: Every dependent person for
whom employment Is obtained every habit
ual recipient of winter fuel and food who is
ena bled to purchase these by being can
VaSsed all summer for his small weekly
savings, every supine parasite who is pre-
vented from unnecessary dependence, and
every sick, disheartened, unwise or unfor-
tunate victim who is re-established In indie
pendent character and support, is worth a
dozen people who are given such aims as
Will merely tide them over into next weeks
misery"
Statistics are given showing the number
or cases handled and the number of families
formerly INDECENT that have become self
supporting through employment secured for
them and through the correction Of evil
house.