Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-06

Residents of the District of Columbia as
class are known for their philanthropic
works
While philanthropy covers a broad field
and is by the very nature of things neces-
sary at all times, it appears peculiarly
lifting at this season of the year, when
the bleak wintry winds and the lowering
temperature cause so much suffering and
distress among the poor and needy, that
the subject should be brought to the front.
1t is a matter of record that at no time
in the history of the city when there has
been suffering and distress that the citi-
Zens have not come cheerfully to the fore
with the necessary financial and other
substantial assistance.
The poor We have always with u.s. In
many instances the misfortune is in no
sense the fault of the sufferer. These
cases as soon as they become known are
relieved by organized charity or by per-
sons acting in an individual capacity To
immediate relief.
Many people are of the opinion that
feeding and clothing the unfortunates
who are unable from causes over which
they have no control to provide for them
selves is the only form of charity, but of
course this is not the case. There are
many other forms equally as worthy.
Inc national capital numbers among its
residents many persons whose entire lives
are devoted to philanthropic work. There
are others who could not lie down peace
fully to sleep at night We're they. not con-
scious that they had devoted few hours
out OF the twenty-four to relieving the dis
tress of the needy in one manner or an
other. With some of these people a repre-
sentative of The Evening Star has talked
of the most important forward steps in the
year just closed and what in their opin-
ion is best worth striving for in the year
upon which we are just entering.
The Record for 1904
CHANGING back over the record for 1904 1t
is conceded by those in closest touch with
the poor and needy that probably the most
important step for their assistance and re-
lief is the organization of the Sanitary
Housing Company. This organization aims
TO provide modern sanitary homes for the
poor at reasonable cost, and do away as
far possible with the novels in the mar
row streets and crowded alleys of the city,
which came in for such scathing condem-
nation from Jacob Rils, the great philan-
thropist, who has studied like conditions in
many cities of the country, and who point
out that the local conditions about as
bad as any he had ever seen. Then, too
in this great work 1t is held that the poor
are not being further pauperized but are
being given an opportunity to improve their
COndlllOn Dy helping themselves.
There are many poor and needy people
who, from one cause another are I'M
able to care for themselves and have
through age or other infirmity, become a
burden to their friends. This class, it is
necessary to provide for from public funds
Heretofore they have been sent to the
almshouse, which is within the grounds
and closely attached TO the workhouse,
where prisoners from the police courts are
sent for punishment. So closely are these
institutions identified I'm the public mind
that to many the names appear as synony-
nous For this reason, through spirit of
false pride. many who would gladly avail
themselves of the opportunity for care and
protection refuse to do so.
1t is considered that one great step for
ward during 1904 was the provision that
the almShOuSe be moved to another part of
the District and an entire new set of quar-
tiers provided, where the poor can be cared
for without coming into such close prox-
unity to the criminal class.
The establishment of Camp Good VIII
and its admirable work during last summer
when 80 many of the needy were given a
breath of fresh country air and substantial
food TO such an extent that they were
given a new lease on life, is spoken of as
another benefit of the year just passed
away.
The benefits derived from the public play
grounds for children in all walks of life
was boon to the little ones that brought
forth practical expressions of appreciat ton
during every minute the grounds were in
condition for use
The campaign for the help Of the indi-
gent sufferers from tuberculosis has proved
of great ana lasting benefit and will be con-
tinued throughout the coming year. Many
other things are mentioned by the experts
with whom The Star representative talked
Twelve months have brought blessings in
many forms to the poor, and those who are
continually thinking and working for their
heneht have even greater hopes for the
mccoy, II their desires can be carried out.
Control of Public Charity.
There Is always the very practical sug-
gestion that II some uniform system for
the control of public charity could be
brought about 1t would prove of great
benefit to the giver as well as to the re-
cipient. Promiscuous almsgiving and the
responding to appeals for charity and as
slstance without investigation oftentimes
do more harm than good. 1t is pointed out
by those who favor Capitalization of this
work that 1t could be performed entirely
by persons who are expert at the work.
persons who have devoted their time and
money TO gaining an experience that can
not be secured In any other way.
very general need which 1t Is hoped
Congress will provide for before its adj
journment is a separate and distinct Juve-
nile court. where youthful offenders against
the laws and police regulations will not. as
now, have to be tried in room that Is at
least tainted with the atmosphere OF the
tried and hardy criminal.
Another Improvement suggested in the
Police Court system is some probationary
system for adults by which first offenders.
who. though guilty. appear to be worthy OF
sympathy. can be treated In a different
manner from the criminal who is fire.
quent visitor at the bars of justice.
Others would have a new municipal hospi-
tai to take the place of the one adjoining
the workhouse. They would have a modern
structure with every sanitary and healthful
appliance. Thay would have provision