Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-13

dividuals about one in every thirty of the
entire population of the District of Column
bia. 1t is obvious that sucn false economy
In our expenditures as would impair the
wisdom and efficiency of the work might
easily result in great injury to the COM
munity by lessening the ambition and self
help of one-thirtieth of the entire popula-
ton. During the last score of years the
association has treated 1922 cases. The
work is so large that it must result. in
evitably either in great injury or great
benefit to the whole commonwealth.
The Constructive Forces
'In order to accomplish something worth
while, something permanently helpful for
needy families must be able to co-ordi-
nate the constructive forces of society We
often have cases in which six or eight or
CARNATIONS or individuals must be interest
ed, each to provide a certain part of the
treatment. In 1900 the number of CO.
operating organizations was not recorded
but In 1905 there were 2I6, including eighty
four churches and missions, forty-one char
table organiZa TONS Ill schools (buildings)
and forty other agencies.
There were 64,00S visits by agents and
volunteers.
while statistics are entirely inadequate
to report the real effect of trained personal
service upon the lives of the 3.G20 families
dealt with last year, few items of what
we call special helps to self help may be,
recorded. Employment was secured 1873
times in 1900 and 764 times in 1905. Spe-
cial care for the sick was enlisted In 627
cases during 1905, while 30S children were
clothed for school and correc tional or legal
aid was administered OF children rescued
from improper homes in 362 Instances These
three forms of special aid were not re-
corded in 1900, but were undoubtedly much
smaller then. The number of cases helped
through special Institutions was 1OS in 1900
and ITS in 1905. Transportation to assured
care in other cities provided for
twenty-nine individuals in 1900 and sixty
seven In 1905 The totals of these SIX lines
of special service are 200 for 1900 and ,206
for 1908, or, excluding three items not re-
corded In 1900, 29O, as compared with 1,OO9.
Our board of managers believes that
good use has been made of the funds in
trusted to its care. The mere statistics
alone have made, we think convincing
argument. But the best work that has been
accomplished eludes statistical expression.
The greater part of the story we must leave
you to learn for yourself by personal con-
tact with our agents and with the work it
self. Ask questions, therefore.
Improvement of Housing Conditions
Mr.. S. W. Woodward. chairman on the
improvement of housing conditions, made
a report on the past activities of the COM
mittee.
The following is a summary of the plans
suggested for the committees activity dur
ing the present winter: Tabulation Of al
leys, alley houses and tenements which
are believed to be In insanftary condition;
urging improvements in insanitary dwell
ings upon agents and owners; securing
cooperation among organization in urging
adequate housing legislation before Con-
gress: working for an appropriation for the
opening up of hidden residential alleys in
to minor streets; developing public senti-
ment along the lines of housing reform.
Public Fairgrounds.
Mr.. Cuno II. Rudolph. chairman of the
public Fairgrounds ccsbnittee, pointed our
IN brief report the growth of tile move
ment In this city. He said:
The idea of what playground Is for
has undergone some change In the past
season kindergarten games. competitive
and team play, handwork which requires
the development of some skill. has taken
the place to a considerable extent. OF the
careless and purposeless activity. In carry
ing out this newer Idea every playground
boy and girl has been encouraged to Work
for a championship button, which Is gwen
to all who reach certain grade of excel
lence. and In small way these winners
can be considered athletes.
The committee Is looking to the future.
The work already undertaken has tcm-
mended itself to all who have seen II,