The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-01-14
MANAGERS OF MERCY HOME HOLD MEETING Average of Sixty Children in
 Home for Year THE RECEIPTS ARE S3135 Presldent's Report Makes Recommend observation-disclosures Giving Not
 charlty-Dr. j. R. smlth's
 Request of $5ooo.
THE RECEIPTS ARE S3135

managers of the Mercy Home. which was held at the Home Tuesday afternoon, was unusually interesting, particularly owing to the fact that the reports of the off, fcers and committees showed that the re- suits of the work accomplished last year were far greater than ever before.
 The report of the committee on admis- sions showed that the Home had cared for more persons last year than in any years in the past. and that the average was about sixty, although at times 1t was greater than that.
 The general character of the work re- mains unchanged. Many children were shown to have been placed in permanent homes. situations were obtained for tenn porary admissions, children of working mothers cared for, mothers advised and encouraged, some remaining in tho Home if necessary until suitable work could be found for them.
 Christmas Dinner.
 One regrettable feature of the Christ mas celebration was that there were no donations of supplies for the dinner. The children had dolls and toys, but the feast was forgotten. The house committee and the clothing committee reported many do- nations, many new names showing an in- creased interest in the work.
 Attention was called to the fact that the kindergarten was now permanent fea- ture of the work and was of great ben eft to the children.
 The treasurer's report showed the re- ceipts for the year amounted to $s1S5.S9. With an average family of sixty, this shows that the expense per capita is less than $5 monthly, sustaining the record already made for careful and painstalSing as well as economical administration.
 Presidents Report.
 The following are extracts from the re- port of the president:
 "To an institution that has learned most of It's lessons by experience, each success sive year marks some changes and should indicate progress and improvement
 "rhe change of policy at the beginning of the year, making the Home chiefly Children's Home. has relieved the admin istration of various problems that were a constant source of perplexity. and in many ways 1t has proved wise move It should not be forgotten, however, that this move has increased the expenses.
 "rhe question that should be upper most in our minds is, How can we pro- vide for dependent children in insti- tution with the least harm to them morally and ethieally, or as has been said, How can we develop in a dependent child a spirit of independence7
 "One agency that is employed to this end is keeping the children of school age in the public schools. Another is industrial training Each child must have certain duties to perform in the general work A sewing class Is conducted regularly and a class in domestic economy will be started as soon as a room can be properly equipped. A generous donation has been received for this purpose.
 Bequest of pr. Smith.
 "During the past year. Dr. Joseph R. Smith bequeathed to the home the sum of 5000. the first legacy 1t has ever re- celved. It is not expected this money or any part of it will be used for cur rent expenses. but that 1t shall be ap- piled to permanent Improvements and as
 
 "A called meeting of the board will be held February G. the birthday of Dr. Smith, and suitable resolutions in memory of its first benefactor will be presented" !" Mrs Spencer devoted some time to urg- ing that steps be taken for the organiza- ton of central body which shall in spect the workings of all charitable bodies which receive appropriations from the city or the county. This central board should be appointed by the mayor, and should be composed of practical men and woman who have had experience in charitable affairs.
 lndiscriminate Giving.
 Mrs. Spencer called attention to the fact that indiscrimlnate giving is not charity, but really tends to work against real charity. Organized charity, that which gives more than mere food. is the condition to be obtained, and she urged that it could be obtained only through some central governing board.
 The election of officers resulted in all the old officers being retained. Mrs. P. B. Spencer has been president since the nome was started, and the other offi- cers are Mrs. William Redd and Mrs. A. N. Ballard, vice presidents. Mrs. w. l.. Murdock, secretary, and Mrs. James Weisel, treasurer.