The Washington herald., 1907-12-15

The causes of distress in all the other
families are suggested by the critical
analysis of S04 typical cases, where it was
found that sickness and death is re-
sponsible for 80 per cent Of the needy;
Ignorance and weakness for Is per cent;
desertiOn and non-support, l6 per cent; in
temperance. Is per cent; old age, per
cent; moral defects, per cent; lack of
proper employment, ) per cent; evil sur
roundings. per cent. and other causes
p per cent. In the line Of helping people
20 help themselves the association OBJ
tained employment in 1854 cases during
the past fifteen months Special care for
the sick was enlisted in 697 Instances
Correctional legal aid was given to 534
cases. Transportation 20 assured care In
other communities was provided for sixty
three individuals. In 145 cases the asso-
citation assisted in saving children from
improper homes The number OF truants
Influenced 70 attend school was 177. There
were 693 children provided with shoes. and
other garments necessary to enable them
to attend school Applicants for free
treatment at the eight leading medical dis
pensaries were investigated to the num-
Der Of 2.235. Special holiday benevolences,
including overcOats, baskets, gifts, Christ
mas trees and dinners were provided for
S35 families The summer outings work
included the selection of 7S children and
mothers for Camp Good VIII, l29 for
Camp Pleasant" 5.06l for special excur-
sions and day outings. and the giving Of
| S5S5 street car tickets for free trolley
rides during the heated term
Unique Golden Book Fund"
The new Needy Hour Loan Fund the
Special Coal Loan Fund" the new fund
collected by school children to provide
garments enabling needy children TO at
tend school. and the funds collected in
answer to special appeals to maintain a
consumptive at the sanatorium and for
other special cases, are all described un-
der the heading. Golden Book Funds. +"
The report says that these special ledger
accounts enable any contributor TO Sc
lect the exact methods in which his gift
shall be used and the channels through
which il shall be applied. always without
deduction for administrative expenses"
! Using its funds exclusively for material
relief, the Citizens Relief Association ex-
pended $3.50 during the past fifteen
months for groceries, meat, fuel. shoes.
clothing. and sundry relief for distressed
/ families investigated by the Associated
Charities. In providing milk and eggs
/ for INDECENT cOnsumptives, Il also ex-
pended $3.50 The report suggests that
''as compared either with the eXpendi-
/ lures In many other cities. or with the
/ forty or fifty thousand dollars formerly
/ At l.
season the present record OF the National
Capital is notable and significant When
these reduced and very small expendi-
lures for material relief mean. not cruel
/ Indifference but greater consideration
less pauperlsm. and larger efforts to i'm
prove the homes and devehD the self
help Of distressed people they are a
cause for rejoicing and for civic pride"
COnsumptive Patients.
Through its free dispensaries for con
sumptives at 923 H street, the committee
on prevention of consumption has dealt
with S03 INDECENT consumptives who have
made Sl7 visits TO the dispensary.
The report of John JOY Edison. treas
urer, shows that the work of the Asso
ciated Charities cost during the past If
teen months, Sl9.15S. It is stated thai
the funds are now exhausted and nat
there is immediate need for the renewa
Of former subscriptions and the enlist
ment OF new contributors. An urgent ap
peal for funds accompanies the report
Il is also stated that copies of the re
port may be had upon request at 81
G street The volume really constitute!
a handbook. whose clear description o.
conditions in Washington with sugges
tions of practical methods for dealinl
with needy families make it worthy o.
preservation and frequent use by all citi
zens who are interested in the cityi
charities or in the needy people Of tn
community.