Evening star., 1907-11-19

that the agents have been thorough in
their study of cases, careful in the ad-
mnistration of material aid and re-
sourceful in developing substitutes for
aims. in preventing unnecessary depend
ence and promoting self-help.
For material relief. the agent gives
what is thought to be best suited. She
can a once secure fuel. groceries or
clothing from nearby dealer through
the money Of the Citizens Relief Associa-
ton or she can supply cash for urgent
needs, such as payment for rents that
have fallen behind, etc, or she can draw
on the fund for shoes and clothing for
needy children to enable them to attend
school This aid is given promptly, stat
cd the general secretary, there Is no
red tape or no consultation required with
a committee or superior official.
Continuing, he pointed out that while
the scope of the work has broadened
while the number of families dealt with
has Increased. greatly during the past six
years, the number requiring material re-
lief has been steadily diminished by care
full, preventive and constructive work.
shown by this table: Cases dealt wit
1899. 2,473: 1905. 4.377: 1907, 5.9O6 Given
material relief-1S99 1,s4s; 1905, 1850;
1907, 1,2s4
Collection of Savings.
One of the important fields of work of
the society is the collection of savings
- O4'A NV pOcA- AL d66tCSdiC hiiodII oi
over $4,000 was collected during the past
fifteen months, In nickels, dimes and
quarters. In 1885. when the work was
commenced, the savings collected amount
ed to only $57. Last year this amount
increased to $12, 13S for the year. These
savings have, 1t is believed lessened the
number of cases where material relief
would otherwise have had to be given.
During the fifteen months covered in
1-iSjtu do JT-
the paid and volunteer agents of the so
ciety. For the purpose of collecting saw
insS, 1872 visits were made by agents
and 52,310 by volunteers. To befriend the
needy. 15,o22 visits were made by agents
and 563 visits made by volunteers. and to
develope charitable resources, Gil visits
were made by agents and 4S by volunteers.
The fact that to hundreds of the alleys
novels and needy families these visits
represent the one and only connection be-
tween the higher life of the community
and the homes which stand in greatest
need of uplift was stated to show what
these visits signify.
The unpaid workers of the society num-
ber 40I, according to the report. They
give an hour or two weekly fortnightly
in some branch of the service, either to
collect savings. pay friendly visits, con-
duct outings or in other ways. In aux
iliary committees there re also 269 vol
unteer workers, who aid in preventing
consumption. improving housing conditions
or aiding in summer outings.
Exhibit of Causes.
The exhibit of causes of distress, for
which relief was given shows some sur
prises. according to Mr. Weller. Drunken
ness. he showed by the table. was found to
be the cause of only Il per cent of the
cases of distress. While comparatively
small in number still il was pointed out
1t was an awful cause. involving great
har6ships to the families. The causes, as
given by the table, are as follows:
Cause. Pet.
Sickness. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. %
Ignorance and weakness. Observation-Disclosures. Is
Desertion. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. 7
lntemperance. Observation-Disclosures. IL
Old ................. .......... 6
Lack of proper employment. Observation-Disclosures. j
Evil surroundings. MISREPRESENTATION. 8
Other causes. Observation-Disclosures. %