Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-26

the total amount appropriated for build
was only $i6sO 900. while the amount APP
propriated during the same period for
buildings and grounds for private institu-
tions was al" ,, double sa this amount the
After 1892. the year in which the first
superintendent OF charities was appointed.
up to the present time. the development
amount appropriated for buildings and
grounds for public institutions was nearly
three times that appropriated for similar
purposes for private institutions The ex-
act amounts were as follows: For public
institutions, 81. 900; for private ipstitu-
tions, $500, 600.
Close Public Supervision.
From the administrative point of view
of the executive authority Of the munici-
pality having the interests Of all con-
cerned in it's care, it seems to be evident
in the Light of the experience OF the ma
tional capital, that charitable institutions
in which public charges are cared for
should be in so far as is practicable public
Institutions and at the least under close
public supervision. Lump-sum subsidies
to private institutions in consideration
Of their care of the INDECENT can only be
justified as a makeShift, a temporary ex-
pedient until something better can be
done. There can be no real direction OF
the care given the community's wards. and
no real accountability. before the expendi-
lures on their account are made, under
such an arrangement.
1.-The contract relation with the private
institutions. giving specific payment for
specific service rendered, does secure in
large measure public control of the eX.
penditure OF public funds in the care OF
public charges, while at the same time fur
nishing aid to private institutions which
are however, utilized for the public sarv-
ice rather than maintained for their own
advantage"
Rev Van Schaick's Remarks.
IAN epoch-making discussion" was the
, comment of Rev. John Van Schaick upon
the first meeting of the conference yester-
day. The subject discussed was The
Prophylaxis of Social Diseases Physi-
clans and laymen spoke frankly to mixed
audience of 800 men and women as to the
grave dangers resulting from the social
evil. Within the last Two years a new
movement for social purity has been
spreading through the country. DR.. Prince
4. Morrow. representing the new So
ciety for Social and Moral ProphylaXis.
painted awful picture of the disease.
death and destruction of home life result
ing from immortality. He said this was
largely due to ignorance and that cam
pa iSn of wholesome education is essential.
AS physicians and laymen have united in
worldwide campaign against tuberculosis
Ecalled the great white plague. so they
should now work together to combat the
social evil. known as the great black
plague whose deadliness Is as great or
even greater than that of tuberculosis
Dr. Lillian Welsh followed with a frank
discussion of the part which women ought
10 play in tie campaign for purer marital
relations. DR.. Charles p. Emerson, in a
vigorous address. called upon all physi-
clans to instruct their individual patients
and the general public and to demand high
standards of morality among medical stu
dents and graduates. The city attorney
of Baltimore. in the general discussion fol-
! lowing the papers, Endorsed the movement
for education along these lines. Dr. How
ard Kelly and DR.. Cora Pollock spoke of
| the new crusade with earnest enthusiasm.
! 1t was apparent from the comments heard
among the auditors after the meeting that
| they generally shared the opinion of Rev
| John Van Schack that the meeting showed
! that large development has recently
| taken place in the attitude of the educated
| public toward a frank discussion of social
| diseases. and gave promise of an extensive
| CAMPAIGN for better knowledge and higher
moral standards in these lines.
District People Present.
The Washington party at the conference
/ included George S. Wilson and Miss II. Ida
Curry of the board of charities: Charles r
Weller. Miss Ida A. Green. Mrs Mary G.
| Rusg AID Miss F. S. Crosby of the Asso-
cated Charities; Supt, Louis F. Zinishan OF
| the Washington Asylum; Mrs. II. c. Eebt
. and Rev. John Van Schaick.
The meeting Thursday evening de
voted to. 2 consideration OF ''Schoo! Attend
! ance and Child Labor The Maryland State
| Federation OF Women's Clubs joined witt
J the charity workers in this session of thl
! conference Prof. Bruce r. Payne of The
| University of Virginia spoke on "Educa
! tonal Waste" Prof. W. II. Hand of tbs
| University of South Carolina discussed
| school Attendance ana the .uture Cit
zens. \ general discussion followed.