The Washington times., 1909-04-11
A. LiSner Writes Strong Let
ter of Commentator
To The Times.
HAS INVESTIGATED
METHODS IN USE
Points Out Some of Association s
Most Important
LaborS.

To the Editor of The Times
The charity that uplifts rather than
degrades is, to my mind, best exem-
plified in the three associations to
which considerable attention has been
directed of late. That such organiza-
tons should be allowed to fail for
want of necessary funds will seem as
tonishing to many, who rightly con-
clude that Washington IS not lacking IN
sufficient numbers with hearts in the
right place and pocketbocks ready TO
be opened. Then, why the slow reply
to the cry for financial aid? To the
business man ME Associated Charities
is the most important factor burdened
with the responsibility of disbursing
the funds.
With a business view OF the situa-
ton. willing and ready 20 help with
few dollars If adequate returns are as
sured. but not willing to supply cent
4 funds are liable to be wasted. I have
somewhat thoroughly investigated the
Associated Charities. and find that as
sociation composed Of men and women
loyal. earnest. and able, doing the most
and best possible with the funds at
their disposal That equal ability and
integrity used in almost any other field
of endeavor would bring any one Of
them a better reward in dollars and
cents is my experience as a business
man. 1 have elaborated upon this point
because, even among the Charitably in
clined, / find at times complaint of the
expense incidental TO the dispensing Of
the funds. GratuitOus service Of the
charitably disposed would be, to my
mind. expensive in comparison because
il is liable to be spasmodic, and If con-
tinuous may prove lacking. With serv-
ices paid for the necessary ability must
be constantly demonstrated. results
must be always evident Results show
that the Associated Charities is most
economically doing it's work
Let me point to some Of the workings:
1. Thorough diagnosis or investigation
Of every case of need by trained social
workers to ascertain cause of distress
and remedies therefor.
2. Painstalcing treatment based on
such diagnosis with view to reach cause
3. Use of adequate relief TO accom-
phsh cure and prevent distress
Z. Organization Of ali possible chart
table resources that are in natural re-
lation to the Individual family, such as
churches. employers. relatives, and
charitably disposed individuals
5. A friendly visitor or good neigh
Dor for each family under care, to give
counsel. encouragement. and personal
interest in the rehabilitation of needy
families.
g Teaching Of thrift by stamp saving
system, and house to house visitation.
(S12,O collected last year,.
7. Cooperation between all the phil
anthrOpic agencies of the city that
waste and duplication OF effort may be
q Inouirv of apDIicants for medical
charity as to their ability 10 pay the
dispensary charges.
8. Encouragement of indiscriminate
aims giving, street begging, and vag-
rancy.
10. The enforcement of existing law
as 10 school attendance, child labor.
support of families by Sinking hus-
bands.
The Citizens Relief Association sup
plies the funds for me purchase OF fuei,
food. milk. and eggs. amt other necessi-
ties. This association Is lulde effective
through the Associated Charities, whose
agents undertake the distribution eco
nomically and e&actually.
The AssOciE lion for the Prevention
Of Tuberculosis IS doing splendid edu-
CatiOial work, supporting a free dis
pensary, supplying visiting nurses. and
organizing special home treatment.
Thus, Washington has a trinity OF
associations that are one in purpose,
nObly struggling for the betterment of
social conditions, working with heart
and hand and thoroughly worthy of our
financial support
Hoping and trusting my letter win
help TO open the eyes, touch the hearts.
anc reach the purses Of sufficient num-
bers to make good the deficit Of $1,000
now existing. / am,
Yours truly,
yK-aebirc+oy AnrU N