The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-01-23

way to more systematic and thorough methods.
 The totality of current charitable en- deavor now gratifyingly organized and advantageously somewhat secularized lacks as yet complete unity of it's volun- tary and governmental grand divisions But already charity organization has en- abled and instituted profound research for causes, bringing to light the intimate relation that exists between dependency and crime, and-by means of trained charity workers the ministrations are much improved.
 Social ills are not now SO generally attributed to- neglectfui- or punitive Providence, nor are defective and delin- quent individuals so severely blamed as they were, for their own faultiness Re- search has disclosed antecedents and en- vironments quite beyond the individual control which reasonably account for much; and, at the same time,. emphasize the importance of proper regulation of present conditions with view to the fu- ture.
 Thus the charitable activities of today are somewhat scientized This is also evident in the changed tone of the cIari- ty conventions-the sentimentalism of the earlier conventions is, happily, lat terly replaced with the spirit of scientific inquiry.
 Since about 1880, the independent vol untary charity associations have been gradually gathered within state control by means Of the state charity commits sions, so many of which have since been created. Both the voluntary and author itative charity organizations still exist with some consequent. not antagonistic, hut infolicifnt1Q oF
 Apparently there is strong present tendency. towards blending the two into one harmonious governing agency, which shall be completely controlled and the charities mainly supported by the state There is a measure of appropriateness in this proposition for, in truth, there is actual identity of wise philanthropy and the public economy which is a de- partment of political science and so pe- culiarly an executive function of the state.
 Federation of voluntary charity organ nations Is favorable preliminary to such a merger. The movement Is active in a number of cities and in Cleveland, Ohio, and Elnira, N. Y., already 1t is ac- complished and with good results.
 It is claimed and believed that the very best contribution voluntaryism can make to charity, whether it be of money or
 
 through the orderly, intelligent instru- mentality of the organized state gov ernment. Voluntaryism, under guidance of official experts, will be mainly de- voted to relief and remedy of existing ills; but the state government agency will drive directly at the negotiable sources of the evils. The indications are now more clear that as we advance into the twentieth century the predominant >f is- -A -.lff k- a- causes and prevent occasion for charity.
 Philanthropists of tho present time are less confident that the present status of affairs can, by any human agency, be essentially changed. We have learned or are learning that the limit of possible present benefits of charity lies within the passing ministration of help to the needy; strong repression of open evils, exercise of steady influence on con- hicting interests;i that the reasonable pends on wise measures and wise use of them directed, for effect, upon the future generations.
 Marked change and hopeful sign are seen in the greater importance attached and attention given in the modern phil anthropy, to material in distinction from incorporeal conditions and interventions. partlculafly ds roldteS 10 tn0 Cniloren ana youth. But for this 1t must be said the family and church have lost caste as useful centers for accomplishing such a permanent social benefit.
 Early and desirable formative type of family life is rarely now found among that large division of the population which mostly supplies occasion for char ities and correction. Immigration, ur- ban housing conditions and industrial changes have well nigh obliterated that kind of family which Justified the axiom, "rhe Family, the Unit and Bulwark of Society, As to the church. when con- sidered as an institution, there is little hazard in affirming without offering ex- planation, that long since 1t has ceased to be regarded as the important source of scientific charity or as the chief we'll spring of social morality.
 When we look to the schools and oth- CT institutions that embrace most of the young of the generation 1t seems amax- ing. The erstwhile apathy of educators. managers of charities and of the general public is astounding. That they should