Los Angeles herald., 1910-01-22
MRS. H. C. WADDELL

ITO LEND a loving, helping hand to
every child in California, who,
Il through unfortunate circum-
stances, is deprived of educational OPP
portunlties-that is the grand work un-
dertaken by the mutual benefit commit
tee of the Congress of Mothers.
These worthy matrons, graciously de-
voting q large portion of their time to
the noble cause represented by the
general organization, have the oppor-
tunity to observe, as few others can,
the pitiful needs of thousands OF little
ones who, suffering the effects of mis-
fortune are worn with daily toll, nun
ger and trouble until they become sui
len and wayward, the most hapless
creatures in the whole wide world.
From this class grow the adults VINO
menace the peace and happiness Of
their generation.
To deliver the Golden State from such
an unhappy class of coming citizens Is
the cause of the mutual benefit com
mittee, but the work is Of such vast
scope that mothers fathers and cltl-
zens generally must have hand In the
vital cause To prevent the despoila-
tion of the child spirit, to remove the
many menaces which poverty summons
to kill ambition, to educate the mlnd,
develop the being and make honorable,
active men and women from the unfor-
tunate children of the decade, funds
and other contributions in generous
measure must be had in addition to the
unceasing personal labors of the
women.
The Cause an Appeal
Here is a cause which should appeal
TO every adult. emberShtp in this
committeeman the lists are open
means even more than aid in the rescue
of the young. The aims of the commit
tee are even greater. Every child VINO
becomes associated in this cause, for
the purpose of aiding himself or her
self, represents aid to the home where,
perhaps, financial assistance, food and
invalid comforts are sore needs.
The mutual benefit committee is far
from being q charitable organization. 1t
is an organization which includes the
little friends" sought out, themselves,
tt has, among it's members, men, Wom-
en- and minors from every walk of life
Opportunities are presented to those
who have them not, are repaid by the
benefciaries in many cases, and thus
the field is enlarged from WITHIN the
organization as well as from without.
The mutual benefit committee has
been at work as an individual branch
organization during the present yeaf
only. While in the emergency work OF
the congress, Mrs. H. G. Waddell, Whc
has devoted many years OF her life tC
the uplifting Of little ones, saw the
= need for a special committee for the
special benefit of the children who
through unfortunate financial circum'
stances, were unable to secure educa'
tion in any form. The new depart
Inent was created January s, 1909, bu
was not made Independent until one
year later
Is a Call of Duty
Mrs. Waddell, the originator OF thu
idea, was made chairman. In an inter
view Mrs. Waddell yesterday explained
the work in hand and recited conditions
found in this city, which should b'
read carefully in order to appreciate
how important this call of duty.
'"The field certainly is wide and thu
helpers not a few, but the great sys
tenn necessary to rescue the army O.
children from ignorance and unhappi
ness still is to be formed" said thu
chairman 1.-The situation In Los An
geles is q thorough index of condition
throughout the state. We are work
ing here and in a number of othe
nlaces through the congress and it
branches, but we hope to have com
mittee in each school of California
When that is accomplished this Il
going to be better and happier state
"This committee really was appoint
cd To create a fund for the work. Thi
fund is raised by dues of 90 cents
wear from all members of the Mothers
Congress and 60 cents a year from as
sociate members. Very many dona
tions of new materials, clothing ant
food already are coming in from mu
tual benefit members But the worl
is still in its infancy.
"I wish l could tell every man AM
woman of this city and state the sit
nation in many homes. I do not wis
10 he misunderstood. There are man,
organizations engaged in charitabl
work. Our task is different. We hav
70 do first with the children. This nat
urallv leads us into the homes of sue
children. Something is needed Il
every one There are many classes o
homes where poverty and want exist
In our work we find them where brit
and breeding are evident. In sue
nIaces pride has caused the conceal
ment of want and the outside worl
never knows of the privations and SUI
ferings therein. By keeping in touc
with all children no such homes ar
overlooked. Through our organizatlo