Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-12-03
EXPERTS POINT A
CHARITIES PLAN
Secretary Russell Sage Fund
Recommends Reorganization
of Rock Island Association.
MORE SHOULD TAKE HOLD
Local Workers Complimented for
Accomplishments, But Lack
Adequate Cooperation.

After having canvassed the work OF
the Rock Island Associated Charities,
and having ascertained conditions in
the city, Francis w. Mclean, field sec
rotary of the Charities Organization of
the Russell Sage Fund, in letter to
DR.. ]. w. Stewart, submitted a num-
Der Of suggestions which he recon-
mends to the society to be used In a re-
organization Of the work in this COM
munity. The recommendations submit
ted by Mr. Mclean are in brief as fol-
lows:
First-That the society be reorgan-
lied with board Of 10 directors, 10 or
IL of whom shall be representative
business and professional men.
Second-That a budget in salary be
pledged to the support OF trained Sec
rotary, who shall give his or her en-
tire time to the work of reorganiza-
ton, the treatment of needy families.
and to the social activities which
should be carried on in this city by the
association. In this way the organic
alton would be placed in position of
dignity and power in the city.
Too Many Duties for One.
Third-That the amount of money
received by the society at present is
inadequate. Furthermore, the arrange
ments by which Miss Dina Ramser
served practically as general secretary
of this organization as well as police
matron and probation officer, is an i'm
possible one. Furthermore, Miss Ram
ser herself ought not be compelled to
perform this threefold burden.
Fourth-That the-yolunteer service
now at the command Of this society is
inadequate and part of the time Of the
new secretary should be given to build
ing 1t up.
In order to effect such reorganization
Mr.. Mclean proposes that at an early
date the society create committee of
three to plan for the present needs of
the society and invite group of bus
mess and professional men to be pres
ent at a luncheon or dinner, and that
then the attempt be made to secure
the services of these men on the board
The remainder of the board should be
comprised of the women who are most
active in the work of the organization.
When such consent is obtained a pub
lie meeting should be arranged and
those selected to serve should be in
structed to secure legal Incorporation.
Assistance Promised.
In closing his letter to Dr. Stewart
Mr. Mclean promises all of the assist
Rnce which is required from him in
organizing and he will furnish pamph-
lets and suggestions for the constitu-
ton.
THE citizens of Rock Island" says
Mr.. Mclean, should be awakened to
the fact OF the need of a larger and
stronger Associated Charities than the
present, which in its day was amply
sufficient, but which has been left be
hind by the growth Of the city. l have |
seen smaller cities with a much better |
Associated Charities organization, and |
feel that the people Of this city can |
and will support the work properly If |
their aid is solicited. The people who !
have carried on the work here are very
few, but they have accomplished splen-
did results for so small body. If the
proper number Of citizens become in
tere5ted. the work of the organization /
will be placed upon its proper plane"
Mr.. Mclean returned to Chicago j
this morning.