Norwich bulletin., 1911-02-07
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Gods Poor.

.HIr. Editor: With your generous per- mission allow me to make a few re- marks upon Gods poor in this city. It is gratifying to learn that the ''consti- tuted charities.' in it's report of the 21st inst, have ability to cope with all the needs" in city and town that are brought to its attention" The report, however. shows a spirit of in- tolerance when it states that we have not the power to prevent outside or ganizations from soliciting the same constituencies, but we are able to take care of all the needs of city and town" Does not this attitude not only embar- rass but greatly hinder other chairi- able organization from doing their best work?
 Furthermore, as to matter of fact, the City Missions, if they would, are not able" to do all the work that needs to be done in this city. I was pleased to hear A word of protest from Captain Douglass of the Salvation Army. pointing out the great, and yet thanklesS work he and his helpers are doing i;I this city. And it is a shame that he does not receive more moral support. from the churches, in his res cuing men and souls that have drifted beyond their reach.
 The method of the Army work in looking up the needy and ministering 10 them in the spirit of compassion and love appeals to me, and to those Ahdt ctAc dAQNut DtHGNCs IlUIt lIldil the commercial and official way of do- ing, which often shows itself in con stituted charities"
 could cite many cases which would verify the foregoing statement. Two winters ago several cases came to my attention of families in need. One I assisted personally. The other I so- Gcited aid, perhaps from the City Mis- sion constituencies"
 Both these families affirmed that they could get no help from the City Mission. I did not inquire the cause hut afterward learned that the father If one family was "shiftless;" and here fs where the constituted charities broke, notwithstanding that the word of God says; "The children shall not suffer for the sins of the parent" for the children in these homes we're suf- fering. l was told a short time ago that widow who appealed to the City Mission for aid was told to move into a cheaper rent She was living at that time in a sunless cellar kitchen at q rent of seven dollars per month. Does the City Mission use this method to acquire It's present ability to care for all the needy in city and town2 A landlord told me last week that one of his tenants owed him over a hun- ured dollars for rent. These people are not vagrants. Circumstances have dealt severely With them. Suppose this case, with scores of others, were sent up to City Missions? :? What would happen? It would be discovered that the independent charity work in this city would be commensurate with if not above that which is being done by the City Mission. I do not wish to be construed as being opposed to City Missions, but I believe that the spirit of self complacency and rivalry may come into City Mission work to that extent that both independent and or Sanized charity will suffer thereby. If there is anything that disturbs the keen sensibilities of. one who would like tn see alwayS>the golden rule" enacted, 1t is the arrogant spirit which assumes the right to rule every thing, rotwithSta aDding the rights and feel ingS of others. But for my life. can not detect the differences between q social or religious combine and g. Wa ter monopoly that is astounded when the minority citizenship protest against drinking lime and mud in solution of poor water, as being pure and hygienic. power that is made ID of one man or a thousand that would destroy individuality or limit ene's ability for good is fraueht with c-il and shoaid be resisted. 1t is no secret that all over this city there are generous hearts whose deeds do not come into the report of the City Mis- sion. but whose deeds shall come in- 10 the Saints Book of Life" Let us encourage these toilers by words. deeds and dollars.
 For 'I shall pass this way but once: any good thing, therefore, I can do or any kindness I can show to any hu- man being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it nor neglect it, for I shall no pass this way again.
 Give us "the square deal.'
 REV. J. R. VERY,