The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-29

new department of the Associated Charities is the institution of a legal aid committee, the purpose of which Is to act in an advisory capacity in cases with in the societys cognizance where domes- tic relationship requires readjustment; to exert the purely legal functions of the committee where court procedure Is neces- sary before satisfactory results can be attained; to stand in a fiduciary capacity when that particular relation is essential to maintenance of family rights: and to supplement, with all resources at its command, the efforts of the parent or ganization toward family rehabilitation.
 If these desirable results can be reached without recourse to judicial intervention. so much the better; but if this Is not possible, then to assure to the applicant fair and equitable treatment from those who, 1t is claimed are perpetrating in justice will be the chief impetus of this committee, both collectively and severaly.
 The committee consists of Messrs. s. b. Weakley, chairman; Walker Percy, Hugh Morrow, Sydney J. Bowie and John F. Burnham. Others will be added from time 
 mittee make necessary an increase.
 No definite programme has been de- cided upon and the work of the commit tee at present will be only in relation to such cases as may require tile assist ance that is within the province of this department.
 For fear lest the true purpose of this work be misunderstood, 1t is deemed wise to fully acquaint all with the class of cases to which its function will be con- fined.
 In no instance where the party to a suit is able to pay for the services Of an at torney will a case be considered. The general class of cases that we handle be- ing of such character. involving so much detail in the conditions encountered, that they would, beyond all doubt, be unprofit- able for the regular practitioner to un- dertake, the intention is to place within reach of all the privilige of consultation and competent advice; to prosecute in civil or criminal action any breach of home or individual rights; to defend the un- fortunate poor, who by reason of ig- norance or in the desperation of poverty may have become involved in indebted ness so heavy that the prospect of ever lifting the burden is slight indeed; to prosecute, in cases of abandonment of wives and children; and to secure ade- uudle lcSiSidtioi PiOsioAhe e'ieAe SAi~ >e-f-- ings, or a part thereof, of one confined in jain for abandonment be devoted to the wife and children.
 The loan sharks and pawn brokers, who, in the majority of instances. exist through the misfortunes of others, will receive the particular attention of the committee. and the methods of concerns conducting an installment business carefully scrut- inized. A firm or corporation organized to conduct a loan or pledge business will receive the active cooperation and in- dorsement of this committee. where 1t is demonstrated conclusively that a fixed rate of interest is charged on loans. which will be commensurate with the charac- ter of the business and still be within the provisions of the law
 A considerable portion of the energies of the Associated Charities workers is de- voted to problems of greater or less legal aspect. coming within the scope of the duties of committee as heretofore out lined. Desertion. accident, mistreatment drunkenness, improper homes, fictitious appeals, maintenance of improper rela- tions with young girls, drafting of ordi- nances whose object is the improvement of living conditions. all occupy an i'm portant place in the record of years s work of our association.
 These different subjects will all he ham dled with infinitely greater facility through the operation of the committees on legal aid. and we feel assured that the existence of body of men who have at