Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-11-16
A PRACTICAL SOCIAL SERVICE
PROGRAM
Edward T. Devine

Edward T. Devine spoke upon the
subject "A Practical Social Service
Program, With Recommendations for
Maine" He is well known as Amer
icas greatest authority on all prob
lens relating to charity and relief
He is the director of the New York
School of Philanthropy, editor OF the
Survey Magazine and head of United
Charities in New York City.
His opening remarks were concern
ing the European war and pointed Out
those most vital enemies which We
here in war-free America have the
opportunity of entrenching ourselves
against. Alcoholism, prostitution, ply
steal and mental weaknesses, civic in
difference and others were named
The speaker stated his belief in the
doctrine of social responsibility" In
dividual responsibility and election
Mr.. Devine said that his particular
recommendations for Maine, for a So
cial program, would likewise apply &c
every other state. He outlined a pro-
gram for the attainment Of the so
cial Life" by six planks, beginning
with the prenatal period of life to
that of old age, with special reference
to the protection in childhood and edu-
cation prolongation of the so-calleo
working period of mans life and the
postponement of old age.
Charles r. Towson
Following that of Mr.. Devine came
the address of Charles r. Towsan. Mr.
Towsen, international secretary of Y
NJ c. A, New York, is considered the
g., h. to,
dustrial welfare work Under his di1
rectien such well-known concerns as
the Westinghouse Air Brake, L. s
Steel Corporation Vermont Marble Co
and scores of leading industrial con
Germs are promoting welfare work
for their employees.
Mr.. Towns5n stated that man is beeom-
ing urban. At the center Of urban com
fnunities is industry. The underlying
principals include the fact that some "in-
! dustrial unrest" is desirable Have do
minion over the earth. subdue it, that's
what man was made for proc aimed the
speaker. The man that God made was
not to work for wages only. man was
made to have dominion and will not be
content with wages alone, Man was made
TO be a proprietor in the things that
affect his life Consequently. relate the
proprietary instinct of man N industry
bring about mutually of interest and re-
sponsibility. Industry is suffering from,
ineffciency. IF Maine gets the best in
industry it will be on account of physi-
cal, intellectual. (pass the word moral
and say spiritual, not religious. efficien-
cy. Spiritual power is Americas great ;
est asset in the last analysis. The prob
lem is to combine our forces: Home,
church. school and State. to develop the
best physical, mental and moral quail
ties. Combine our forces and attack.
employer, through the foreman and
through the employee. Innoculate the
employer with this germ. The foreman
occupies a strategic point in industry
His relation to the boy under him Is
prophetic.
And, lastly enlist the workers them
selves. Get them together and offer mu-
tual program.
The speaker mentioned the Y. M. c..
AS in industry and called upon R. B.
Nelles, who spoke of two striking Illus
trations in Maine, at Greenville and at
Lakeview.
The remainder of the morning until IL
o'clock was devoted to a discussion Of
the commissions report.
At noon the delegates and leaders gath
cred on the front steps of the Y. NJ. C.
A. for the taking of the convention pic.
ture.