Evening star., 1914-01-28
Washington's Urgent Duty.

Tonight mass meeting Is to be held in
This city for the purpose of organizing
local branch Of the Social Welfare
League which has been formed for the
redemption of the women who have fallen
into the grip of the social evil. There is
a real and grave emergency here in
Washington at this time. A bill has Just
been enacted by Congress virtually put
ling an end to the maintenance of houses
of prostitution IN this city. Ii will be-
come effective Immediately upon sigma
ture by the President The inmates of
these houses are in a state of panic, for
they do not know where to turn. They
will go into respectable quarters. perhaps.
and continue their vicious lives there, or
they will. if provided with means. go TO
other cities, perhaps a few to their for
nler homes. Some will seek employment,
but their chances of success are slight,
suffering as they do under the handicap
of evil regulations and lack of expert
encc. Some will perhaps take their
own lives. In other cities where the seq
regated districts have been eliminated
suicides have followed drastic action, in
such numbers as to constitute d social
horror
The Social Welfare League has accom-
plished remarkable results in the rescue
of these women who have turned volun-
tarlly or have been forcibly turned from
their shameful lives At least 800 have
been placed In respectable employments
or have found secure homes. In cities
where the league has preceded the eyic-
tion of the women a sufficient time the
work has been more effectively accom-
plshed than where the organization has
pvvt.
tions must be met as they exist 1t is
Washinston's duty now-the duty of the
men of Washington especially-to see
that opportunity and means are afforded
to these poor women to redeem their own
lives, to start straight, at least. whether
they continue henceforth unvaryingly to
walk straight not.
Money is needed for this work. 1t is
proposed to raise a foundation fund of
$4,000, TO enable the Washington branch
of the Social Welfare League to work
effectively, to offer TO each woman who
is drawn from the vice-ridden quarters
honest employment at a living wage
Charity is not desired. These women re-
sent being treated as wards and depend
ents. They must be given a fair chance
TO support themselves by labor. They
will have to alter their mode of life radi-
callv, to dress more modestly. TO be cir
cumspect In their companionship. They
will slip back, in many cases. But some
will stick to the upward plane. and for
every one SO brought back to decency
there should be great rejoicing. even as
He whose precepts the Christian world
follows today rejoiced in parable over
finding the lost sheep that had strayed.
To make the local branch of the Social
Welfare League strong one, to provide
literally the funds needed to finance Its
endeavors, to give the earliest and fullest
assurance TO the several hundred women
affected by the late legislation that they
will find door open not merely to sue
cor and present sustenance. but to per-
,nanent responsibility and self-support,
this is Washington's duty today. This IS
its part in the work that has been started
by the legislation just accomplished VIII
il meet its responsibility?