The Washington herald., 1915-11-14
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Will Have Headquarters Here
Reorganization Plan for Establishment of National Offices
Capital to Be Formulated at Conference at
Catholic University This Month";

ton to the cause Of charity has made
him known throughout the country
Mr.. Mulroy has for many years been
practically recognized as the head OF
the st. Vincent de Paul Society in the
United States. He is an intimate friend
OF President Wilson and OF former
President Roosevelt. The latter lauded
President Mulroy as one OF the great
est charity and sociological workers in
the country.
1t is said that while Roosevelt was
President a committee OF distinguish
ed New Workers called at the White
House with a petition urging legisla-
ton. which they wished the President
to indorse. for the betterment OF GER
tain labor conditions in New York. Mr..
Roosevelt glanced over the huge petit
ton, bearing the names OF thousands
OF men and women prominent in all
exclaimed: where is Tom Mulry's
name? / don't see IL on this petition.
Get Tom Mulry to sign this and 1 will
gladly give il my approval" 1t was
T. RS recognition of Mulry's judg-
ment in sociological affairs.
Founded by Laymen.
The St. Vincent dc Paul Society was
founded more than half a century ago
in France. by Frederick Ozsnam. a
prominent Catholic layman. II was given
the name OF ST. Vincent de Paul because
he is honored by the church as the
father of the orphan. the friend Of the
poor and the tender nurse of the sick"
Branches of the organization spread
quickly through all parts of Europe. and
in March, 1857. the first American branch
was established in New York City. At
the present time nearly every parish IN
the United States has a branch Of the
st. Vincent de Paul Society to look after
the poor and needy.
According to the rules OF the society,
each branch is required to meet every
Sunday. when appeals for funds or other
aid for the poor are given consideration.
No cry for help is ever ignored by the
Vincentians, and their aid is given re-
gardless OF creed or racial distinctions.
The principal work of the organization,
according to its rules, Is to conserve
the homes of the poor by such efforts
In the field OF charity as may reach all
Of the problems affecting the homes Of
the poor"
In Washington there are eighteen con-
ferences OF the society. and men promi-
nent In the professional, commercial and
social life OF the District are associated
with IL. At this time OF the year. and
until spring, the energies OF the workers
are taxed TO the utmost. Appeals from
the sick and needy for food medicine
and fuel drain the funds OF the society
At the same time the men are striving
to make Christmas something like a
merry" Christmas for the children of
the poor. and every effort Is exerted
70 avert the greatest tragedy In a child's
life-the finding OF the little stocking on
Christmas morning forgotten by Santa
Claus.
The history of the 81 vinnant IL p.,I
society Is made up entirely Of the short
and simple annals Of the poor" Statis-
tics have been prepared and will be pre-
sented at the coming sessions, setting
torth an exhibit of the present condition
d the society in this country and the
amount Of work It is doing among the
Door dependents under Its care.