Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-08-21
PATR|OT|CFUND
AvERTS DISTRESS
Total of Over SAL, 100000
Subscribed for Benefit of
Soldiers Families.
BREADWINNERS IN WAR
RELIEVED OF ANXIETY
Plan Adopted in Canada to Provide
for Dependents Deprived of
Natural Protectors.


been collected and is being admins
tered for the support Of soldiers fami-
lies. while the breadwinners are fight
ing for their king in the great Eu-
ropean war. is described by C. Sey-
mour Bullock. writing exclusively for
the Survey Associates' press service.
The Survey Associates form an or
ganization whose purpose is to in
vestigate the facts of living and work
ing conditions and to suggest means
for social advance. They have ar
ranged with a number Of leading stu
dents and active workers in fields Of
humanitarian and social welfare work
for series of articles which are print
ed in all the large newspapers Of the
country.
The article written by Mr.. Bullock
on Canadian soldiers family relief
plan is as follows:
The strange shadows which a year
ago were so suddenly outlined along
the horizon had scarcely shaped them
selves into the grim, gaunt figures of
the worlds most awful war when the
roll of drums and the blare of trumpets
announced an army of volunteers
ready for service across the seas. But
not more swift was the mobilization
of troops than was the formulation of
plans to provide against distress or
want on the part of the wives and
children or other dependents of the
men who were responding to the call
Of the king.
From the very first it was seen that
the world had wakened to the fact
that war Is a full-grown mans game.
There is nothing of glamour in the dull
khaki-sans bright braid and gold
buttons-that appeals to the beardless
boy.
Fathers at the Front.
Only men could realize that two
antagonistic principles had at last
come to the grips, and no one was sur
prised when the figures showed that
upward of 40 per cent of the enlist
ment were of married men. fathers of
children or men having others depend
emit upon them for support. Some of
the larger corporations and some in
dividual employers of labor. following
nounced that the names of men who
went to the front would be carried on
the pay roll at full rates, while others
arranged to carry at half pay such
men as were married or were the chief
support of parents or other relatives.
Relief funds were inaugurated in Diff
ferent cities throughout the Dominion
and needed assistance was ably and
promptly given.
But 1t was soon seen that something
more inclusive than anything that
could be done locally would have to be
devised II there were not to be serious
overlapping in some quarters and great
distress in others. Ever alert to the
general called for conference Of rep
resentative Llen from the different
provinces and asked their cooperation
in the development of a plan to meet
hA IN, had fA
great cause at stake. Out of this con-
ference came the Canadian patriotic
fund, which was at once incorporated
by a special act of parliament, and now
throughout Canada. and the co-opera-
ton of the Canadian Society of New
York and the British imperial relief
fund of New England.
Family Relief Plan.
by this cooperation funds are avail
able for families of soldiers of any
nationality residing in Canada. Its
aid reaches the Russian reservist from
the northwest or the Serbian reservist
from the Provinces; 1t will endeavor to
keep from want families Of Canadian
men who for any reason go into any
of the allied armies instead of into
one Of the Canadian contingents
There is nothing intricate in the
working out of the plan. The central
committee is the custodian Of all funds
societies send to the central committee
an estimate of money that will be
needed to meet the demands of that
particular branch for the ensuing thirty
days Upon this requisition the sum
asked is paid to the local treasurer
through whom the local relief COM
mittee works its disbursements. This
monthly estimate is made upon a
standardized form. each item of which
is carefully scutinized by an expert ac-
countant under the direction of the
auditor general Of Canada. Not only
are the different sums of money to be
paid carefully studied. to see that the
local committees have been neither
niggardly nor overgenerous. but the
name of each individual soldier is
checked by the latest report of the de-
partment of militia to make sure that
he Is in active service.
The Canadian government makes a
separation allowance effective from
the day Of enlistment. for married
men and for unmarried men who have
others dependent upon them. This al
month. according to the rank of the
man. from private to lieutenant colonel
This separation allowance, together
with any regular income there may be
when determining what sup
Elemental amount shall be drawn from
the patriotic fund.
Cost Of Living Considered.
The prevailing cost of living in the
different sections of the Dominion also
enters into the question as to the
amount that shall be appropriated from
the general fund of the society For
Instance, in this part Of Canada (On-
tario) it has been found that for the |
average Canadian family woman
and three children, aged respectively |
twelve, eight and four years-$1.5o a |
day, $45 month, IL the minimum re- |
luirement for anything like dscency in |
living. For sections to the north and |
In the far west this would be made /
1uate and larger grants are given to
each family.
at is also provided that should
soldiers family be found in acute need.
through illness. for example, special |
emergency relief shall be granted even |
before the official investigation is COM
pleted. emitting the family to draw
upon the patriotic fund. Ladies' aux
liary committees take special super
Vision of such cases. At the same time,
realizing that visiting and catechising |
nay easily be overdone. the sensible
warming Is included in the report that |
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