Evening star., 1915-01-29
THE HUMAN CULT.
Copyright. 1918. by Dr.. Frank crane.)

OF all the forms of charity. mono seems
more unique and efficient than an Or
eanization that has been formed In
New York city, the aim of which Is that
people may individually help each other
instead of intrusting their gifts to
agents or to a society.
1t is The Human Cult" Anybody
can belong. 1t is inclusive, not exclu-
siye. 1t pays no regard to creed nor
sect, to station in life. to means, nor
to race. 1t includes millionaires and
down-and-outers.J Jews and Christians,
negroes. whites and Japanese. Ths
only qualification for membership Is
that you be a human being.
The shattering phase of this cult Is
that 1t has no collection box. You
cannot give 1t a check, nor otherwise
hand il money. 1t has no dues nor as
sessments.
When you join you express your will
inKness to relieve the necessities OF one
or more families. or to try to get en-
ployment for one or more persons. SO
long as you are able. Wnen needy
case is reported notice Is sent you, ana
you 90 and buy groceries, bring medl-
cal assistance or do any otner task
that may be called for. The society
does not act; its individuals act; IL Is
All service is rendered gratis. There
is no treasury. They have weekly
meetings, and even here distinguished
speakers and musicians give their work
free.
1t is simply an attempt to organize
the people of community to help
themselves.
young business man named Appel
baum is the founder, an enthusiast Tor
humanity, with no AK to grind. He has
means of his own. and is looking neith-
er tor profit nor advertising.
The cult was formed in November.
1914, and limits Itself to a certain city
district. Up to January II, 1915, i'm
mediate relief had been given to BIT
families, 81 men had been put to work.
medical aid had been furnished in
about 10 cases, nurses in cases and
several cripples cared for.
OF the 317 families helped about
24 are now helping others of the cult.
Many doctors, druggists, nurses and
lawyers are in the organization. giving
their services free of charge in specified
cases. even advancing funds to certain
applicants to tide them over until they
receive their pension money.
These people not only help the de
serving" but they also look after the
so-caIled "undeserving' giving them
personal attention, and have succeeded
in winning many back to self-respect.
There may be deal in this, more
than appears upon the surface. Why
We are not a hard hearted people, we
want no one to suffer from want, and
there are plenty of means for all. The
trouble is, we do not know, we are
ignorant and afraid of doing more harm
than good. This can be overcome by
organization.
Why should not every neighborhood.
In city and country, get together and
look after its own unfortunates?
Methodist, Catholic and Hebrew So
cieties for charity are good. But would
not Human society be lot better?
If every district would organize. as
young Appelbaum has organized his,
simply to bring the haves and the
have-nots into helpful contact, and to
dull the cutting edge Of misfortune,
would not this world be a deal
brighter?
Above all. let US get rid of the money
fetish. the idea that by making a flnan-
cial contribution we are discharging
our duty. What the world wants is
you. not yours.