Palisadian. [volume] (Cliffside Park, N.J.) 1906-current, 1917-09-15
DR.. Frank Crane On
The Humanitarian Cult

of all the forms of charity called
forth by these hard times none seems
more efficient than an organization
that has been formed in New oYrk
City, the aim of which is that people
may Individually help each other, in
stead of instrusting their gifts to
agents or to a society. 1t is "The
humanitarian Cult" Anybody can
belong. 1t is inclusive, not exclusive.
1t pays no regard to creed nor sect,
to station in life, to means, nor to
race. 1t includes. millionaires and
ians, negroes, whites, and Japanese.
ship is that you be human being.
The shattering phase of this cult is
that it has no collection box. You
cannot give check, nor otherwise
hand it money. 1t has no dues nor
assessments. When you join, you
express a willingness to relieve the
necessities of one or more families,
SO long as you are able. When needy
case is reported notice is sent to you,
and you go and buy groceries, bring
medical assistance, or do. any other
task that may be called for. The
society does not act, it's individuals
act; it is a man-to-man programme.
All service is rendered gratis. There
is no treasury. They have weekly
meetings, and even here distinguish
ed speakers and musicians give their
work free. 1t is simply an attempt
to organize the people of commu
nifty to help themselves.
A young business man named Appel
baum is the founder, an enthusiast
for humanity, with no .aXe to grind.
He has means of his own, and is look
ing for neither profit nor advertising.
The cult was formed in November,
1914, and limits itself to a certain
city district Up to January II, 1915,
immediate relief had been given to
BIT families, 81 men had been put to
work, medical aid had been furnished
in about Is cases, nurses In cases,
and several cripples cared for. Ut
the 317 families helped about "a 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 deserving but they
also look after the so-called "unde-
serving" giving them personal atten-
ton, and have succeeded in winning
many back to self respect. There
may be deal in this, more than APP
pears upon the surface. Why is it
not pointer toward the way out?
We are not 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 neightborhood in
city and country get together and look
after it's own unfortunates Metho-
dist, Catholic, and Hebrew have So
cieties for charity and good. But
would not Human Society be
a lot better? If every district
would organize, as young Appel
baum has organized his, simply
to bring the HAYES and the have
nots into helpful contact, and to
dull the cutting-edge of misfor-
tune, would not this world be deal
brighter? Above all, let US get rid
of the money fetch, the idea that by
making financial contribution we
are discharging our duty. What the
world wants is YOU, NOT YOURS.
Appelbaum might perhaps have CIV
en- hundred thousand dollars to
charity. He did better. He gave
himself