Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1920-10-14

10 tlNc uDilCs
While we know more of the Saliva
ton Army than in pre-war times, we
are still ignorant. in a great degree,
Of the work and purposes of this great
institution. The reason may be due to
the fact that the Salvation Army acts
lit delivers the goods, but says very
little about it. Not until since the
world war have we heard its virtues
and its achievements proclaimed by
the press. and from the platform.
However, the country is fast wax
ing up to more comprehensive view
of the valuable service Of the Saliva
ton Army Local Advisory Boards
are being organized in every county
in each state. The object is to bring
the Salvation Army, with its splendid
means of service, in closer touch with
the people. 1t is for the whole peo-
plea religious institution without
creed, but having faith in God.
On September 10th, convention
composed of delegates from the advis-
DRY boards of Louisiana was held at
shreveport. Organization in Louisi-
ana is not yet complete, yet we had
about thirty parishes represented. Ii
was encouraging to note that the del
egates were Of the leading men of
their parishes4vbusiness men who
mean business when they start move
ment of any kind.
The statistical report to the conven-
ton revealed some Of the marvellous
work Of the Army for the year A. D.
1918. The writer was very deeply i'm
pressed with the illustrated lectures,
and the reports made BY the leading
Officers of the Army, with the fact
that the work of the institution is prac-
teal Christianity, applied with the
greatest efficiency. These people are
'doers of the Word" and how they
have achieved so much with such lin
tied resources is, in reality, a marvel
Gus fact. Economic, inspire, spiritu-
alize, seems to be their slogan or creed
The work of the Army is unique. In
addition to a direct appeal to men, it
seeks to influence them to right liv-
ing through ministering to their phys
ical and social needs. Therefore, in
the United States alone it maintains
and operates the following institutions
where this practical religious princi-
pie is carried into effect:
Hotels for men IS
Hotels for women ---.......---.....-......--..2
Young women's boarding houses %
Industrial homes ..........-.--.......---..8 "a
Stun posts and nurseries --.----.-.-.-.--ll
Children's homes ---..--...-.-..----...-.-. g
Rescue homes and maternity
hospitals -..-.--.---------.....--..-...- 70
If space would permit, | would be
pleased to say something of the splen-
did business methods used by the Ar
my in conducting these various homes.
But what about Louisiana's place
In the big program2 Those of us who
have not lost our patriotism and civic
pride as citizens of Louisiana blush
with shame over the marked indiffer-
ence and positive neglect of the state
toward our destitute and hel pless. 1t
is no reflection to admit that we have
them. Every state in the Union has
them. and will have them as long as
this civilization stands. Act AZ of 49,
80 makes it mandatory duty of the
Police Juries throughout the state to
PROVIDE FOR THE ENTIRE SUP
PORT OF THE UTTERLY DESTI-
.TUTE AND HELPLESS, AND FOR.
THE PARTIAL SUPPORT OF 9TH
|ERS. ACCORDING TO THEIR CIR
CUMSTANCES AND CONDITION. :"
This law goes further and clothes the
Police Juries with power to buy poor
farms, rent farms, or build homes, and
to use their best judgment as to how
they shall care for the destitute; but
the duty Of providing the support is
not optional with them, but,it is their
prescribed mandatory duty under the
law 1t is a matter Of common know
ledge that the Police Juries through
out the state are not complying with
this statute, and the result is that our
utterly destitute and helpless" are
left by the wayside to starve, suffer,
and die. while civilization continues
its mad rush after the dollar and the
passing things of this life. | am not
u