Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-06-10
SHERMAN C. KINGSLEY
On Practical Welfare Work

OWING alms to beggars only serves to
" thwart the purposes of charitable or
CARNATIONS which seek to rehabilitate in
jured people and give them self respect
ing means of support, according to sherman
G. Kingsley, executive secretary of the Wei
fare Federation of Philadelphia, 1900 Spruce
street.
Il don't mean that all bcggars are not
deserving Of sympathy said Mr.. Kings
ley, ''but the giving to those who exhibit
injured parts of their body. seeking public
sympathy, Is the least satisfactory method
Of dealing with the question. 1t is also the
most expensive for the general publ and
acCOmplisheS nothing other than the en-
couragement of the practice.
"You've heard the story of the man who
was running for the ferry. He got aboard
Just in time and leaned against the railing
hat in his hand. People nearby began drop
ping money in the hat. That was the
foundation of his fortune.
'Beggars are nothing more than para
far easier to go out on the street and make
II living than by self-rcspecting labor.
Place Even for Handicapped
"Jn way, it, society's own fault. The
old attitude was that man once injured by
the loss of his sight or an arm or leg was
no longer able to work. Society's attitude
is changing and charitable organizations are
doing their utmost for this class of people
But they cant help. the man or woman,
as the case may, be. unless tn" individual is
willing to be helped. AS long as there
remains vestige of character and moral
fiber in the injured individual the organiza-
ton can help. | have personally dealt with
many people who have been permanently
injured and as long as they had any char
aCter something could be done for them.
The greates trouble is that possibly
while under the care of an organization the
individual may discover he can make an
easier living by begging on the streets. lie
may get out of touch with the organization
and become parasite on the public who
also supports the organization which was
helping him.
The charitably inclined person should
deal with the association whose purpose is
to help disabled people. Notify them that
was seen. The proper authorities will in
yCstigate and offer training for self support.
If the public would rely on charitable
organizations and not take the matter into
itS own hands the situation all over the
country would be cleaned up. An adequate
and humane method OF handling the question
would accomplish more than is being done
now.
Work Is Co Ordinatcd
but | don't want to confuse you on the
work of the Welfare Federation We deal
with charitable orders Of every description
IN TINS city there are hppToAinatelE oou
such organizations eligible for membership
The movement Is nothing more than the
coordination Of the work of philanthropic
and welfare associations and elimination OF
waste in effort and expenditure.
In time, when we are federated, instead
of each association seeking contributions
for its work, each will bring before our
body a budget for the ensuing year. That
budget will be studied thoroughly. The sun
necessary 10 carry on the work of all mem
borS will be calculated. The amounts which
| they earn, together with the interest on
their endowment funds, will be added to-
gcther The difference between the sum nee
cssary for their work and the income Of
which they are assured will be the amount
which will have to be contributed by the
| public.
Instead of each association carrying OF