Evening star., 1935-02-15
Three-Day Discussions to
Be Based on Special
Committee Report.
TWO DIFFERENT VIEWS
ARE HELD BY FACTIONS
Prominent Delegates Are in At
tendance Here-45 States and
Chapters Represented.

Basing their discussions upon the
report of special committee of the
association and upon abstracts of
several social security measures now
pending before Congress, the Ameri-
can Association of Social Workers
this morning opened three-day con-
ference at the Hotel Mayfiower. All
sessions are being held behind closed
doors.
As an objective Of the conference.
1t was pointed out by Dorothy c.
Kahn. president, in opening the ses-
sion, the group will attempt ito dis
cuSS the present emergency situation
and to lay plans and build for the
future"
Two Views Held.
In the committee report. Harry L.
Lurrie, director Of the Bureau Of
Jewish Social Research. said that
two views were held by different fac
tions of the, committee. The first
he said. lean toward the broadest
program which might be enacted by
the present administration and Con-
greSS considering the complexion of
their political and economic views.
This might consist of a number Of
measures to be added to existing
public relief and welfare arrange
ments. heading up in a national de-
partment of public welfare. continued
! Federal aid. and State systems of re-
lief either on categorical or nom
categorical basis"
The Sar0nd Orol1r ~
ported, favored an even broader pro-
gram Ito carry out a broad national
policy designed to prevent lowering
standards of living which would con-
stitute real departure from present
welfare organization and methods.
The essential factor in this approach
is the principle and considerations of
political or economic expediency are
to be relegated to secondary place in
determining programs for social
welfare"
The report continues to explain that
advocates of the minimum program
believe that the alternative is not
complete insecurity, but as much Sc
curity as the Nation can supply at
the present time. They state that by
asking for essentials we safeguard es-
sentials, whereas by setting forth an
unacceptable program we may run
the risk of complete inaction"
Officials in Conference.
Among those taking an active part
in the discussions OF the morning were
Linton B. Swift, director of the Family
Welfare Association of America: Stan
ley P. Davies, director of the Charity
Organization Society of New York
City: Miss Grace Abbott, former di-
rector of the United States Childrens
Bureau; DR.. Evan Clague of Phila-
delphia, Miss Bertha Kraus of Car
negie Institute and Mr.. Lurrie. Mr..
Swift led the morning discussion, while
the afternoon session was under guild
ance Of Kenneth L. M. Pray of Phila-
delphia.
The delegates present represented
As States and chapters of the asso-
citation. The District Of Columbia
was represented by Walter S. Ufford
| and Elwood Street as delegates, Mar
garetta Williamson and DR.. John
O'Grady as alternateS and Margaret
Ford, Margaret WadSworth, Mrs. Dor
othy Dunn, John Melpolder, DR.. En-
ma Winslow, Eleanor Closson. Doro-
thea De SchweinitZ, M. Alice Hill, DR..
Martha Eliot and Agnes Hanna as
observers.
Federal. State and local co-opera-
tion in Nationwide relief program
will be discussed tomorrow morning
by professional personnel, and en-
ployment practices viii be the subjects
in the afternoon. A business session
is scheduled in the evening.
John Ihlder. District housing Off
cial Is among those scheduled to par
ticipate in discussions on Sunday
morning, and the conference will close
that afternoon with presentation of
its report.