REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES HELD UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE CATHOLIC SUMMER SCHOOL OF AMERICA AUGUST 8th, 9th, and 10th, 1898 frr ~ *^y nr U Thro COMMITTEE IN CHARGE MR. THOMAS M. MULRY, President Particular Council St. Vincent De Paul Society, New York, N. Y., Chairman. REV. T. F. HICKEY, Rector Rochester Cathedral, Rochester, N. Y. REV. T. L. KINKEAD, Supervisor of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of N. Y., Peekskill, N. Y. MR. GEORGE B. ROBINSON, Trustee of New York Catholic Protectory, New York, N. Y. MISS ELIZABETH A. CRONYN, Buffalo, N. Y. REV. THOMAS McMILLAN, C. S. P., New York, N. Y. REV. D. J. McMAHON, D.D., New York, N. Y. •GEORGE J. GILLESPIE, Esq., Vice-President Particular Council St. Vincent De Paul Society, New York, N. Y., Secretary. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from University of Illinois U.rbana-Champaign Alternates https://archive.org/details/reportofconferen00conf_4 A7)W 3G | d7Glv INTRODUCTORY. S his report has been prepared pursuant to the wishes of the delegates and visitors who attended the Conference on Cath¬ olic Charities, held at Cliff Haven, on Aug. 8th, 9th, and 10th, 1898, under the auspices of the Catholic Summer School of America. The success of the Conference, the large number of institutions represented, and the splendid attendance of the delegates and in¬ terested spectators, bespoke a live interest in the work, and evidenced in no small way a desire on the part of many to co¬ operate in placing the workings of our charitable institutions and our charitable societies more clearly before the public. The purpose of the Conference was stated in a letter sent out by the Secretary to every Catholic charitable institution and Society in the State of New York, in which, among other things, it was said: “ It is hoped that this Conference will be the means of bringing home to the minds of our Catholic people the vast work there is to be done in the field of charity, and stimulate in some a desire to take an active interest in the work. It is also hoped that by bringing together in conference the representatives of the different Catholic institutions and societies of a charitable charac¬ ter, great good can be accomplished ; for the experiences of each, the methods of each, the lines along which each works, will be matters of the greatest interest and importance to all. Every Catholic institution, organization, and society in this State is a powerful organ for good; but it is safe to say that if the general public was aware of the exact province of each, and of the nature and character of the work of each, much greater good could be INTRODUCTORY. accomplished through the co-operation and assistance which would be sure to come. It needs but the knowledge to bring out the workers. “ Every Catholic should be familiar with the work of the Catholic Church in its charities; non-Catholics make special efforts to bring their acts of charity and their eleemosynary institutions to the attention of the public, and find it profitable inasmuch as it brings more workers into the field and stimulates all to greater efforts.” And the hope is now entertained that a perusal and study of this report will help to bring about the same results. Thanks are due to the Catholic ladies and gentlemen who, out of pure love for the work they were engaged in, prepared the splendid papers read at this Conference, and which follow in full. Also, and in a special manner, to the State Board of Charities for its encouragement, and to Robert W. Hebberd, Esq., its Secretary, for the erudite and interesting paper on “ Charity in its Relation to Civil Government,” prepared on very short notice after the sad and sudden death of the Hon. Edmund O’Connor of Binghamton, who was to have prepared the paper on that subject. George J. Gillespie, Secretary. New York, November 28th, 1898. Opening Address. BY MR. THOMAS M. MULRY, Chairman. It gives us very great pleasure to find such an attendance at this Conference of Charities, the more so as the presence of so many who are interested in the various phases of charitable work at such a sacrifice to themselves proves beyond question that they feel confident that much practical benefit to the cause of charity must result from a gathering of this kind. When the first Conference at the Summer School was decided upon last year, there was some doubt as to its success; but the deep interest shown at that time, the hearty welcome extended to those taking part and the large attendance at the sessions, proved beyond question that the Summer School could be made a most important factor in quickening interest in Catholic charities, and would open the eyes of Catholic laymen to the great opportunities placed in their way of increasing the efficiency and extending the usefulness of the many institutions and societies founded and maintained under Catholic auspices. The programme presented for your consideration during this session is a very practical one. The subjects are full of fasci¬ nation for those actively interested in charitable work ; they are questions of timely import, are treated by men and women who speak from experience and who have not grudged the necessary tirhe and thought, but in their earnestness and zeal are proud to make the great sacrifice, with the hope that it will bear fruit by attracting others into the ranks of charity workers, that immense field so sadly neglected by the great body of the Catholic laity. 1 2 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. In times like the present, when organizations are forming every¬ day and legislation is invoked continually to ameliorate this or that form of misery, to initiate some new method of treatment, or to attack some system already in vogue, it is most important that Catholics should know how to think and act, and to give their un¬ divided intelligent support to those movements which will result most advantageously to the benefit of our country and the per¬ manent good of those whom we would assist. We should be abreast of the times. We should make our in¬ fluence felt when there is danger of harm from the efforts of over- zealous people, and when our knowledge and experience will serve to point out the evils likely to follow in the wake of too hasty legislation or too one-sided views. On the other hand, we should be ever ready to support every good measure, even though initiated by those whom we do not always feel justified in calling friends. But to judge properly we require knowledge ; knowledge of what are the greatest needs, and at what particular point, in the various questions coming up for consideration, our support or opposition should be directed. The very first essential to success is unity, and the question which naturally comes to our minds is—are we united ? Do we work in harmony? While the answer is undoubtedly in the affir¬ mative in the sense that we are all working for the same object— the betterment of the condition of the poor,—the fact is evident that we have so many different ways of attaining this object, that all ways can not be equally good. You will easily perceive what a great boon a union of Catholic charities would be. The best could be gleaned from each, and a sort of composite system adopted which would be of inestimable advantage to all. This unity is no longer a question of choice with us ; it is a mat¬ ter of necessity. Movements are being inaugurated in which we are vitally interested, and yet in which we take no active practical part,—movements which affect the permanency of some of our REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. most prized and cherished institutions. They are inaugurated by tireless, indefatigable people, whose one idea is to change the ex¬ isting order of things, and so strong are their prejudices in many instances, that they are blind to the fact that the cure would be worse than the disease. These malcontents are ever on the alert to influence public opinion, and unless their false views are combated, they are apt to carry public opinion with them. Are we to stand by, supinely and inactively, neglecting our duty, doing absolutely nothing while this agitation is going on ? Are we to permit our poor to be degraded, our children to be taken from us with not even a protest on our part ? We go along in the even tenor of our ways, leaving to the priest and the religious the greatest part of this work, forgetting that our line of action is clearly designated. The priest, the brother, the sister, has his or her line of labor mapped out, and the doing of their work well leaves no spare time. The Catholic laity has a mission to perform, and a most impor¬ tant mission—the influencing of public opinion. In our intercourse with people of various ideas and convictions, we should be so familiar with all burning questions that we would be in a position to state clearly our opinions on all points dis¬ cussed, and give facts and figures to prove the superiority of our methods over those against which we use our influence. Is it not true that Catholics lack that interest taken by our non- Catholic neighbors in everything affecting the charities of the State ? I am not speaking of the efficiency of our institutions. We are, or should be, well acquainted with the excellent records they all have. I would call attention to the totally unprepared state in which we are always found when some of our institutions are attacked. The recent Constitutional Convention is but one of the many examples. When it was suddenly discovered that a party of bigots 4 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. were endeavoring to use the Convention to vent their spleen against the Church, consternation seized every Catholic. We found we had kept so completely within our shells that the great majority of the members of that Convention believed the most outrageous charges, and were it not for the herculean efforts of some of our non-Catholic friends, who were full of the American spirit of fair play, and the work of some of our earnest Catholic men in giving the public the true idea of the institutions at¬ tacked, we would have been badly defeated. As it was, we were forced to make compromises which would never have been neces¬ sary, had our work been better known and the Catholic laity more aggressive when attacked, and more actively identified with the public treatment of the theories put forward. Year after year legislation has been introduced at Albany affect¬ ing every form of charity; and yet, while all other charities were rep¬ resented, ours were seldom found taking any part in such hear¬ ings. Who is to blame if Catholic charities have been misunderstood, if their works remained unknown, if they frequently suffered from this ignorance of their true purposes? It was scarcely natural to expect others to battle for us when we were so supremely indifferent to our own interests. During the last session of the Legislature at Albany, Catholics for the first time presented a united front, and made their influence felt in the State. Last winter, for the first time in the history of legislation, all the charities of the State were found opposing a most dangerous bill, which they succeeded in killing. We were never alone in our ideas. We were frequently surprised to find ourselves fighting side by side with men whom we had always looked upon as adversaries. A bill was passed restricting the placing out of children, a bill which for the first time put a check to the placing of Catholic children in non-Catholic homes. This is the greatest check to proselytizing that it has ever received in this State. REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 5 Strange to say, it was a difficult matter to keep some of our institutions from opposing the bill, so hard was it to make them believe the bill would be of great benefit to them. I am sure that this good work of last winter would never have been accomplished were it not for the Conference held in this place last summer. It was through the intercourse and ideas broached at that time, and the acquaintances made between the representatives from different parts of the State, that the organization was perfected and a common agreement reached. If we need an illustration of the power of organization, of its advantages, we have it in the National Conference of Charities, which is made up of representatives from the charitable and correctional institutions of the United States. The Twenty-fifth Annual Meeting of this body was held in the month of May of the present year. His Grace, the Most Rever¬ end Archbishop of New York, sat side by side with Bishop Potter at the opening of the Convention, spoke from the same platform, and clearly enunciated the Catholic idea of charity, and spoke in such a kindly, dignified manner as to win the sincere and hearty applause of all present. Some of the theories broached and the ideas suggested at this Convention were startling enough to frighten the thoughtful Christian; but the addresses in general were full of wisdom, and appealed most forcibly to the earnest workers in the field of phil¬ anthropy. Through the whole Convention there was the greatest tolera¬ tion of each other’s opinions, and it was certainly a very gratify¬ ing sight to observe speakers, with a hereditary dislike for every¬ thing Catholic, cheerfully giving the Church the credit due in the field of charitable and correctional work. Catholics took a fairly active part in this Conference, and the work they did was so well appreciated that they will have a very cordial welcome at the next Conference, to be held in Cincinnati. It is to be hoped that the Catholic institutions of this State and of 6 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. the whole United States will identify themselves more closely with the National Conference in future. If they do, their services will be highly valued, and the advan¬ tage to ourselves will be very great, for at those conferences, all the proposed laws affecting charities are discussed and dissected before being submitted to the different legislatures. We will thus be in a position to judge them and have them modified or amended be¬ fore they reach the legislators. At the same Conference we were very much impressed with the familiarity shown by each speaker with the details and the work¬ ings of the institutions under discussion. They had figures to prove everything. This opened our eyes to another of our needs. We heard statements made that we could not contradict, simply because we had no statistics or information to authoritatively deny what we knew was false. If this Conference would result in some method by which we could get at the work done in our various in¬ stitutions, it would be one of the very best results we could hope for. While it is undoubtedly right and proper to keep our work, or certain phases of it, from the glare of publicity, we are justified in giving such information to the public as will ensure a proper un¬ derstanding of our labors. Whether our institutions are receiving public or private support, they should give a clear, honest account of their stewardship. The records of every institution should be clear enough to prove the efficiency of the work, and to give an intelligent idea of re¬ sults, so that when Catholics are confronted with the old hack¬ neyed charges against institutions, they will be able to at once put their hands on the proof of the falsity of such charges, and not have to wait until the lie has travelled beyond reach before at¬ tempting to overtake it. None will deny that there is room for improvement in our institu^ tions; but do not wait to have their defects brought to our atten¬ tion by others. We should take the initiative by candidly acknowl¬ edging our shortcomings, so that by cordial, active, earnest co- REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 7 operation with each other, we may place our institutions on a plane where they will be beyond the reach of the criticism of the most exacting student of charitable work. If this Conference will aid in the accomplishment of this grand object, then indeed will we feel that our labors have been amply repaid, and that we have given proof by our acts that we are Cath¬ olics not only in name, but in devotion, also, to every Catholic in¬ terest. FIRST PAPER. PERMANENT ORGANIZATION.—ITS NEED AND BENEFIT IN CATHOLIC CHARITIES. By Hon. John T. McDonough, Of Albany, N. V “ Blessed is he that understandeth concerning the needy and the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the evil days.” We are assembled in conference to-day for the laudable pur¬ pose of considering, discussing, and deliberating upon questions relating to charity—plain, practical, simple Christian charity. We are not here, I assume, as mere philanthropists, having vague notions and desires for the betterment of humanity, much as we love the human race. As a matter of course, we are bound to love our neighbors, and we must, therefore, look with favor upon that philanthropy which' has for its object universal good-will. We must all admire and encourage that charity, like unto phil¬ anthropy, which St. Paul so luminously and admirably defined as charity which “ is patient, is kind, envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, is not provoked to anger, thinketh not evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, beareth all things, hopeth all things and endureth all things,” but, at present, we may find it more profitable to consider the charity which is said to begin at home, that Christian charity 8 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. & which concerns itself with the needy and the poor, which makes it our duty “ to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, harbor the harborless, visit the sick, and bury the dead.” It is practical work of this nature, and not mere philanthropy, that brings that promised blessing—the blessing that causes de¬ livery in the evil day. From the dawn of Christianity down to the reign of that so-called reformer, Henry VIII. of England, it was the peculiar function and one of the principal duties of religious bodies and institutions, to perform these works of mercy and charity, being enabled to do so, to a great extent, by the contributions of the faithful. This duty was so well and faithfully accomplished that there was not in England a public poor-house, nor poor laws, until the middle of the 16th century, when a princely polygamist laid vio¬ lent hands upon the monasteries. By the statute of monasteries, more than six hundred religious houses fell at a single blow. So great was the confiscated prop¬ erty of these charitable institutions, that the king promised never again to call upon his people for subsidies. But this resort to confiscation and spoliation was not enough to satisfy his majesty. In order to utterly destroy pauperism in the kingdom, resort was had to Parliament, and an act was passed making the indiscriminate giving of alms a crime. Some of our modern political economists, who have turned their attention to the question of disposing of dependents and degenerates, may find much to admire in this old law; for it was enacted with the evident intent of forever abolishing vagrancy in England, be¬ cause it not only prohibited indiscriminate almsgiving, but it also unmercifully provided that the sturdy beggar should be whipped for the first offence, his ears cropped off for the second, and for the third he was to suffer death. Evidently it was thought that the dead vagrant was the only good vagrant. The Christianity of England would not tolerate this most drastic 10 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. law, and so it was repealed, and another, less cruel, yet very harsh, was enacted in its place, in the reign of Edward VI. This latter act made provision for branding on the shoulder of the vagrant the letter “V,” and adjudging him a slave for two years, to be claimed by any one, and fed on bread and w r ater. It also provided that, if he ran away from this harsh punish¬ ment, the letter “S ” was to be branded on his face, and he was adjudged a slave for life, working in chains for the town or parish. Incredible as it may seem, these repressive measures had not the effect desired, for paupers, and vagrants, and tramps continued to infest the kingdom. “ The poor you have always with you.” It was not till the year 1522, long after Henry VIII. had been called to give a final account of his proceedings, that the people began to realize that these poor-laws were a failure ; and then they turned to what was left of the Church for relief, and passed a law authorizing wardens to collect and distribute contributions for charitable purposes. In time this latter system gave way to the poorhouse, and to administration supplied by rates, doled out by local public authorities. Strange as it may appear, there is a tendency, nowadays, among certain men who pose as very wise philanthropists, to go back to harsh measures in dealing with the poor,—measures such as were tried and found wanting in the sixteenth century. A lecturer on political economy, eminent enough to be placed on the programme of the Chautauqua Course, said there quite recently : “ We are beginning to hear of a science of charity; and it is sorely needed, for old-fashioned almsgiving is a crime." Old-fashioned almsgiving a crime ? Cornelius, the Italian, is highly commended, in that old-fashioned book called the Bible, because he “gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.” REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 11 “Cornelius,” said the angel, “thy prayers and thy alms have ascended for a memorial in the sight of God.” The methods and practices of Cornelius are old-fashioned, in¬ deed, and in the days of Henry VIII. were criminal ; but it is to be hoped that we will not have the laws of those days re-enacted here. An earnest effort is being made by many well-meaning people to form a charity trust. With oil trusts, coal trusts, gas trusts, whiskey trusts, tobacco trusts, and sugar trusts, all most prosperous, why not, say the economists, give us a charity trust, and thereby unify the system ; make the assets go further, stamp out the “unworthy poor” who may attempt to ply their vocation on their own account, and bring all the States into one combination ? Such a scheme was seriously proposed at the National Conference of Charities, held in Toronto last year. The Committee on Organ¬ ization reported in favor of—“cropping the field of unorganized charity with the seed of organization and systematization,” so that every city and hamlet be in harmonious co-operation, using meth¬ ods as uniform as the different local conditions will permit, and extending the system from the national government down through State, city, village, and private charities to the individual.” As a part of this system the committee recommended co-operation with the police authorities, and (would you believe it ?) by the aid of the Bertillion system of measurements (a system applied to felons), an exact description of every migratory pauper and tramp, and his method of forage, should be kept and placed at the joint disposal of all municipalities ; and this, says the committee, should be re¬ inforced with vagrant laws adequately stringent, such, I suppose, as Henry VIII. had. But the most important recommendation, and the one that took my fancy as an office-holder, is this: “ Con¬ gress should make an adequate appropriation (the “ boys ” will all hurrah for the appropriation), and provide for the appointment of a commission of three competent persons to extensively and 12 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. thoroughly investigate the present quantity and status of defective,, delinquent, and dependent classes, covering the entire field, and recording the general facts in detail, and publishing the same in their report.” Think of that grand scheme of “combines,” measurements, police supervision, trials, convictions, appropriations, appoint¬ ments, investigations, and reports; and after all these things, what ? “ The poor you have always with you.” Why, if such an extensive and costly scheme as is pointed out here were proposed by practical politicians, instead of by men who are so perpendicular that it may be said of them that they belong to a party without politics, and a Church without a creed, the average mugwump, kicker, and reformer would cry out in holy hor¬ ror against such a spoils system. We ought, however, to commend the good intentions of this committee ; for, doubtless, they earnestly believed that if their rec¬ ommendations were carried into effect individual almsgiving would be minimized, poverty decreased, and public expenses lessened. The evil to be dreaded, under the proposed system of sending out detectives to investigate and report upon each application for charity, is that this over-cautiousness may often result in injury to the bashful poor who do not want their poverty made known to the public. For fear of helping the unworthy, one may often, though charitably inclined, refuse to assist persons who are both needy and worthy. One of the principal speakers at the Toronto Conference, a gentleman from Grand Rapids, Mich., in pointing out the danger of individual almsgiving without due investigation, and showing how tramps and criminals are made, gave his hearers such a vivid and heartrending sketch of the evil effects of indiscriminate almsgiving, that you may be interested in its repetition; here are his words: *• A young man calls at your door, asking for alms. It is his REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 13 first appeal. He knows he is doing wrong. He feels guilty. But you are an easy mark. You give him relief,—perhaps only a meal. You boasted that you never let any one leave your door hungry. He is emboldened by his easy success. He reflects how much easier it was to beg that meal than to earn it. At the next place his story is smoother, his lie more plausible. This time he wants money. He gets it. His inherited moral restraints are giv¬ ing way. He takes a drink, and all bad follows. His demands for money become more imperative. He steals. He is now desperate. He realizes that he is a criminal—suspected, watched, hunted. Society is his enemy, his prey. He meets a prominent citizen in the night. Weapon in his hand, he demands money ; but in the struggle he shoots, he kills—he is a*fugitive and a murderer . ” After hearing this harrowing recital, will you not button your pockets, harden your hearts, and ponder upon the awful effect of giving a hungry man a meal of cold victuals—without first ob¬ taining a report from the investigator of the United Charities Association ? If such an investigation had been made, and a report received— possibly several days after the man became hungry,—possibly after he had starved to death pending the arrival of the report, it might show that the applicant had been working in the coal mines, at starvation wages—scarcely sufficient to keep body and soul to¬ gether. That one day, in order to lessen production and raise prices, the coal trust shut down the works. Times were hard and work scarce in 1896, and this good man went from town to town seeking employment, but without success. His money was all gone, and he was hungry. He called at house after house occu¬ pied by scientific, philosophical philanthropists, every one of whom promised him food and shelter as soon as a report could be received from the coal regions, verifying his statements. But hun¬ ger did not wait for that report. He fell by the wayside, and died of starvation—a victim of the excessive caution of very good people. 14 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. After all, is it not better to act promptly, and give quickly, re¬ membering that, “ Whoever shall give to drink to one of these a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple. Amen, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward”? What would become of the Apostles if they were to return to earth and visit Grand Rapids to-day, following the directions of Him who said : “ The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head what would become of the Apostles who were told “ not to possess gold nor silver, nor money in your purse; nor scrip for your jour¬ ney, nor two coats, nor shoes, nor a staff; for the workman is worthy of his meat ” ? Doubtless they would be apprehended as vagrants not possess¬ ing visible means of support, and sent to the work-house or city wood-pile as unworthy poor. This same speaker dwelt at some length on the expenses for the maintenance of the poor in his city of 90,000 inhabitants, and showed, apparently with some pride and satisfaction, how by eco¬ nomic methods they had been reduced from $43,000.00 in 1895 to $27,000.00 in 1896. The authorities might have saved many more dollars of public money by simply refusing all aid to the poor. Had such a thing happened, however, we may be sure that the good Christian people of that city would have performed their duty by taking ample care of the dependents, regardless of the warnings against individual and indiscriminate almsgiving. A young lady speaker at the same conference advocated a train¬ ing-school for charity workers, saying that “in these days of specialization, when we train our cooks, our apothecaries, and our nurses, we have yet to establish our first training-school for charity workers; or, as she terms it, a “ training-school in applied philanthropy.” REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 15 Well, it may be that we have yet to establish our first school in ap¬ plied philanthropy, but if this good lady had said “ training-school in applied Christian charity,” then it could be said that in the Catho¬ lic Church, such schools have existed for a thousand years, train¬ ing-schools like those of the Benedictines, and later organizations, like the Sisters of Charity, in existence almost three hundred years. These Sisters, whose vow of poverty raises them to the level of Lazarus, and places them on an equality with the poor they relieve, are admirably trained and fitted for the work of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick, without requiring their beneficiaries to be weighed or measured by the Bertillion system, or to have their names enrolled in pub¬ lic records or published in newspapers. I am not opposed to organized charities. On the contrary, I favor them, and believe them to be very beneficial; but I am op¬ posed to charity cranks, and highly-paid agents posing as expert philanthropists and political economists, and always trying to at¬ tain the impossible. There is a great field in this State for charity work. We have not, it is true, as many dependents, in proportion to our popula¬ tion, as has England, where about 24 to the 1,000 are paupers; but we have a vast army to look after. The report of the Charity Committee of the late Constitutional Convention shows that in 1893 there were over ninety thousand persons who were a public charge, distributed as follows: Insane, 18,379; idiotic and feeble minded, 1,561; epileptic, 619; blind, 718; deaf and dumb, 1,414; dependent children, 26,359; juvenile offend¬ ers, 4,935; reformatory prisoners, 1,713; disabled soldiers and sail¬ ors, 959; hospital patients, 5,735; aged and friendless persons, 8,074; ordinary poor-house inmates, 10,077; prisoners in the State prisons, penitentiaries, and jails, 10,000. Since that report was made these numbers have been increased very much, the increase in the insane alone being over 3,000, there being under the Commission in Lunacy in State institutions August 1st, 1898, 21,673 persons. 16 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. And the numbers of dependents are likely to continue increas¬ ing, for we have not only natives of our own State, and those who come from other States, to care for, but a great number of those who are coming annually from foreign countries. During the six years from July ist, 1891, to June 30th, 1897, over 2,000,000 immigrants landed in the United States, and of these the enormous number of 819,387 were destined to make the State of New York their home. I am under obligations to Mr. Hebbard, the efficient Secretary of the State Board of Charities, for a table showing the receipts and disbursements of the various institutions and societies under the supervision of the Board of Charities, for the year ending Sep¬ tember ist, 1897. This table shows that New York is the empire State in her charities, as in everything else. The total expenditures of these institutions for all purposes amount to the munificent sum of $21,448,362.00. Of this the sum of $850,339.00 was for fuel and light, $616,421.60 for clothing, $495,903.00 for medical supplies and medicine, $4,331,- 342.00 for provisions and supplies, and $4,147,880.00 for salaries and wages. The amount of this last item seems very large, but it brings be¬ fore us the importance of the vast charity work performed by the St. Vincent de Paul societies, the Christian Brothers, the Sisters of Charity, and kindred orders, “going about doing good,” with¬ out salaries or wages, thus giving the full benefit of the appropri¬ ations and donations to the poor and needy. These figures would not be complete without reference to the expenditures for the care, maintenance, etc., etc., of the insane, which, for the year ending September 30th, 1897, was for main¬ tenance, salaries, wages, etc., $3,893,175.00; for new buildings, $608,556.00; and for extraordinary repairs, $596,035.00; making in all $5,489,819.00. Adding this sum to the former, we have a total expenditure for all these institutions in a single year amounting to $26,938,181.00. REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 17 The value of property, real and personal, owned by these insti¬ tutions and devoted to charitable purposes, is the enormous sum of $ T2 4 > 33 2 > 337 -°°* God has blessed New York, and the blessing will follow the State and its people so long as they continue this good work. SECOND PAPER. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK IN RELATION TO PRIVATE CHARITIES. By Michael J. Scanlan, Esq., Of New York , N. V. Under this title I shall treat altogether of organized charities,, and as the laws affecting them cover many pages of our statute books, and have given rise to some discussion in the Courts, I shall be obliged to confine myself almost entirely to a statement, and necessarily a brief statement, of what the law is, without entering into any very extended discussion of the merits of any particular legislation. Of the organization of charities, and their power to take by gift, devise, or bequest. While unincorporated societies are for some purposes recognized by our law, yet in order to properly exercise its powers and receive benefits, a society organized for charitable purposes should be in¬ corporated. Unless it is incorporated, it is not legally entitled to receive any gift, bequest, or devise. It may seem that this fact is generally known, and that, therefore, this statement is superfluous; but it is unfortunately true that cases are constantly arising where the charitable purposes of the maker of a will are frustrated be¬ cause the society or institution which he intended to benefit was. not incorporated, and I may say here that the relatives of a de¬ ls REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 19 ceased person, instead of being anxious to further his pious or char¬ itable intentions as expressed in his will, are as a rule willing to reap any advantage they can from a failure on his part to express those intentions in a legal form. It is the duty of a lawyer who draws a will to ascertain whether the society intended to be bene¬ fited is incorporated, and its corporate name; but it frequently happens either that he has no time to ascertain that fact, or that he writes in the name of the society as it is given to him by his client, without stopping to inquire whether or not it is incor¬ porated. It is also important in this connection, that the corporate name of the society should be inserted, although a mistake in that respect is not fatal if the society intended can be identified. The general law for the incorporation of charitable societies at the present time is known as the “ Membership Corporation Law,” and provides that five or more persons may become a corporation by filing a certificate containingcertain statements. An important provision of this law is that if this certificate specifies, among the purposes for which the society is formed, the care of orphan, pauper, or destitute children, the establishment or maintenance of a ma¬ ternity hospital, or for boarding or keeping nursing children, the written approval of the State Board of Charities shall also be en¬ dorsed on the certificate, or annexed thereto. Th'e charitable society being incorporated, is now in a position to acquire property by purchase, gift, or otherwise; but it is pro¬ vided bylaw that no person leaving a husband, wife, child, or par¬ ent, shall devise or bequeath to such a society more than one-half of his estate after the payment of debts, and that no such devise or bequest shall be valid in any will which shall not have been made and executed at least two months before the death of the testator. This last provision in regard to the time of the execution of the will has brought to naught the charitable wishes of many testators. Persons of small means are particularly prone to put off the making of wills until they are on their death-beds, and the result is that their bequests to charity are attacked by their rel- 20 REPORT OP CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. atives, and declared void if they die within sixty days after their wills are made. As 1 said above, it is the rule for relatives to take advantage of such chances. They seem to think that money given to charity is stolen from them. This sixty-day clause does more harm than good. In my experience, it has caused the failure of many charitable intentions. Why should a man’s property go to nephews or nieces whom perhaps he has never seen, rather than to the charities which he designates in his will, simply because that will happens to have been executed within sixty days of his death ? This statute seems to have been designed to oppose what one of our learned judges of the Court of Appeals thirty years ago called “ the devices of priestly craft.” He was speaking of what he called the struggle between ecclesiastics and Commons in England. He evidently had a puritanical horror of the power of a Catholic priest. He said further, “ Their most intimate communion with laymen was on those occasions when sickness and infirmity made the latter an easy prey to cupidity in the guise of religion. In the name of charity munificent gifts were obtained from the credulous, the timid, and the ignorant, all tending to the secular aggrandize¬ ment of the Church, until a vast portion of the wealth of England was withdrawn from the general uses of society.” So far the learned judge. But the gentleman who was obliged to report or hand down to posterity the remarks of this learned judge was unwilling, evidently, tfiat this spiteful attack should be published without some comment, because he adds this foot-note at the bottom of the page: “ To put it in plainer words, there was a struggle for centuries between Christianity and the world ; and as the latter power was in the great majority, of course it triumphed as to secular mat¬ ters ; but it never could extinguish the religious feeling in the human heart. Riches are the gift of God ; and to Him we owe a due return therefor. The animus of the British statutes passed sub¬ sequently to the change of the religion of the realm by Act of Parliament, no intelligent reader of history can fail to perceive.” It is very gratifying to know that the dry law book which per- REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 21 petuates the judge’s words also contains the commentary of the reporter. Of course, undue influence must not be exerted on a person mak¬ ing a will, either in the cause of charity or any other cause; but the making of the will within sixty days of death should not be, as this statute makes it, conclusive evidence of undue influence. That proof might be made as in other cases, where “ the devices of priest¬ ly craft ” are not suspected. With regard to the work to be performed by charitable institu¬ tions, the law recognizing the infinite variety of the objects upon which charity is exercised simply provides that they may be or¬ ganized for any lawful purpose. The following provisions in regard to the management of char¬ itable institutions should be borne in mind: No director or other officer shall receive, directly or indirectly, any salary, compensation, or emolument, either as officer or director,, or in any other capacity, unless authorized by the by-laws of the corporation, or by the concurring vote of two-thirds of the direc¬ tors. No director or other officer shall be interested, directly or in¬ directly, in any contract relating to the operations conducted by the corporation, nor in any contract for furnishing supplies thereto, unless expressly authorized by the by-laws of the corporation, and by the concurring vote of all the directors. (Under the law as it stood prior to 1896, no trustee or director could receive any salary, compensation, or emolument.) No purchase, sale, mortgage, or lease of real property, shall be made unless ordered by the concurring vote of at least two-thirds of the whole number of its directors. No real property shall be leased without leave of Court for a longer period than three years, or sold or mortgaged. The following provisions in regard to the custody of children are especially important: No child between two and sixteen can be sent to almshouse. 22 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. Such children must be provided for in families, orphan asylums, hospitals, or other appropriate institutions. When any such child shall be placed in any orphan asylum or such other institution, such child shall, when practicable, be so pro¬ vided for or placed in such asylum or such other institution as shall then be controlled by persons of the same religious faith as the parents of such child. All institutions, public or private, incorporated or not incorpor¬ ated, for the reception of minors, whether as orphan or as pauper, indigent, destitute, vagrant, disorderly or delinquent persons, are required to keep a record of the date of reception, names, and places of birth and residence of all children admitted, and how and by whom and for what cause such child shall be placed therein, and the names, residence, birthplace, and religious denomination of the parents of such child, and when the child leaves the institu¬ tion, a proper entry must be made showing in what manner such child shall have been disposed of. The Supreme Court may, upon application by a parent, relation, or legal guardian, after due no¬ tice and hearing, direct the officers of such institution to furnish extracts from such records. The provision that I have read in regard to placing a child in an institution controlled by persons of the same religious faith as the parents of such child is common to several of our statutes. It is a plain provision and a fair one; yet it has frequently been disregarded by committing magistrates, and I have often found that the officers of non-Catholic institutions are not only willing to hold the children of Catholic parents in defiance of this provision of the statutes, but they have opposed in Court by their counsel, the transfer of such children to proper institutions. Probably the most important law of this State in relation to charitable institutions is the law passed in 1896, known as the State Charities Law, and the most important part of that law is the Ar¬ ticle relating to the State Board of Charities. You will remember the contest before the Constitutional Convention of 1894 over the REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 23 attempt to introduce into the Constitution a provision that no money should be paid to any institution, society, or undertaking, which is wholly or in part under sectarian or ecclesiastical control, a provision which would prevent any Catholic institution from receiving from the State, county, city, town, village, or other civil division, any money for children which it was maintaining and educating. That provision was not inserted in the Constitution. Instead, the Constitutional Convention adopted a section, which is now a part of the Constitution of the State, providing for the organization of a State Board of Charities, and further that noth¬ ing in the Constitution contained shall prevent the Legislature from making such provision for the education and support of the blind, the deaf and dumb, and juvenile delinquents as to it may seem proper, or prevent any county, city, town or village from pro¬ viding for the care, support, maintenance and secular education of inmates of orphan asylums, homes for dependent children or cor¬ rectional institutions, whether under public or private control. Payments by counties, towns, and villages to charitable, eleemosy¬ nary, correctional and reformatory institutions, wholly or partly under private control, for care, support, and maintenance, maybe authorized, but shall not be required by the Legislature. No such payment shall be made for any inmate of such institutions who is not received and retained therein pursuant to rules established by the State Board of Charities. Such rules shall be subject to the control of the Legislature by general laws. It will be perceived that this clause is altogether negative in its character. Legislation under it may be adopted, or not, as the Legislature sees fit. The State Charities Law provides that there shall continue to be a State Board of Charities composed of twelve members ap¬ pointed by the Governor. They shall visit, inspect, and maintain general supervision of all institutions, societies, or associations which are of a charitable, eleemosynary, correctional, or reforma¬ tory character, whether State or municipal, incorporated or not in- 24 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. corporated, which are made subject to its supervision by the con¬ stitution or by-law ; and shall aid in securing proper administration of all such institutions, advise the officers, aid in securing erection of suitable buildings, approve or disapprove the organization and incorporation of institutions aforesaid of a charitable, eleemosynary, correctional, or reformatory character which are or shall be subject to the supervision and inspection of the Board ; investigate the management of all institutions made subject to the supervision of the Board, and the conduct and efficiency of the officers or persons charged with their management, and the care and relief of the in¬ mates of such institutions therein or in transit; aid in securing the best sanitary condition of the buildings and grounds of all such institutions, and advise measures for the protection and preserva¬ tion of the health of the inmates ; aid in securing the establishment and maintenance of such industrial, educational, and moral train¬ ing in institutions having the care of children as is best suited to the needs of the inmates ; establish rules for the reception and re¬ tention of inmates of all institutions which, by section fourteen of article eight of the Constitution, are subject to its supervision ; in¬ vestigate the condition of the poor seeking public aid, and advise measures for their relief ; administer the laws providing for the care, support, and removal of the State and alien poor, and the support of Indian poor persons ; collect statistical information in re¬ spect to the property, receipts, and expenditures of all institutions, societies, and associations subject to its supervision, and the number and condition of the inmates thereof, and of the poor receiving public relief. Section eleven of the Act defines the powers and duties of Board on Visits and Inspections as follows : On such visits, inquiry shall be made to ascertain whether all parts of the State are equally benefited by the institutions requiring State aid ; the merits of any and all requests on the part of any such institution for State aid, for any purpose other than the usual expenses thereof ; and the amount required to accomplish the object desired ; the sources REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 35 of public moneys received for the benefit of such institution, as to the proper and economical expenditure of such moneys and the condition of the finances generally ; whether the objects of the institution are being accomplished ; whether the laws and the rules and regulations of this Board, in relation to it, are fully complied with ; its methods of industrial, educational, and moral training, if any, and whether the same are best adapted to the needs of its in¬ mates ; the methods of government and discipline of its in¬ mates ; the qualifications and general conduct of its officers and employees; the condition of its grounds, buildings, and other property; any other matter connected with, or pertaining to, its usefulness and good management. It will be seen from this that the State Board of Charities is clothed with extraordinary powers. The power given them to aid in securing the just, humane, and economical administration of all institutions subject to its supervision might be construed to give them power to take an active part in the management of every insti¬ tution. Thus far the powers of the Board appear to have been wisely administered ; but the time may come when undue inter¬ ference by the Board with the management of institutions will call for severe criticism. All officers of charitable institutions must furnish to the Board on or before the first day of November in each year such statistics for the preceding fiscal year, as may be required by said Board ; and every person refusing to do so in violation of this section without reason¬ able excuse, shall be subject to a penalty of one hundred dollars. I have by no means mentioned all the provisions of this very im¬ portant statute relating to the State Board of Charities ; but I think that I have said sufficient to give you an idea of the enor¬ mous powers conferred upon the Board. Let us hope that the power it has will be always exercised for the benefit of our char¬ itable institutions. The Board last year obtained from the Legisla¬ ture an additional Act authorizing it to supervise the placing-out of children by institutions, a matter which sadly needed regulating. 26 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. This placing-out Act contains a provision that, “in every case where practicable , any child placed out shall be placed with individuals of like religious faith as the parents of the child.” The tendency is, at the present time, to regulate the conduct of our charities by legislation. Every year new Acts are introduced which require careful scrutiny. The right of the State to interfere in such matters cannot be denied ; but let us have no hasty legislation ; let us have public hearings on every bill, and deliberation. The power of the State to regulate the conduct of inmates of char¬ itable institutions extends to the practice of their religion. The language of the Constitution is that “ The free exercise and en¬ joyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed in this State to all mankind.” This is as broad as any one could wish. Let us have it carried out in a liberal spirit, and no complaint can be made. THIRD PAPER. OUT-DOOR RELIEF AS ADMINISTERED BY CHURCH SOCIETIES. By Mr. Luke J. Lindon, Of Mt. Vernon, N. V. Out-door Relief (so-called) may be brbfly described as such re¬ lief as is extended to those who are not inmates of eleemosynary, correctional, or reformatory asylums or institutions. The question of its administration is a most complex one, and one of very great importance, for the results are most far-reaching, and often fail to realize the expectations of those dispensing it. The subject assigned me as a title for this paper divides the question at the outset, by confining its consideration to that out¬ door relief administered by Church societies, and eliminating from our consideration any such relief as may be distributed by public officials or private individuals. And I presume the reason of this distinction is, that Church societies, in extending relief to those in need, are, or should be, actuated by the grand and noble motive of Christian charity, rather than that of merely relieving animal suffering, or even the higher one of simple philanthropy. In other words, the work of the Church society is to endeavor to improve the moral as well as the physical condition of those in want and suffering; to offer them spiritual comfort and benefits as well as material assistance; to strive to diminish their distress and 28 REPORT OE CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. relieve their misery, but, at the same time, to extend to them sym¬ pathy and solace, and endeavor to make them better individuals,, better citizens, better Christians. Such an aim, with such results, can scarcely be expected from public or official relief, which, as a rule, is cold and perfunctory, and often has not even the merit of being prompted by philanthropy. Of course, private individuals, prompted by a love of their fel¬ low-creatures for God’s sake, can, and, thank God ! often do per¬ form many acts of heroic Christian charity, and this, to all intents and purposes, is the work of a Church society, even though the membership be but one. Among the misfortunes to which flesh is heir, is that of meet¬ ing occasionally those who, in place of admiring and utilizing that which is praiseworthy and good, prefer to reject and condemn it be¬ cause some of its features may be imperfect or liable to abuse. They spend their energy in looking for spots on the sun, even at the cost of time and labor of smoking glasses with which to en¬ deavor to find them. So it is with the subject under consideration. Before we consider the great and beneficial results that may and that have followed the proper administering of out-door relief, let us glance hastily at some of the objections that we hear urged against its efficiency for good. We are told that such relief stifles self-respect and self-reliance, places a premium on indolence, and fosters pauperism. Now, does it ? An experience of many years in the Conferences of St. Vincent de Paul confirms me in the opinion that, when properly admin¬ istered, it decidedly does not. The purest charity is that which would wish to see no object for its labors, and, guided by this motive—practical Christian charity endeavors to remove the cause of misery rather than to relieve its effects,—to give the most efficient and beneficial aid that can be given to the poor, the help that helps them to help themselves. REPORT OE CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 29 Is it rational to suppose that the helping of people to help them¬ selves, and thus improving their position by the aid of their own -efforts, will incite a desire on their part to fall back to their form¬ er condition and make them eager to be again assisted to help themselves ? Will throwing a rope to a drowning man, and pulling him ashore with the aid of his own exertions, create a disposition on his part to again fall overboard for the sake of having someone help him to save himself? It is true that there are those who will persist in self-destruction even after having been rescued, but, fortunately, they are the ex¬ ception, just in about the same proportion as are those who, having been considered deserving, abuse the efforts of the charitable. The undeserving may be helped. The visitor’s sympathy may be wasted on the unworthy. The distribution of relief may at times work abuse, but, as before stated, when it is properly ad¬ ministered, its distribution can be surrounded by safeguards, and such abuses reduced to a minimum, and, as it is, they are far less numerous than we would at first suppose. Besides, is it not better, aye, immeasurably better, that some of the unworthy should receive attention and assistance, than that, through over-caution, one deserving case should suffer? Hence it is well, sometimes, yes, at all times, to give the poor the benefit of every reasonable doubt. The trouble is, that with some of our practical, up-to-date, scientific philanthropists, there seems to be more exultation in discovering the one case where good work and devoted efforts are abused and wasted, than over the ninety and nine instances where their results bring peace and good-will to man, glory to God, and joy and gladness to His angels and saints. Should a helpless but devoted mother and innocent children be left to starve because, forsooth, some, of any provision made for them, might be consumed by a worthless vagabond father? Oh, no ; try to reform the father, if possible, and if not, have him com- 30 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. pelled to care for his children or undergo punishment for not doing it ; but, meanwhile, look after the mother and children. Again, it may be true that the most deserving are not always reached,—for many of the truly deserving hide their poverty and suffer their privations and misery in silence. But this assuredly is not the fault of the system, assuming that every possible effort is made to reach all in need of relief. It is impossible to remove all the poverty and wretchedness from off this footstool; but if those who have devoted themselves to the work of alleviating distress are zealous and really anxious to dis¬ cover, and do all they can to relieve, every worthy case of destitu¬ tion, either spiritual or temporal, or both, certainly they cannot be blamed if deserving cases may escape their observation, and so fail to receive that assistance they are most willing to extend. Another important point to be considered is, that temporal re¬ lief alone will not in all cases prove efficacious. Treating a poor man as a hungry or dirty animal, and simply filling his stomach or cleaning him, will alone accomplish very-little towards elevating him above his unfortunate surroundings or the conditions which may have led to them. The distribution of material relief is certainly most laudable and praiseworthy, and if performed with the proper spirit, even though it be but giving a cup of cold water, we are assured on Divine au¬ thority, will not go unrewarded. But this should only be a means to an end—a nobler, greater end. This relief should be a method of proving to the poor that the visitor dispensing it is their friend. Having established this claim, and being recognized as such, the visitor is then in a position to improve the condition, both of their hearts and minds, as well as their bodies ; and as affecting them¬ selves, affecting those dependent upon them, and affecting society at large, making them more useful citizens, less of a burden to their fellows,—and all this for the glory of God, who has left them with us as our neighbors, and who has promised that the slightest REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 31 relief extended to the least of them in His name should be reward¬ ed as having been given to Him. I remember a very old priest once saying, when talking on the subject, that “ many people went hungry because they did not say the Lord’s Prayer.” The key-note to successful results in distributing out-door re¬ lief is for the visitor to be one with the family he is visiting. He must not patronize them. He will fail if he attempt to impress them with his own superiority or importance. They may accept his relief, but withhold their confidence and love. Without de¬ scending to their level, he may, by becoming one with them, by “lending himself to them,” raise them far above their own. Such a visitor can always find means to introduce some few words of consolation and encouragement and even advice, and none of these will be without effect. Strict and proper investiga- tion'should in every instance precede or accompany the distribu¬ tion of relief ; and if conditions are such in some cases, that im¬ mediate assistance is required, it should only be of a temporary character, until necessary inquiries can be made. The mere asking for assistance does not warrant its bestowal ; but great care should be taken not to humiliate the poor. There is no need to make the inquiry offensive to them, nor is it neces¬ sary to parade the fact of their condition, and that they are being assisted. On the contrary, both should be hidden from outsiders as much as possible. Their feelings should be respected and, above all, they should be urged in every way to value and main¬ tain their own self-respect. The distribution of alms that humiliates the recipient does little good, and often great harm. It is accepted as a matter of fact, or because absolutely indispensable, and rarely incites gratitude. Visitors to the poor should always avoid too great and unguarded familiarity when visiting them, otherwise that respect which should mingle with regard for the visitor might be lacking. Advice, and even strong remonstrance, may be necessary at times,. 32 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. and too much familiarity might render them unavailing. Care should also be taken not to be too overzealous in speaking of re¬ ligious matters, particularly at first, until thoroughly acquainted with the dispositions of those who are visited, otherwise hypocrisy and a feigned love of religion might be engendered as a possible means of receiving greater assistance. A visitor to the poor should be patient with them. A poor per¬ son may understand why he cannot obtain material assistance, but he will not excuse one, who professes to come as a friend, being harsh and severe with him. But I may hear it stated that such visiting is impossible ; the idea of such visitors is visionary ; such an administering of relief is too theoretical, and cannot be realized ! This is not so. There are such visitors, and there is such visiting and such a distribution of out-door relief. The Conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul pursue their work after such a plan and with such an aim. There are also many auxiliary societies of ladies helping them on the same lines, subject to such direction as the Conferences, warranted by their great and varied experience, may suggest. Undoubtedly there are many other Church organizations follow¬ ing similar and equally effective methods, to say nothing of the great legion of devoted religious, men and women, whose lives are one continual sacrifice for their fellow-creatures. But being entirely familiar with the principles and practices of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, I trust I may be allowed to refer to its methods as being to my mind a most effectual, if not the most effectual, means of distributing out-door relief. The visiting of the poor in their dismal homes and bringing them relief is the distinctive work of its members. An imperative rule requires them, when visiting the poor, to do so in pairs. This not only prevents any appearance of scandal, but it affords an opportunity for the observation and opinion of two persons in RE POUT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 33 place of a single visitor. Besides this, the members making the initial visit are not always those who continue helping the family or person in distress. Those who are best adapted to the work are selected to make the first visit, when most of the investigation is made. Members of the Society, when visiting- the poor, are cautioned also against extending any assistance from their own means besides that coming from the Conference. Were this allowed, families would cease to be assisted according to their real wants, but rather according to the greater pity or resources of the visitor. We hear much to-day about improving the condition of the poor, and reducing the visits of relief to a scientific system. Allow me to read to you an extract from a circular letter of the First Presi¬ dent General of the Society, M. Bailly, dated July 14th, 1841, in which he states: “ Let us therefore courageously enter the foul dwellings in which the poor are often compelled to live; but, it is not enough to enter them, let us sit on the half-broken chair which is offered to us, let us converse with the poor. Confidence will thus be gained. We shall become acquainted with their sufferings, their wishes, and maybe, with their vices. We shall cause their children to be sent to school. We shall save them from vagrancy. Thus we shall have foresight for the poor, who are so often regardless of the future. Yes! you shall be their providence, and open better prospects to them.” Again he states: “ Do not be content to dole out alms; that is a very cheap and unwise charity, even if you had wealth, and as it is, you have none. Go and make friends among the poor. Give to each family what personal help your own better training enables you to give. In all cases, help them to help themselves, and consider it your primary duty, whether you take them tickets or not, to render them some personal service.” Again, in August, 1837, M. Lallier, the Secretary General of the Society, in a similar circular wrote as follows: 34 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. “We have often noticed that poor people are easily affected by marks of politeness, and we do not neglect that means of gain¬ ing their confidence. Taking off one’s hat, when one enters their dwelling, produces a favorable impression upon them. They are grateful when we accept the chair they offer. They are delighted if we seem to take some interest in the picture of their miseries and the recital of petty household annoyances. By such slight attentions, that cost nothing, a stronger impression is produced, their confidence and affection are sooner gained than by assistance however plentiful. One is no more considered by them as a kind of public officer calling every week to deal out regular supplies, but rather as a friend and adviser to be applied to in the hard and painful emergencies of life.” Another President, M. Gossin, under date of Nov. ist, 1847,, writes on this subject as follows: “ The member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, who con¬ siders himself only as a bearer of bread to an indigent family, understands neither charity, nor the Society, nor the poor. The Society has never been and never will be an association of porters. Simply sending bread tickets to the poor is keeping back part of the alms due to them, I mean, what a good word from the heart would have added to that bread. “What moves a poor man to the very bottom of his soul is to see that you think of him, look after him, and love him. It is to feel that the visitor gives himself, or at least lends himself, to him once a week. “ Charity is efficient only when complete, and it is only com¬ plete when it is true. And in a truly charitable man, all his faculties concur in the act of almsgiving.” This, in substance, is the spirit in which the work of the Con¬ ference of St. Vincent de Paul was undertaken, and in which it is still carried on to-day. One of the most pleasing and impressive experiences I can recall was assisting a fellow-Vincentian on a Christmas eve to distribute. REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 35 in addition to ordinary relief, a few holiday gifts around the empty stockings of five little children for whom Christmas might have been a cheerless day of hunger and disappointment, had it not been for this out-door relief. And, as a worn-out mother and a sick and helpless father watched the proceedings, with tears of gratitude welling in their eyes, their unsolicited promise of the prayers of those sleeping children, together with their own, was reward a thousand-fold for the slight labor of love. Anyone may realize the enormous power for good that visitors may exercise under such circumstances. Such a power has been the agency among the poor that has ex¬ tinguished or held in check ideas of discontent and rebellion. It has brought the erring back to the truth, the wayward to the Sacraments and the paths of rectitude. By holding up the hands of the helpless mother or by practical encouragement to the luckless father, it has held families intact and preserved them from annihilation. It has saved from mortifi¬ cation and shame the declining years of penniless old age, glori¬ fied by a life of industry, honesty, and sobriety. It has been po¬ tent to soothe the sufferings of the forsaken or widowed mother and her helpless offspring, and to comfort the child to whom a parent’s love and care were unknown blessings. It has been able to transform the last hours of the wretched and the miserable into moments of peace and rest and blessed resignation; and, when life had left their racked and worn-out frames, it has caused them to be decently interred with the respect and honor due to the handiwork of their Creator. This, and more, aye, a thousand times more, has been achieved by the power of Christian charity administering out-door relief, and even on those not recipients of its bounty. The self-sacrific¬ ing devotedness of its ministers has caused the scoffer to admire and respect, the unbeliever to reflect and believe, the indifferent to become enthusiastic, and the faithful to rejoice and persevere. In conclusion, let me add that those to whom relief is given are 36 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. not the only beneficiaries of out-door relief distributed with the right motive, for, of it can truthfully be said: “ It is twice blessed,— It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” For the visitors themselves, in their rounds among the poor, may have their own lives cheered, and they themselves receive in peace of mind, contentment, and satisfaction, far more in benefits than they dispense. Possibly this is but the foretaste of that re¬ ward of a hundred-fold and a heavenly kingdom promised by a loving Master to those who do works of mercy in His name. FOURTH PAPER. DAY NURSERIES AS A MEANS OF HELPING THE POOR TO HELP THEMSELVES. By Mrs. Marie A. Lopez, Of New York , N. Y. Perhaps there is no charity more deserving. It is a separation of mother and child for not more than eight or ten hours, and yet in enables the poor, distressed mother to find employment and keep a shelter for herself and little ones. Some¬ times, too, it provides for a poor, feeble father or mother, or hus¬ band, good and kind, but who through illness or some other cause is unable to find employment. The nursery not only cares for the little ones, but it also pro¬ vides work by the day, i. e., cleaning, washing or ironing, and even sewing. Some of the mothers are clerks at the various large dry goods establishments, or are cashiers in some business house. In order that the mother may be encouraged to greater efforts, clothes are made by friends outside, who form little sewing circles, and whilst enjoying the company of their bright companions, make it possible for us to clothe the dear children left to our care. The mother returns from her work after the first day’s experience, and is agreeably surprised to find that her little one has been well cared for by perfect strangers; the little one is bright, clean and cheerful, and full of all the wonders of the kindergarten and play- 37 o8 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. room, well fed, and perfectly happy with the pleasant lot that has befallen her. The mother gains fresh courage and continues her work, and it oft- times happens that she is so invigorated, along with the child, that after a little while she finds, after all, she has time to attend to Mass on Sundays, and even to be up and out on the first Friday of the month to approach the altar and receive Holy Communion, be¬ cause she has become a member of the “ League” since her child has attended the nursery. So in every way there is a distinct im¬ provement in mother and child, and what is better, the idle or, more frequently, sick husband at home, is encouraged to do some¬ thing for himself and those dependent upon him. As for the pleasure the children themselves find in the nursery I need only mention one or two instances, one of a mother who had two boys there, and who told me with much satisfaction that the children missed the nursery and its little pleasures. So much so that on Sundays or holidays, on more than one occasion, they had asked permission to walk down the street, just to take a look at it, saying, “I feel so lonely, mamma.” A small child, a little boy, strayed away from home, and when the mother met him re¬ turning, saying, “ Why, John, where have you been ? ” responded that he had just walked down to look at the nursery. To me, the day nursery is one of the greatest and most laudable charities of the present time, but they must be perfect in their work, and in order that this end maybe attained, those who care for the little ones must be deeply interested in the whole family, and, in fact, be mothers to all. The necessity of day nurseries in the great city of New York was brought home to me in this way. A child, only a few days old, was brought to the attention of a lady with the request that, if possible, she would find a place of ref¬ uge where the little one could be cared for, as the mother was dy¬ ing of sheer weakness; and could you wonder at it when I tell you that the father of this child was earning but $4 per week! This REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 39 small sum had to provide for everything that was necessary for the little family. The physician told some ladies who were visiting and bringingfood for the sick ones, that the child must be immediate¬ ly removed from the mother, as the latter could not possibly live. The question then arose as to what should be done with baby. The lady was told, much to her amazement, that she should make it her duty to provide a shelter for it, for although she had a com, fortable home, with no children, still she was a busy woman, hav¬ ing, in addition to the duties of her own home, a mission which occupied at least two days of the week of her time, so she felt it incumbent upon her to find a good institution wherein to put the little one, and pay for its care and attention there. But where shall she go ? Her first thought naturally is to consult her spiritual director, which she does, and she is sent by him to a person who can give her the desired information regarding a home. The in¬ formation conveyed to her was to the effect that all the Catholic homes were full, and that there was no room for baby. She is then sent to the Brooklyn Maternity, and Miss Allen (the lady in charge), after a few minutes’ conversation through the telephone, is requested to send the party up-town to a large institution where babies are cared for, and everything is arranged to the sat¬ isfaction of all concerned. The institution is a Protestant one, and the price per month charged is $6; and even though they were very kind, still something to the effect that “It is a pity that Catholics cannot do for their own ” was overheard. My friend thought so too, and after thanking the good priest who sent her, ex¬ plained what had happened, and asked him the question, “Why have we to depend upon others to take care of our poor and friendless ones ?” The answer was that Catholic ladies are not as zealous as non- Catholics in this regard, and that the clergy have so much to do that it is impossible for them to do more; that there are plenty of Catholic institutions, but have so many poor to care for, they are soon filled. My friend said, “ Catholic ladies did not do more be- 40 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. cause there is so little left for them to do, as so much is given to religious.” The good priest invited the lady to try and see what she could do in the direction indicated. She did try, and has con¬ tinued trying, now nearly six years, and the result is the establish¬ ment of the Immaculate Conception Nurseries of Brooklyn, the first through permission from the Rt. Rev. Bishop McDonnell, who has always been very kind to her in every way. After the first house was secured at 155 Sands St., Brooklyn, it was thought best to form a committee, who have accomplished very much good, the proofs of which are that in the space of five years three branch¬ es and the Immaculate Conception, which we will call the “ Mother House,” have been established, and Father Duffy’s, of St. Agnes Church, which is independent of these. The Nursery of St. Agnes is a very complete and perfect one, and I have heard they are all doing well, and not causing the pastors any inconvenience regard¬ ing their support, as I believe that the committee looks after this entirely. The New York nurseries number 40, four of which are Catholic; one is conducted by a committee of gentlemen, and is under the care of the good lady who, I believe, is the founder of it. This- nursery is in the Paulist Fathers’ parish, and is, I understand, the first Catholic nursery opened in this city. There is the St. John Nursery, cared for by the Sisters of Charity from the Foundling Asylum; next, the French Sisters, who have one on Washington Square. The Presentation Nursery, on East 33d St., was opened by permission of His Grace, the Most Rev. Archbishop Corrigan, and is subject to him through his clergy. These nurseries are supported mainly by contribution. I do not know positively if such is the case, but presume that possibly some donations are sent them to their door, as is the case with us. Meat and bread we col¬ lect each evening, as the Little Sisters of the Poor are accustomed to do. Groceries are sent by donation at Thanksgiving and at Christmas time, although quite frequently during the year small, donations of this kind are received. Vegetables I myself have: REPORT OP CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 41 collected once a week at the markets, and in this way we are enabled to provide for at least a week, and even at times can spare some to help others. Every nursery can do this, and I know that few can find it in their hearts to refuse to help them in its efforts to help mothers and their helpless little ones. Within the nursery, when our children are ill, they are the objects of our tenderest care, and if our good physician consents, the disease not being contagious, the mother is permitted to bring the child to the nursery as usual, and there it is nursed back to health. If the nursery could spare one of its staff to visit daily the homes of doubtful cases, there would be little danger in nursery work, and, in my opinion, there is charity in caring for children of even unworthy parents, as the example seen in the nurseries among the other children, sweet and simple in their ways and full of childish devotion, must of necessity be a benefit to them, and through them to their parents, while the visits made to their homes, with a little tact, can bring matters even there to a better condition. It seems to be a question whether nurseries should be under re¬ ligious or secular care. It would be very difficult to find such help as we require among the women we could afford to employ, as the services of a trained nurse would be too expensive a luxury for us, much as we need the help of their knowledge and experience. On the other hand, it would be equally difficult to find among charitable ladies who offer assistance, anyone who is able to devote all her time and energies (and this is necessary) to the nursery work, the world having so many claims on those who live in it. Therefore, it seems that the care of a religious community would be preferable, both for the perfection and permanency of the work. The religious could be trained to care for the physical, as well as the mental and spiritual, welfare of the children, and their time for devotion should be suited to the work, as our day is from sev¬ en to seven with the children, and they are the first consideration^ their care our offering to God. 42 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. If each pastor in whose parish nurseries are started could be director and treasurer for the house, it would be a very great back¬ ing for its success ; otherwise, I believe it is a St. Vincent de Paul work. As our children grow older, they are taught by practical example the different branches of housework, and one day of the week should be set aside for sewing, as it is well for children, even boys, to know something of this useful art. We receive children of all ages. One very frail infant came to us first when only seven days old, and is now (ten months later) still with us, well and strong. A poor mother was sent to us with an infant ten days old, and three other small children. Her husband—a good man—had been out of employment some time, and she w T as anxious to have work herself at once. We were able to give her employment at house¬ cleaning, and for seven days she worked, earning $1.50 per day, while the children were cared for by the nursery. The happy re¬ sult of this was that the wife was able to give sufficient money to her husband to go to Jersey, where he was able to take a position and pay for lodging until he himself received money enough to support his family. In conversation with a gentleman connected with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul a short time ago, he expressed his disappoint¬ ment in trying to find Catholic homes in the country for poor children who require a change and are not able to find always the means of leaving the city themselves. Some two years ago I thought we had made a very simple arrangement for filling this need. A gentleman interested in the sale of property at Rockland Lake had promised to provide a house for one month, and the Children of Mary of our parish church were glad of the opportuni¬ ty of joining the party at the rate of $4.00 a w T eek. The children were to be taken at one dollar aw T eek each. Every child of Mary and each child was to bring their plate, cup and sau¬ cer, spoon, knife and fork, and one or two of the mothers had vol- REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 43 unteered to go and attend the cooking and heavy labor, while we, our nurses, and the young ladies, were each to take charge of a cer¬ tain number of children divided equally, each to attend to our cot, and help one another as much as possible. The Angelus bell would call us together in the morning and after Mass, if possible, the children being together and attended to by their nurses at the break¬ fast table. Our own breakfast over, we intended starting on a berrying party. On our way home we would call on a few farms, and thus provide fruit and vegetables for the day. Possibly we might even get bread in the country,—we would be quite willing to collect it, thus leaving nothing but meat to pay for, and we would have money for that, having no rent to pay. As for furniture, our own muslin curtains from home, a number of cots which could be either begged, borrowed, or rented. Campstools, or chairs, tables provided by supporting a few boards on horses, and a covering of white oil-cloth would save the washing of table-linen. Then with a few nick-nacks, of which we would all bring some, we would be quite home-like and comfortable. After dinner, which would be served at noon, a nap for the children and all who desired rest ; some games before supper, prayers, and an early bed for all. If our good people will see the necessity of this charity, how easy it will be to do not only all that I have named, but far more! If non- Catholics can do so much, why cannot our good women do more for the love of God! I see nothing but satisfaction in it all the way through. We did not open this little summer home, for the reason that our Rev. Director, who had been listening to the whole plan at the time, said nothing, until he saw there might be too much of a strain on the inmates who had been working in the city house steadily for three years with little or no rest. He, in his kind and gentle way, said: “ You are going to make yourselves ill/’ and so the plan was given up for the time being, but we may try again. Referring again to the work of the nursery, it may be that I have not made some parts of it as clear as you might wish. 44 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. The little ones after being inspected in the morning on their en¬ tering the nursery, are taken upstairs, their clothes changed, faces and hands washed, and heads combed. Children under three years of age are cared for by their nurses, and those for the kinder¬ garten are cared for in the class-room, and taught until 11.30, when they all go to their little tables, and enjoy their lunch which is served at that hour. At 1.30 they come together again, and are entertained until 3.30, when the larger children return from the parochial school; and in union with the rest of our little household, collect in the school-room, where there is a general wash for all the tots. Then a hot dinner of stew, or broth, and bread. After a little romp in the play-ground, amid flowers which they actually permit to grow without picking or destroying them, they return to the school-room for the Rosary, and clamor for the beads which we try to supply them with. While this is going on they gradually disappear with their mothers to their respective abodes. Thus one day's work is done, and we make ready for the next; and each little tot receives as hearty a welcome day by day, and as hearty a blessing when they depart, as it is possible to give one of our own flesh and blood. I thank you very much for your kind attention and patience in listening to me thus far, and can say that “ what is learned in the cradle lasts until the grave.” Delightful task to rear the tender thought, to teach the young idea how to shoot, to pour the fresh instruction o’er the mind, to breathe the enlivening spirit, and to fix the generous purpose in the glowing breast. I will now leave you, trusting you will not forget the little day nurseries, which should be as “ little stars ” all over the diocese, as our late friend, Father Mitchell, has said so often, and “ as ye have done it unto the least of these. My little ones, you have done it unto Me.” FIFTH PAPER. INFANT ASYLUMS.—THEIR AIM AND ACHIEVEMENTS. By Miss Elizabeth A. Cronyn,* Of Buffalo, N. Y. At this period of the world’s history it seems strange to us that in Christian communities the necessity of maintaining infant asylums should ever have been, or should still be, questioned. To be quite accurate, perhaps, one should write “foundling” rather than “ infant ” asylums, when having in mind the particular sort of refuge whose value to society has been so much disputed. In our country and day infant asylums give shelter not only to the foundling, but also to children (under seven years of age) taken by authority from depraved parents and environment, and to the orphans of honest fathers and mothers who have no kins¬ folk able or willing to give them a home. Besides these there is the “ half-orphan,” whose father or mother, as the case may be, is obliged to board the child with the Sisters in order to continue bread-winning. These are the classes of little ones cared for by the infant asylum, with whose work I am most familiar,—that under the management of the Sisters of Charity in Buffalo. There is, moreover, in the same institution a maternity hospital, doing its less-known but ever-blessed work of preservation and reformation * On account of the death of her father, Miss Cronyn was unable to attend the Conference in person, but she sent her paper, and it was read by her friend and co-worker, Miss Mary E. Gibbon, of Buffalo, N. Y. 45 46 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. with that quiet and persistent zeal which characterizes the labors- of our religious communities. This asylum, built on property given by Louis Le Conteulx de Caumont, was opened in 1855 with five or six children and three Sisters in charge. Last June the household numbered 120 chil¬ dren, 9 Sisters, 9 nurses, and 50 women in the maternity depart¬ ment. About 100 children are born in the institution annually, and about 15 adopted, a Catholic lady being employed by Erie County to place the little ones in good homes. The majority of unmarried mothers being poor, remain with their children while these need their care. When they go out to work, they pay for the maintenance of their little ones. The total number of chil¬ dren received last year was 336, of whom 160 were sent by the au¬ thorities, 60 by relatives, and 44 partly by friends. The house is not large enough to receive all who apply, “and small children,” said the Sister, who knows all about it, “ require a great deal of room.” The “ Holy Innocents Society, ” an association of ladies who sew and provide clothing for the patients, older and younger, is of material help to the Sisters. The divisions indicated exist, I believe, in all our infant asy¬ lums in this country ; and with the difference of the number to be cared for, to describe one is to describe them all. In that they receive foundlings and afford a refuge to unfortunate mothers who seek to hide the consequences of wrong-doing, all our infant asylums, too, are open to the objections of those whose opposition has been directed against establishments intended ex¬ clusively for abandoned children—the “ enfants trouves ,” in whose behalf St. Vincent de Paul performed such wonders of charity. Forty years ago the subject of child-murder, in its various de¬ grees and aspects, came very prominently before the English pub¬ lic, and was exhaustively discussed in medical and legal journals,, and in periodicals which, like the Dublin Review, represented at once the sternest morality and most considerate charity. Among the expressions of competent opinion called forth at that REPORT OP CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 47 time by the increasing prevalence of infanticide—a crime growing so frequent that the Examiner said England would soon “rival the Chinese people in callousness to infant life ”—was an essay entitled “ Child-Murder in its Sanitary and Social Bearings,” by Dr. William Burke Ryan. To be sure, that was forty years ago ; and we have trustworthy authority for the statement that “ within the last decade or two there has been a wonderful change regarding the value put on the life of children.” Admitting this, what still remains to be feared and remedied in relation to our care of infant life is more than enough to make Dr. Burke Ryan’s words no less instructive and urgent for us than they were for the previous generation. He touches extensively upon the value of child-life in ancient times and in non-Christian countries in our own century. In Phoenicia and Egypt, children, by the thousand, were sacrificed to their false deities. Grecian civilization, betimes so much ad¬ mired and regretted by our neo-pagans of the nineteenth century, disgraced itself by the murder of children, either in honor of the gods, or to be rid of superfluous daughters or weakly infants of either sex. Even Plato and Aristotle, says Dr. Ryan, “lend their counte¬ nance and counsel to the exposure of children and to the procuring of abortion, for reasons of state, wicked as they were short-sighted. Thebes only, of all the Grecian States, held infanticide in detesta¬ tion, and visited its practice with capital punishment. Among the Jews it was unknown until they became contaminated by associa¬ tion with neighboring idolatrous nations. Dr. Ryan infers that it was unknown because “ there was no special punishment awarded to it in the laws of Moses, of whose system the purest morality was the principal object.” Here it may occur to us that a similar reason accounts for the rarely-heard denunciations of this crime from Catholic pulpits. It has been comparatively unknown among Catholic peoples, most especially among the Irish; and where, in Catholic countries of continental 48 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. Europe, poverty, shame, and other miseries have been strong temptations to its commission, for many centuries the Foundling Hospital has existed, rescuing many innocent creatures who would otherwise have perished. Pagan and Christian authorities, says Lecky, are united in speaking of infanticide as the crying vice of the Roman Empire. It is scarcely necessary to tell an audience like this of the fate which awaited a shocking proportion of female infants in Hindu¬ stan and China. Catholic missionaries and English and French travellers have enlightened the world upon this subject. Shame consequent upon not being able to portion daughters prompted the murder of twenty thousand of them annually in Hindustan. So quotes the Review. The Jesuit Fathers were said to have bap¬ tized three thousand abandoned children yearly in Pekin alone; and the Abbe Bergier writes that it was thought that thirty thou¬ sand perished every year. The progress of Christianity and establishment of asylums, and, in the last century, the action of the English government in India, have greatly lessened, in most places abolished, these horrors. The first foundling hospital of which we have any positive rec¬ ord was established in Milan in the eighth century. In the thirteenth century Pope Innocent III. founded the asylum for abandoned infants attached to the Hospital of Santo Spirito on the banks of the Tiber ; and at divers times and places, as the need was pressing, some form of refuge was offered, some means de¬ vised to succor the outcast innocents. To the beginning of the seventeenth century, however, and the influence of St. Vincent de Paul, we most commonly attribute the organization of foundling asylums as we know them to-day. Infanticide was alarmingly prev¬ alent in Paris at that time, while children, whom their unhappy mothers either feared to destroy, or shrank from killing, were ex¬ posed at the church-door or in public places, and taken thence by order of the police to the house of a widow, who was charged to care for them. REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 49 Alms were not abundant, and the children were many. The majority died of starvation, and without baptism. St. Vincent came to their rescue, as he had to the galley slave and to the wretched of every description. The story of his work for the foundlings, his influence in enlist¬ ing the co-operation of noble women, and in legislative enactments, is too familiar to be dwelt upon here. Dr. Ryan insists that foundling hospitals properly conducted tend to check infanticide ; and adds that, even granting one of the arguments used by their opponents to be true—which he by no means admits,—namely, that they encourage greater immorality, this is trivial in comparison to systematic murder. The large number of deaths occurring in infant asylums has also been made an objection by persons who forget that the mortality of such institutions cannot in justice be compared with that of the general community. For the most part the offspring of ill- nourished, or vicious, or diseased parents—sometimes the victims of attempted pre-natal murder,—these poor babies have little or nothing of the resisting power which is a birthright of children who come into the world under wholesome conditions. Abuses no doubt have existed, and do exist; and it is hard to contemplate the little unfortunates on one hand, thrust from the arms that nature intended to shelter them, and on the other, al¬ lowed to die from neglect by those who pretend to rescue them. Recent investigations into the affairs of several foundling hospitals in Southern Italy reveal a mortality of over ninety per cent., and in one important instance, actually of one hundred—besides a general condition calculated to make the modern sanitary scientist’s blood run cold. We need not, however, go so far afield to find a high mortality, or numerous defects in the conduct of in¬ fant hospitals, as the last report of the Board of Charities Com¬ mittee, after their visit to Randall's Island, proves. The Italian institutions mentioned, as well as Randall's Island, .are under secular management. In establishments controlled by 50 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. our religious orders, although these may lack full equipment and abundant means to carry on their work, conditions such as those described in the reports cited are happily impossible. But the mortality in these asylums is a matter of only secondary interest, if, to quote Dr. Ryan again, as may be argued, “ the ob¬ ject of foundling hospitals is not so much the preservation of the lives of children as the prevention of murder : the former object being worthy a heathen people only, the latter object, that which should characterize a Christian nation.” And as before intimated, whatever progress has been made within the last twenty years towards educating the public mind in due regard for infant life and a disposition to give it every protection, fear, shame, poverty, avarice, a growing materialism, and other foes, still conspire against the innocents. New York, Buffalo, and all the large cities of the Union have their yearly quota of foundlings, sometimes living, sometimes dead. “ Infant insur¬ ance ” companies tempt the cupidity of unloving parents, and un- namable practices deprive the unborn of life and baptism. Ig¬ norance of the first Jaws of health, tenement-house life, blows, and starvation, complete in other cases what inherited weakness be¬ gins. The proceedings of the International Congress for the Protection of Infants—which met in Florence in 1896—enlighten us very fully as to the physical and moral evils which afflict these “fortune’s disinherited ones,” and the proposed or non-operative antidotes to the poison of their birth and environment. The priest can tell us to what dangers they are exposed. The physi¬ cian knows how often it is in his power to prevent or permit the destruction of unborn life. And, God be thanked! many and many a baptized child pleads in heaven for the man whose faith, and respect for life, and regard for the duties of his profession, saved it and its mother. And many a rehabilitated woman blesses the counsel which rescued her from despair and from the commission of crime, and led her within the influence of our asy¬ lums. For the majority they are the only refuge of child and REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 51 mother, and their salvation. And not only of the illegitimate and abandoned—of those to whom earth has given “-first, a tarnished name, For heritage, a tainted fame, And cradled them in want and shame,” —but of the honest mothers’ little ones, who die in poverty, but resigned, knowing their childhood and innocence protected. Clearly the need of infant asylums exists to-day as it did forty or two hundred and fifty years, or six centuries ago. And our duty is obvious. The same principles actuate Christian charity whenever and wherever it is found—as the non-Catholic Lecky says, treating this subject in his History of European Morals, and adding: “Whatever mistakes may have been made, the entire movement I have traced displays an anxiety not only for the life, but also for the moral well-being, of the castaways of society, such as the most humane nations of antiquity had never reached. This minute and scrupulous cafe for human life and human virtue in the humblest forms, in the slave, the gladiator, the savage, or the infant, was indeed wholly foreign to the genius of Paganism. It was produced by the Christian doctrine of the inestimable value of each immortal soul. SIXTH PAPER. CARE OF DESTITUTE AND DELINQUENT CHILDREN. By Mr. George B. Robinson, Of New York , N. V. The “ care of destitute and delinquent children” appeals to the sympathy and judgment of all Christian people. The Church has always given its motherly solicitude to the poor and unfortunate, and with its practical equipment and the de¬ votion of its religious and teaching orders, has been ever suc¬ cessful in the work of child-saving and reformation. Although this duty of providing for the dependent and erring has been recognized by all civilized communities, in our own country there has been much legislation, in recent years, tending to improve their conditions. “ State Boards of Charity” have been established, having supervision of public and private chari¬ ties ; co-operation has been sought and encouraged where, before, suspicion and distrust existed. In the State of North Carolina, the constitution declares, “ Beneficent provision for the poor, the unfortunate, and the or¬ phan, being one of the first duties of a civilized and Christian State .... the General Assembly shall appoint and define the duties of a Board of Public Charities,” etc., etc. This is the only State which recognizes this duty in its Constitu¬ tion. It is not too much to expect that many of the States will ac¬ cept this principle in clear terms before many years have passed. 52 report of conference on catholic charities. 53 The question arises, how can the State best provide for the care of these classes ? Of the various methods adopted, that practised by New York seems best adapted to accomplish the object. State Institutions are provided for the insane and other adult dependents, but the destitute and delinquent children are cared for principally in private institutions through “ State ” aid or “ per capita” allowance for their support, from public funds. How do children become destitute ? Through sickness, and death of one or both parents; through loss of work, improvidence, or intemperance of parents. This last ranks first as the enemy of childhood, causes poverty, and brings about evil associations. Where shall the line be drawn between the destitute (depen¬ dent) and the delinquent? The same causes produce both. Neglect of parents, environment, bad associates, cause the des¬ titute to become delinquent. The criminal code of New York does not qualify delinquency. Children found begging, vagrant, disorderly, ungovernable, in bad company or arrested for petit larceny, are committed to institutions; they are classed as delinquents, but only a small percentage of them differ in any way from the average destitute child. If parents possessing fair intelligence and a fair income are una¬ ble to provide better means of education and training than are given their children in most cases, what can we expect from the effects of bad environment and bad education upon children of the very poor? It appears, from the report of the “ State Board of Charities,” that on the 30th of September, 1896, there were 26,808 dependent children and 5,297 delinquents in the institutions and asylums of the State of New York. This seems to be a large number; but it is safe to say that if some of them should be returned to their families or placed in. 54 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. homes more promptly, there are many others who need the care and protection of the institutions. The popular but erroneous opinion exists, that these children can all be placed in homes. The greater number of them are temporarily committed as desti¬ tute to tide over misfortunes of parents. Poverty will not justify the permanent disintegration of the family. Probably 75 per cent, can properly be returned to their parents or relatives within a reasonable time. The institution should have for its object the development of the child, physically, mentally, and morally; it is to be his temporary home, and should be a home as far as possible; it should be a val¬ uable portion of the State’s educational equipment, providing not only a temporary home, but teaching industries, and stimulating to the exercise of the virtues of good citizenship. Without religion there can be no success in efforts to educate and reform the child. Religious instruction , therefore, is to be imparted daily, and at least monthly the children should receive the sacraments. Discipline should be secured by gentle measures as far as possible; kindness and reason generally will control. There are cases where punishment is necessary. Demerit marks and deprival of play are sufficient in some cases; in others in¬ crease of task, or removal from companionship of comrades. If the child proves to be incorrigible, he should be removed from the institution. School should continue through the year. The hours spent in class may be reduced in summer. “Idleness is the parent of every vice.” It has been said that “ no one can lead a truly moral life and be idle.” Industrial training, therefore, is the great aid in this work of ed¬ ucation and reform. Keep the mind occupied through the hands. The child’s interest being paramount, everything useful should be taught, within the means of the institution. To illustrate. In the New York Catholic Protectory boys are em- REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 55 ployed at printing, electrotyping, shoemaking, telegraphy, elec¬ tric lighting, photography, plumbing, steam fitting, harness mak¬ ing, stocking knitting, chair caning, tailoring, typewriting, wood¬ carving, painting, paper box making, baking, cleaning, farming, gardening, and mason work. They are employed also in the engine room, machine shop, carpenter shop, and blacksmith shop. 120 boys are in the band, and 150 boys are in the violin class. I would add the teaching of horticulture and the care of animals. The girls are taught sewing, typewriting, dressmaking, glove¬ making, cooking, laundry work, and domestic work. It would not be amiss to teach them horticulture also. It is well to change the children from one occupation to another, except when a “ trade ” is being taught. Early rising is required, say at five or six o’clock. Retiring early, they will have nine to ten hours of sleep. Recreation and amusements should not be neglected; baseball and games should be provided,—a gymnasium for stormy and cold weather; books and magazines, carefully selected to interest chil¬ dren. Amusements should be permitted on Sunday, also, but not to the extent of disturbing others. Food should be of good materials, well cooked, not extravagant, but abundant. Fruits and vegetables should be plentifully supplied. Clothing should be comfortable, neat, and tasteful, such as chil¬ dren of a respectable laborer would wear. A change should be made for holidays. No uniform should be worn except for military drill. This drill should be extended to all as most helpful in enforcing discipline and developing the child. Much has been said of the unsatisfactory conditions when “ des¬ titute ” and delinquent children are cared for in the same institution. There should be a careful classification, according to character¬ istics and habits; but the name “ delinquent ” does not furnish the ground of separation. 56 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. Each case must be studied by itself. There should be constant supervision by night as well by day. The difficulties in training and educating these “ classes " are no- greater than those encountered with other children. If there is embarrassment—occasionally it arises from the influ¬ ence of family association,—it is a question if our institutions are not too considerate of the parents and relatives who have neglect¬ ed their children, and who sometimes exercise bad influence over them again when they leave the institution. Forfeiture of parental rights is just and proper in many cases. I have very imperfectly reviewed the subject referred to me. As “ Catholics/’ we are quite proud of our institutions. If they accomplish much good, it is because of the great advant¬ age we have over the “ State ” and non-Catholic charities, in our teachers, who for the love of God and the salvation of souls, give their lives to the work. To the “ Christian Brothers/’ to the “Sisters of Charity, of Mercy, of St. Francis and of St. Dominic/’ devoted men and wom¬ en, who reach down to the poor and lowly, and rescue little ones from danger and lead them to a higher and better life, be praise and honor % SEVENTH PAPER. OUR PLACING-OUT SYSTEM.—NEED OF CO-OPERATION AND SUPERVISION. By Mr. James E. Dougherty, Of New York, N. Y. We who are interested in charities, but especially in those per¬ taining to children, have noticed, with regret, the rapid increase in the number of institutions to care for children. For, while we admit the necessity for their existence, and admire the unselfish devotion of the religious in charge who devote their lives to the work and give evidence of that devotion in the results accomplished, we must, nevertheless, upon reflection, deplore the indifference of so many parents to the proper care of their children, and their unwillingness to do their duty to them, thus throwing the burden upon others ; and efforts should unceasingly be made to cultivate a better spirit among them. However, the condition exists, and must be met. If the chil¬ dren are neglected by their parents or relatives, or are deprived of them by death or other causes, charity prompts others to take up the load; hence the necessity for the institution. No argument is necessary to prove that the home, no matter how humble, if it be at all worthy of the name, is superior to any institution; and in those cases where the death or misfortune of the parents throws the care of the children upon others, the ad¬ vantage is on the side of the child who is placed with a family, if a home in a proper family can be secured for him. 58 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. No institution life can at all compare with proper home train¬ ing. I am well aware of the difficulties—perhaps impossibility— to secure homes in families for all who need them. But does that difficulty justify our individual attitude on this subject ? Might we not all ask ourselves the question: “ Are we not indifferent and selfish in these matters?” Practically, most of us think it none of our business, and do not give the slightest aid in the matter, saying in our attitude, if not in our words: “Am I my brother’s keeper ? ” A little unselfish thought devoted to this subject will suggest the possibility of securing, without much effort on the part of anyone of us, many homes in good families for dependent children. Pn this connection, I recall the practice which existed in a very large parish in Philadelphia, years ago. The pastor—who was truly the father of his flock—-selected homes among his parishioners for the children whom God deprived of their parents and natural protectors. I know one family in that parish that in the course of time brought up four orphans successively, thereby bringing a blessing upon themselves and upon the children so brought up. They all turned out well. One became a Sister of Charity, and died a victim of yellow fever in New Orleans, her mission having called her there as a nurse in an hospital. I will not say, however, that this method is practicable for all who are now thrown upon society to care for. It is possible, though, to do more in this direction than is done, and some thought should be given to it. There are some children—unfortunately too many,—whose home surroundings, especially in the congested districts of our big cities, are bad ; and it would be a miracle if such conditions produced good or moral citizens. From this class is drafted a very large number of the children now cared for, and for such •the institution is a necessity, as well as a great boon to society. For, <( As the twig is bent the tree is inclined and strict dis¬ cipline and great care in moral training are found to be necessary REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 59 to eradicate the seeds of villainy from many of those children, and not always with success either. Recognizing the fact that sufficient homes are not within reach at once to provide for even the worthy and good children de¬ prived of parents and homes, and adding to this the fact that so many unfortunate parents neglect or cruelly abandon their chil¬ dren, we must all hail with gratitude to God and to those whom He inspires to care for it, the advent of the well-regulated institution. The vocation that calls forth men and women to devote their lives to the care of children in our institutions is indeed a grand one, and must be very dear to the Sacred Heart of Our Lord, who inspires it: “ Suffer little children to come unto Me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” When we of the world visit any of these institutions, our hearts go out in sympathy to the little ones we see gathered together. We think of our own little ones at home, and if we have any gratitude in our hearts, we thank God for the favor He has shown us in providing our little ones with homes; and we again thank Him for the substitutes He has provided for the parents of these others. The one prominent thought around which all the others cluster is: Home. The sympathy for the little inmates was first aroused because of their lacking in all that the word home implies, and the institution has been provided to afford them a substitute for it. The religious in charge of them replace the natural protec¬ tors—their parents. That is the motive that prompts the care of them, and the inspiration must come to every true religious in such a house, that he or she must try to do the parent’s duty to the little ones under them, and, doing it, they know they will best please Almighty God, whom they are serving. Naturally, then, their thoughts must revert at times to their own homes ; and as the magnet attracts the needle to the pole, so does home and the thoughts of it attract them to the little ones, in each 60 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. of whom they see the image of our Saviour ; and they aim to fit them to ultimately—each for himself—develop and bring a blessing on his own home. Life in the institution is but a temporary and a short one for the child. It is, as it were, a bridge upon which he treads to reach his place in the outer world in the home he is destined to occupy, where he is to fulfil his duties to society ; and if he be true to God and to- the training he has received, to reflect credit upon his Alma Mater. Here crops out the difficulty of the institution and its directors: how to properly do their duty to their little charges upon send¬ ing them from the institution. The care of the children while in the institution in charge of religious is comparatively easy ; but the problem to be solved in all of them is : Where to find suitable homes for the inmates upon their discharge, when for them the real battle of life is to begin. Some people, without reflection, perhaps, or lacking a knowledge of our motives, charge us Catholics with filling the institutions, and with retaining the children in them long after they should be placed out, because of the revenue received from the State for caring for them. This charge is unfounded ; for unfortunately there is no difficulty to gather in new inmates after discharging the old ones ; but the responsibility as to what is to become of them after they go out, is the trying difficulty, and at times causes the retention of children long after the State aid for them has ceased. Why is it that our Catholic families afford so few homes ? It is not hard to answer that question,—at least in part. Our Lord told us that the poor we would always have with us, and a glance at the congregations of most of our churches, especially in the big cities, will show that, while happy and contented, they are not the favored ones of fortune. The proportion of poor to rich is far greater with us than with other denominations, which results in fewer homes for dependent children, and in a larger proportion of children becoming dependent when deprived of their natural care-takers. REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 61 Then, again, our people are blessed with large families, which occupy all their care and energy to provide for, without additions from outside sources. In the country districts the farmers, as a class, are not rich ; but no matter how poor, they are immeasurably better off than the poor in-the tenement quarters of the large cities. They practice charity, too, to a greater extent than we of the cities imagine. No one—in his own circle, hamlet, or village—is allowed to suffer from neglect as in our large cities, where families can live and die unknown sometimes to their next-door neighbor. In the country districts the people know one another ; in the cities, they do not. But even residents of a village or hamlet, although they know, and, if needful, help one another, seldom bestow a thought on the wants of the big,^wide world outside their own section. However, in many cases where their attention has been called to it, and to the dire poverty and necessity that exists in some quarters, they have been quick to respond to the generous impulse that prompts us all when under the influence of our holy religion to “ Love our neighbor as ourselves.” This is shown by the numerous responses from the country to the appeal for a two-weeks* vacation for the city children who ap¬ ply for the benefit of the Fresh Air Fund. The impression pre¬ vailed that there were few or no Catholic homes in the country where the conditions permitted these children to be taken, but an agreeable surprise awaited all who were interested in the work. Just as soon as the facts were made known directly to the country people by those in whom they had confidence and to whom they looked for guidance, viz : their local pastors (who in turn had been personally apprised of the field for good they could thus open up), then Catholic homes were opened, where all our Catholic children who had applied were received and entertained. Would not this experience strengthen the hope that similar zeal, activity, and co-operation, in the search for permanent homes for the out- 62 REPORT OP CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. put from our institutions, would result in like manner success¬ fully? Let us face the reality, and ask ourselves if our failure in this direction in the past has not been through our own faults. Do not many good people think their whole duty done, and even look for commendation for it, if they have parted with a little of their earthly substance, while they refuse to make the slightest personal sacrifice to aid a good work? If we look into ourselves we will find that with most of us it is easier to criticise than to work for a cause, and we even think we are privileged to do it if we have given a little money. That holy and zealous worker in this field of caring for dependent children, Father Baker, of St. John’s Protectory at West Seneca, Buffalo, told the writer that he has no difficulty to find Catholic homes for all the children coming under his care —and he never refuses any child brought to him. But that very word “ find ” implies seek¬ ing. The homes do not come to him. He has to seek for them. And that brings us, in my opinion, to the root of the whole diffi¬ culty in this question. We have not, in the past, properly sought for these homes. If we have not met with unqualified success in our first efforts—or in nearby sections—efforts confined perhaps altogether to correspondence—have we not too often abandoned the search, and resigned ourselves to the conclusion that such homes could not be found ? Admit for a moment that the task is too big to find homes at once for all needing them,—does that justify us in doing nothing ? If we but reflect upon the value of a soul, and consider the re¬ sult accomplished by securing even one home, which, through its in¬ fluence, would save a soul that might otherwise be lost, then will our task of placing out children be easier of accomplishment. For reflection will bring with it the knowledge that effort is nec¬ essary, and that if we start out with the proper motives—trusting in God,—He will surely reward these efforts and supply the home. The secret of success in all such undertakings as these, is for each one REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 63 of us to do his duty in his own sphere, and not to give up the struggle because of the failure of others to do their duty. In discussing this subject, let us not forget the difficulty that be¬ sets the religious in charge of institutions in this search for homes for the placing out of children. They devote their lives unselfishly to their work, with no thought of this world’s goods or of adequate compensation to themselves. They obey a call from God. It is their vocation, and in His own good time He will reward them. Withal it requires the closest economy to manage the institutions. The needs are so great and pressing on every side—and the labor¬ ers in the vineyard are so few, that attention is concentrated on the immediate wants—the care of the institution itself and its in¬ mates, and there is but little means at hand to devote to the very important work of securing homes for the children. Indeed, it is a matter of surprise to the casual observer that we manage our Cath¬ olic institutions so economically, and show such grand results with so little expenditure. Society owes a very heavy debt of gratitude to the noble band of religious in charge of our institutions. To properly do this work of securing homes for the children, the country should be thoroughly canvassed. Correspondence alone will not avail. It requires the personal effort of those interested in the child ta go from place to place and secure the home. The religious in charge of the institutions have the interest and the zeal for this work, but they have their hands full at home, i. e ., at the institution, and cannot be spared for this country-canvassing. There are too few of them, anyway. Is there not some way in which this difficulty can be met, and homes secured for our chil¬ dren? We believe there is; for there are many people who, although not active workers in the field of charity, would lend a willing and a helpful hand to the dependent children, if a way to do it be only pointed out. This subject of the care of dependent children has aroused wide-spread interest, as could be seen at the 25th Na¬ tional Conference of Charities held in New York City in May last. Its section meetings where this subject was discussed were invar- <64 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. iably crowded, while the other section meetings at times attracted very few. We cannot believe that this interest in children is con¬ fined to those who attended that convention. Affection for chil¬ dren, especially for such as are weak and dependent, is born in us all, and continues with us to the end. Now, then, in what way can we aid the active workers in this field of charity? The history of the Children’s Aid Society, and of their great suc¬ cess in placing our children, will help us to answer that question. They avail themselves of the power of organization and co-oper¬ ation. They have, united to themselves most of the non-Catholic elements inteiested in such a work, and the result has been, when seeking for homes, no matter how far distant from their centre of operations, they or their agents were not strangers, and their suc¬ cess was assured almost from the outset. Now we have in our Church the most perfect organization known. Every section has its parish, and we Catholics know how parishes are bound togeth¬ er in dioceses—the structure rising until it culminates in a glorious apex here on earth with our Holy Father the Pope. There is no need of enlarging on this branch of the subject. It suffices to al¬ lude to it to make us all realize that we have the organization. It rests with us to avail ourselves of it. Now, as we have before shown when speaking of our success in the matter of placing out children for the Fresh Air Fund, the channel through which the par- . ish is reached is its pastor. But in many cases the pastors are overloaded, and in any event we have no right to shift a burden from our shoulders and ask them to take it. If we map out a pro¬ gramme whereby we will do our share, and only ask from them their influence to sustain us in what they approve as right, we need have no fears of their failing us. This leads us directly up to the union of parishes through lay representatives appointed by each pastor, and, of course, in touch with them—the united Catholic char¬ ities of which Father Kinkead gave some information yesterday. When this organization is effected—and, thank God! there is REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 05 evidence it will be done soon, —the parish delegate will be a channel through which the homes can be procured. He will be on the i( qui vive ” to secure homes, bringing the subject to the notice of all in his locality—getting his pastor to announce the matter oc¬ casionally, and when he ascertains where a home or homes can be secured, notifies at once the proper official in the new organiza¬ tion. We will then realize the strength and advantage of union and co-operation. While for many of the children homes in the country are most desirable, we are by no means confined to them. A good home anywhere, in the city as well as in the country, will relieve the institution to that extent, and the action of taking the child bring a blessing upon child and adopted parent. But there is more to be done than merely securing a home. By means of the same organized effort (the parish representatives) the children so placed can be followed into their new homes, and as the work required is all in one’s own locality, and where the member is acquainted, the task is not a very onerous one to see that the new home is a proper one. Unfortunately, people at times are found who take the little ones simply for the work to be got out of them, and with no intent to give them a home in the real sense of the word. Surely it would be a labor of love, carrying with it its own reward, for the parish representative to root out any such evil as this, have those heartless people punished, and secure for the child a proper home. Again, the parish representative—working always in conjunc¬ tion with his pastor—could see that the little ones attended church and school, and thus help them at the critical period of their lives. I have already taken up considerable of your time, but the cause is a noble one, and no matter how blunt the instrument that delves into it, some good will come from it. I again urge each one to do what he can in his own circle—re¬ membering, as I before said, that the smallest act in this direc¬ tion of saving the child is pleasing to God. Without burdening ourselves with too much labor, we can co-operate in a systematic 66 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. plan which can, and I trust will, be developed. If we know of a home where a child can be placed, communicate the faot to our parish representative, or to our pastor; and although it is not given to us to realize on earth the full measure of the good accom¬ plished by working for God^s honor and glory, sufficient will be revealed to encourage our weak human nature. The combined ef¬ fort of all working disinterestedly on these lines would astonish the world, and accomplish results of untold benefit to the child, to the institution, and to society in general, thus proving an incen¬ tive to us to keep at the good work, and finally reap the reward that Our Lord has told us awaits all who do their duty to the end. DEAF-MUTES. By Rev. Thomas L. Kinkead, Of Peekskill, N. V. The condition of deaf-mutes is, of all conditions, the saddest,, and deserving of our keenest sympathy. Blindness is certainly a great affliction, but the blind man is not so completely isolated as the deaf-mute. By the gifts of speech and hearing the former is brought into direct contact with the surrounding world. The pleasures of conversation, music, and social intercourse are all within his reach. But the deaf-mute is a stranger to these. While the blind sit in physical darkness, the deaf-mute lives in in¬ tellectual darkness. His source of information is most limited, and his ideas are few. He cannot inform himself ; conversation tells him nothing; he wishes to ask, but cannot; you wish to explain, but he does not understand. Is it not, then, a duty to aid by every means in our power in removing these obstacles to knowledge and happiness of mind and soul? Parents and guardians do not sufficiently realize the need of keeping these children out of schools in which their religion is treated as a superstition. The effect of such influence is worse, if possible, than the teaching of positive infidelity. It becomes the duty of every one to urge this need upon parents and others, and there is no lack of proof. For a trifling expense, a slight in¬ convenience even, or supposed advantage, the children’s religion will be sacrificed. These children are as much exposed to human respect as others; and while they are told they may practise their 67 68 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. religion, all influences are to the contrary, and few will avail them¬ selves of the apparently proffered privilege. They are unable to learn even the most ordinary truths of moral teaching from the persons surrounding them. Some seem to think these children can learn their religion after they have acquired an education,—but will they be disposed then? Will they find a priest capable of instructing them? If a priest not familiar with their language has to depend entirely upon writing for the instruction he imparts, the progress must be slow and discouraging to both. Deaf-mutes are accus¬ tomed to deal only with the concrete, and when one undertakes to explain the abstract, especially the mysteries of religion, the task becomes most difficult. It seems they can get ideas of the ab¬ stract only by their sign language, and comparatively few know it. Again, they have been taught to place so little value on religion that they are not willing to go to so much trouble to acquire a knowledge of its truths. Neither can they have the influence of their own family, for there are few families in which the mem¬ bers are able to converse with these children of silence. They must live a life of solitude, or find companions elsewhere. They are particularly anxious to find persons who can converse with them and instruct them, and they will go to hear such instruction, regardless of the subject. Hence the ease with which they may be drawn to another religion when opportunity affords. It is found that, individually, deaf-mutes have a religious tendency, and it should be developed in the right direction. Owing to their is¬ olation, this class of the afflicted is exposed to particular dangers which need not be mentioned here. The Church was the first to take up the work of instructing deaf-mutes through her devoted son, Abbe Sincard of Paris, and she should not allow her position to be wholly usurped. Her de¬ voted ones undertake all philanthropical work for the good of the soul. Even her early explorers, as we know, had the same motive. According to the United States census, the number of deaf- mutes in this country is about forty-five thousand. This is not REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 69 the accurate number, as there are certain infirmities that families are unwilling to reveal through a false notion that such will be considered derogatory. Persons conversant with the subject have placed the number at fifty thousand. In some countries the pro¬ portion of deaf-mutes to the population is one in five hundred ; in others, one in three hundred, and even one in two hundred. In this country it is estimated to be about one in five hundred. This, of course, is an average. In some localities the numbers being higher, and in others lower. The first school for the instruction of deaf-mutes in this country was opened at Hartford in 1817. It was called the American Asy¬ lum for the Deaf and Dumb, because it was then supposed to be capable of accommodating all the deaf-mutes in this country. There are now institutions of this character in almost every State, amounting in all to ninety, of which about ten are Catholic. New York has eight institutions, of which four are Catholic. The great majority of Catholic deaf-mutes are educated in State, or so- called non-sectarian schools. It is remarkable that nearly all who receive their education in these schools are lost to the Church. One danger to which the children are exposed in these schools is the ridicule they must bear from their fellow-pupils, so that the Catholic children, little grounded in their faith, soon become ashamed of it, and finally abandon it. Yet there are Catholic chil¬ dren in all these public or private non-Catholic institutions. Be¬ cause the deaf-mutes are scattered over so vast a territory, their number in any locality is small, and consequently they are prac¬ tically lost sight of ; while as a whole, their number is great. Take for example the City of New York. One engaged in the work of their instruction writes that he has the names of five hundred deaf-mutes in and about New York, over three hundred are in three institutions, and in two non-Catholic institutions there are about two hundred, making a total of one thousand. Yet it is cer¬ tain there are more, for new names are being frequently added to the list. 70 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. , Of some ten thousand deaf-mutes attending schools, only about eight hundred are in Catholic schools, and yet it is believed that between thirty-five and forty per cent, of all deaf-mutes are Catho¬ lics. This may be accounted for by the fact that the deaf-mutes are said to be found chiefly among the poor, and Catholics, as a rule, are least blessed with this world’s goods. The sole object of these notes is to bring before the Conference a few facts that may serve partially to enlighten and partially to provoke investigation and discussion. “ What are we doing for the sick and the aged ? ” The Hon. Edward C. Dunphy, of New York, made a strong ap¬ peal for the work being done B by the Sisters of St. Francis in their two hospitals located in New York City. He explained fully and with great effect the wonderful self-denials of the devoted Sisters of St. Francis. How, without regard to color, religion, or race, the sick were taken in and cared for without charge ; how, without any support from State, and very little from city (about $400 annually from the Theatrical Fund), but merely by their own house to house collections, they give the poor sufferers of the big city the ministrations and care of devoted, untiring, and self-sacri¬ ficing religious. Mr. George J. Gillespie appeared for St. Vincent’s Hospital, and after briefly relating its history and work, read the following synopsis from its last annual report : Number of patients in Hospital Jan. 1st, 1897.133 “ ff “ admitted during the year.... 2,372 Total number treated.2,505 Of these, 954 were surgical, and 1,551 were medical cases. Number of patients treated in Accident Ward, but not detained for Ward treatment.1,912 Number of calls responded to by Ambulance.2,464 Of these, 976 were treated in the Hospital, 482 were treated REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 71 at the scene of accident, but not removed, and the remainder were taken to their homes or elsewhere. Number of patients treated in Hospital : Wholly free.1,308 Partly free. 322 Paying full board. 875 Total.2,505 Total number of patients treated in Wards since the opening of the Hospital in the year 1849.,63,128 SOME NEEDED CHARITIES. Mr. Charles Du Ross, Of New York , N. Y., made the following report of the work done by the Catholic Boys’ Association, of New York, N. Y. : During the past summer months, when schools and similar insti¬ tutions have been closed, and active work in many of the charitable institutions of the great City of New York has been suspended, an unpretentious little clubhouse in West 16th Street has had its doors wide open every evening, bidding welcome, to the much-neglected “ street boy.” Yes, we are glad to say we have been able to so arrange it as to make it possible to keep our clubrooms open every evening during the heated term, when, after all, boys on the streets of our metropolis are subjected to as great temptations as at any other season. Two years ago to-day we opened our first clubroom ; small, it is true, but nevertheless very attractive to the boys, with a gymnasium, rather crude, as its principal feature. Our progress since then, though not rapid, has been steady and very encouraging. At the last general meeting of the association a very complete consti¬ tution, prepared by a special committee, was adopted, thus definite¬ ly mapping out our course toward the successful management of the present “ Boys ’Club” and the establishment of others throughout the city. It is now my intention to briefly review what has been done since May last, and I hope that many may feel encouraged to take REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 73 up this work of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul—a great work of Catholic charities. In addition to the gymnasium, we have a library of over 500 vol¬ umes, all of which have been donated ; a room where games, such as checkers, crokinole, etc., are played, and prove to be a source of great amusement; a loft for drill, the practice of a fife and drum corps, and where the boys can indulge in foot-ball and tumb¬ ling. We have also provided two rooms for the holding of classes. Previous to the hot weather, classes in catechism, book keeping, and drawing, and also a debating society, have been founded. We feel that a salutary impression has been made on the scholars, and hope soon to resume our labors in this line, and to receive the hearty support of the boys. We realize that any boy who is willing to make some little sacrifice to educate himself stands a good chance to make for himself, in the large city of ours, a position both lucrative, and respectable, and to become an honor to his citizenship. We have en¬ deavored to provide special entertainments with the view of otter¬ ing, at intervals, some vocal attractions, so that the interest of the boys in their club might not be allowed to slacken. For this pur¬ pose we have used the drill-room, provided for these occasions with movable benches (a donation of a member of the association). A stereopticon lecture was given by Father Dougherty, of the Mis¬ sion of the Immaculate Virgin, on May 20th last. The lecture was both instructive and amusing, and listened to with deep atten¬ tion. On another occasion some ladies and gentlemen kindly helped to make a pleasant evening for our boys by piano playing, singing, and recitals. If one could judge from the noise and hearty applause of the 250 boys present, he would have concluded that the boys had had a very enjoyable time. I am glad to say that the members of the Nativity Conference have kindly promised to pro¬ vide in future an entertainment every month. We were happy to receive this offer, not only on the boys’ account, but also as it shows that our cause is spreading among the different Conferences of the St. Vincent De Paul Society. 74 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES In order to encourage good behavior among the boys, and a just pride in the maintenance of their clubrooms, we have instituted a monthly auction sale. For this purpose tickets are distributed every evening to those present who have not misbehaved. At the end of each month a number of articles are procured, which are then auctioned off, the tickets received during the month being received in payment. These auction sales are very attractive, and often rival the pandemonium of the Stock Exchange. For the purpose of inculcating in these poor boys the spirit of economy and saving, we have established a station of the penny provident fund. This enables the boy to deposit any amount, how¬ ever small, as in a savings bank. So far, the pennies saved by the boys and deposited amount to over $74.00. In the line of amusements, our greatest success has undoubtedly been in the summer outings we have been enabled to give the boys through the kindness of members and friends of the associa¬ tion. In June last, twelve boys were taken by two of the mem¬ bers of the association to Coney Island, where they enjoved a ride on the merry-go-round, a bath in the surf, a stroll on the beach,, and a luncheon on the iron pier. Rev. Fr. Dougherty, of the Mis¬ sion of the Immaculate Virgin, very kindly offered to entertain our boys at Mount Loretta, on Staten Island, on Sundays of the summer months. One hundred and sixty boys profited by the in¬ vitation, going in bands of from 25 to 50 on four different occasions. They were treated royally, and all returned greatly pleased. They had two bounteous meals, a bath in the bay, and a good game of ball in something more than a city street. Through the charity or¬ ganization society one delicate boy spent two weeks on a farm in Florence, N. Y. He was with a Catholic family, and doubtless en¬ joyed every moment of his time, as could be judged from his en¬ thusiastic letters home. During the month of August eighteen boys spent a week at Morristown, N. J. One of the members of the association was kind enough to throw open the doors of his summer cottage to receive them. They were under the direct REPORT OF: CONFERENCE OK CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 75 supervision of himself and family* and on their return were wild with joy at the manner in which they had been welcomed and the splendid time they had had. The good done these boys, both physically and morally, by a stay in the country under auspices so propitious, is incalculable: We are glad to say that our efforts have been rewarded by gratis fying results. The conduct and general deportment of the boys has greatly improved. The use of bad language, so common one year ago, has become a rare occurrence. The attendance at the club during the last four months has been remarkably good, the total number of boys attending, 16,204 ; making a daily average at¬ tendance of 156. I might state here that the attendance of the winter months is fully twice as much as that of the summer months, for which I have just quoted statistics. The attendance for the whole of last year amounts to the grand total, 55,290. The revenue on which we depend to carry on the work is .de¬ rived almost entirely from entertainments and donations. Any person who subscribes one dollar per year may become an asso¬ ciate member of the association. And a person who contributes $100.00 may be elected as a life member of the association. Last year the association maintained the club on West 16th St. at a cost of $1,461.58. This work of boys’ clubs is undoubtedly a great field of labor, and what we need more than anything else, is real active work. We need men who are willing to sacrifice some of their leisure time to lend their assistance in conducting these clubs. At pres¬ ent the outlook is very encouraging, but our success is yet to be permanently established. Our principal need is real active assist¬ ance which can at all times to depended upon. Report of the work accomplished by the Sisters of Mercy was made by Mr. Luke J. Lindon. He detailed the results of their labors in the parochial schools and academies, and in the hospitals, 76 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. work-houses, reformatories, and prisons. His report was supple¬ mented by Mr. George J. Gillespie, who gave a very clear ex¬ planation of the beautiful work undertaken by this devoted Sister¬ hood at the Sanitarium Gabriels in the Adirondacks, of the causes which led to the establishment of the sanitarium, the labors and troubles incident thereto, and the results. Rev. Thomas L. Kinkead read the following Constitution of “ The Catholic Charities Association of the Archdiocese of New York Article I. NAME. This Association shall be known as The Catholic Charities Association of the Archdiocese of New York. Article II. objects. The objects of this Association shall be the promotion and en¬ couragement of all work of Catholic charity and benevolence, and the safeguarding of all interests pertaining thereto, having the sanction and approval of the Archbishop of New York. Article III. organization. Sec. i. In each parish of the Archdiocese there shall be a Parish Representative, appointed by the Pastor, or selected by the Executive Committee with the approval of the Pastor. He shall hold office for one year and until his successor is appointed, or selected. In case of his death, removal from the parish, or failure to perform the duties of his REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 77 office, another Parish Representative may be appointed by the Pastor, or selected by the Executive Committee, in his place. Sec. 2. This Representative shall select four other persons, two men and two women, and shall present their names to the Executive Committee as co-laborers with himself in parish work. If the Executive Committee approve the selection of the four persons named, they, together with the Parish Representative, shall constitute a Parish Committee . If the Executive Committee disapprove of any selection made by the Parish Representative, it shall at once notify him of such disapproval, and the Parish Represen¬ tative shall thereupon present another name, or other name for the approval of the Executive Committee, The four associate members of the Parish Committee shall hold office for one year, and until their successors are selected and approved. The Parish Representative shall be Chair¬ man of the Parish Committee. Sec. 3. The Chairmen of the several Parish Committees shall constitute in each County a County Committee. Each County Committee shall elect its own Chairman and Secretary. Sec. 4. The Chairmen of the several County Committees shall con¬ stitute a Diocesan Co7nmittee. The Diocesan Committee shall elect its own Chairman and Secretary. Sec. 5. There shall be an Executive Committee of twenty-five members appointed by the Supervisor of Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, in the month of September in each year, who shall hold office for one year from the first of October following, and until their successors are appointed. At the first regular meeting of the Executive Committee held after its appointment, it shall elect a 78 REPOET OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. Chairman, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, and the officers- so chosen shall be respectively the President, the Secre¬ tary, and the Treasurer of the Association. Sec. 6 . The Supervisor of Charities of the Archdiocese shall be ex-officio, a member of all committees. Article IV. DUTIES OF PARISH, COUNTY, AND DIOCESAN COMMITTEES. Sec. i. Parish Committees shall meet at least once a month, and as often as they may be called together by their respec¬ tive chairmen, in places most convenient for themselves- Sec. 2. It shall be their duty: a. To work in conjunction and harmony with every duly organized parish society. b. To acquaint themselves thoroughly with all subjects of charity in their respective parishes. C. To refer cases needing attention to the society having such matter in charge, if any such there be. d. To keep an accurate list of all Catholic Charitable Insti¬ tutions, Societies, and Associations in the Archdiocese, and to familiarize themselves with the general scope and pur¬ pose, as well as the methods, rules, and regulations of such Institutions and Societies. e. To keep a list, also, of any other Charitable ar Reforma¬ tory Institutions and Homes, public or private, of which Catholics of the parish may become immates ; and to familiarize themselves, as far as possible, with the general methods and working of such Institutions. f. To keep a list of all members of their respective parishes, whether adults or children, who are inmates of any such Institutions or who have been sent from such Institutions- and placed in Homes, with the cause of their being there, and any other obtainable information which may seem desirable relating to such cases. REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 79 g. To see to it, as far as may be possible, that Catholics of the parish, whether adults or children, who have, or may become inmates of such Charitable or Reformatory Institu¬ tions, or who have been, or are likely to be, placed in homes, shall not be exposed to influences prejudicial to their faith or morals. h. To ascertain what Catholic families, if any, in the parish, are willing, as a work of charity, to accept and care for children, whether boys or girls, who may be sent to them from Charitable or Reformatory Institutions; and to keep the Executive Committee advised of the names and ad¬ dresses of such families, and confidentially, of their character, circumstances, etc., and other matters likely to affect the moral or physical welfare of children commit¬ ted to their care. i. To keep a watchful eye over all Catholic children who have been sent from Institutions and placed in families in the parish, and to see to it, as far as possible, that such children live up to their faith, and are properly treated. j. To report, as often as may be necessary, to the Executive Committee, any fact or condition requiring special atten¬ tion, in order to afford proper relief or assistance to any person or family in the parish, or to correct any existing evil, or abuse, in the matter of charity work. k. To report to the Executive Committee, at least twice a year, the general condition of charity work in the parish; giving in such report, as far as possible, the names of alt members of the parish who are inmates of Charitable or Reformatory Institutions,.and the names of the Institutions in which they are living; the names and present addresses of children who have been placed in homes, anywhere ; and a list of families, if any, in the parish, who are sup¬ porting Catholic children sent to them by Institutions, as charity subjects, with the names and ages of such chil- 80 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. dren, the circumstances of their coming to such families, and their present condition, spiritual and material. Sec. 3. The County Committees shall meet once a month at con¬ venient places in the respective Counties. At such meetings the several parish representatives shall make known to the Committee the work which is being accomplished in their parishes, and confer as to the best methods of promoting and sustaining County Chari¬ ties. They shall report to the Executive Committee, as often as to them shall seem best, the conditions of Charitable and Benevolent Work in their respective Counties, giving such information, and making such suggestions as they may deem proper. Sec. 4. The Diocesa?i Committee shall meet once every three months, and as often as it may be called together by its Chair¬ man, in the City of New York. It shall keep itself thoroughly informed, at all times, as to the work and the needs of all Catholic Charitable Insti¬ tutions, Societies, and Associations in the Archdiocese. It shall call the attention of the Executive Committee to any fact, condition, or need relating to Catholic Chari¬ ties which shall seem to demand attention upon the part of that Committee, and may make any suggestions there¬ on which it may deem proper. Article V. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Sec. 1. The Executive Committee shall meet on the last Monday in each month, and as often as it may be called together by its Chairman. Sec. 2. At the regular monthly meeting of the Committee, held in the month of October, the Chairman shall appoint the following standing Committees, consisting of at least five REPORT OE CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 81 members of each: A Committee on Legislation, a Commit¬ tee on Representation, a Committee on Statistics, a Commit¬ tee on Practical Charities , a Committee on Finance. The Chairman of the Executive Committee shall be, ex-officio, a member of all standing Committees. Sec. 3. The Executive Committee shall supervise, and have the general management of, the work of the Catholic Chari¬ ties Associations. Sec. 4. It shall receive and give proper consideration to all re¬ ports and communications from Parish and County Com¬ mittees, and from the Diocesan Committee ; and all such reports and communications shall be placed on file. Sec. 5. Any subject, properly brought before the Executive Com¬ mittee, may be discussed and acted upon in full Com¬ mittee, or be referred to the proper standing Committee for action, as the Executive Committee may decide. Sec. 6. It shall render all proper assistance to the Parish and County Committees when called upon by such Commit- ; tees, or their representatives. It may, at any time, call for reports from these Com¬ mittees as to their work, and for information regarding matters in their respective parishes, or counties, which are properly within the cognizance of the Executive Com¬ mittee. Sec. 7. Members of the Executive Committee may be present at any of the meetings of the Parish or County Commit¬ tees, but shall take no part therein, except when invited to do so by the Parish Representative, or the Chairman of the County Committee. Sec. 8. The Committee on Legislation shall, whenever occasion requires, exert its utmost efforts to prevent any legisla¬ tion inimical to the rights of dependent Catholics, or of Catholic Charitable Institutions or Associations. It shall advocate whatever conserves those rights, and shall be 82 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. generally charged with all matters pertaining to legisla¬ tion which may directly or indirectly affect them. Sec. 9. The Committee on Representation shall endeavor to have the Association represented, by at least one member of the Association, in every non-sectarian charitable asso¬ ciation within the Archdiocese, and in such other asso¬ ciations and societies as may be deemed advisable. Each representative shall make it his duty to be present at the meetings of any association or society of which he is a member, to study the works and methods thereof, and report to the Executive Committee whatever seems best calculated to promote the efficiency of Catholic Charitable work. Sec. 10. The Committee on Statistics shall obtain, and preserve in proper form, full information concerning all Charitable In¬ stitutions, Societies, and Associations, within the Archdio¬ cese, subject to the direction of the Executive Committee. Sec. 11. The Committee on Practical Charities shall be especially charged with the duty of assisting the Parish and County Committees in their work. They shall put themselves in communication with all Catholic Charitable Institutions, Societies, and Associations in the Archdiocese, either by calling personally, or corresponding with them. They shall keep themselves fully advised as to the char¬ acter, methods, and resources of all such Institutions and Associations, and their ability to render assistance in any case, as well as their rules and regulations; so that they may at all times be prepared to give any proper informa¬ tion and assistance to the Parish and County Committee relating thereto. They shall obtain from the Parish Committees a list of Catholic families in their respective parishes, who are will¬ ing and competent to support and care for one or more children who may be sent to them. REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 83 They shall see to it that all Charitable and Reformatory Institutions in the Archdiocese, who, from time to time, may be seeking homes for children under their care, are furnished with a list of such families and their addresses, and that Catholic children sent from such Institutions are placed only in suitable Catholic homes. Sec. 12. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Finance to sug¬ gest ways and means for raising any necessary funds for carrying on the work of the Association, and to carry them into effect with the approval of the Executive Com¬ mittee. Sec. 13. The Executive Committee shall prepare and issue a cir¬ cular letter, or pamphlet, and shall revise or amend and reissue the same as often as circumstances may require, giving a list of Charitable Catholic Institutions and Asso¬ ciations in the Archdiocese, their officers and their loca¬ tions, a statement of their general character and purpose, how their assistance in any case may be obtained, and such other information relating thereto as may be useful to Parish and County Committees. Such circular may also contain any information upon the law relating to public and private charities which the Executive Committee may deem of service to members of Parish Committees. It shall contain the Constitution of this Association, with the names and addresses of the Ex¬ ecutive Committee and of the Parish Representatives. Article VI. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS. Sec. i. In addition to the Regular Membership of this Associa¬ tion, as provided for in Article IIP, there shall be an As¬ sociate Membership. Sec. 2. The Executive Committee may, at any of its meetings 84 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. bv a majority vote, elect as an Associate Member any person proposed by any regular member of the Associa¬ tion. Sec. 3. Associate Members shall not be required to perform any active work, but their voluntary offer of assistance may, in the discretion of any of the Committees, be accepted; and in the performance of such voluntary duties they shall be considered as associate members of such Committees. Sec. 4. The annual dues of Associate Members shall be ten ($10) dollars, to be paid on October first of each year. Article VII. ANNUAL MEMBERS. Sec. 1. There shall be an Annual Public Meeting of all the Reg¬ ular and Associate Members of this Association. Sec. 2. At the Annual Meeting the Executive Committee shall present a summarized statement of the work of the Asso¬ ciation for the previous year, and of the existing condi¬ tions of Catholic Charitable and Benevolent Work throughout the Archdiocese. Sec. 3. At such Annual Meetings papers may be read, and addresses delivered, upon subjects pertaining to public and private charities, and to Reformatory work; and discus¬ sions may be had thereon. Article VIII. AMENDMENTS. Sec. i. This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of all the members of the Executive Committee. Sec. 2. No amendment to the Constitution shall be voted upon, unless it has been offered at a previous meeting of the Executive Committee, and copies of the proposed amend¬ ment have been sent to all members of that Committee at least one week before it is to be voted upon. Closing Remarks by Rev. Thos. L. Kinkead, Of Peekskill, N. Y. Called upon to make a few closing remarks, I find it difficult to choose between the important subjects discussed by this Conference, hence I may be pardoned if, following the order of our program, I touch briefly on them all. We have learned, I am sure, from the excellent papers read, that no one need be out of employment in the field of charity. Moreover, the recompense is great and the pay sure. We have heard of the need of organization. Every¬ thing in our day, it seems, is accomplished through organization. And if we seek best results in our permanent charities, we, too, must have organization. The Laws of the State in regard to charities are, we have seen, somewhat complicated, not indeed through any design to make them so, but through a constant tendency to new legislation. The nurseries and boys’ clubs preserve the integrity of the family, and the family is of divine origin. Children should be maintained in their own homes, if possible, and only when these homes become unfit for them should they be removed to places of physical and moral safety. A little effort devoted to the reformation of unworthy parents might prove a most effectual means of befriending their children. Out-door relief will, we know, in some degree be always necessary, but every precaution should be taken to prevent its fos¬ tering pauperism. The unjust steward said: “To dig, I am not able; to beg, I am ashamed.” His plea might be truthfully reversed by some seeking aid in our day. We have listened with increasing attention to the reports of our 85 86 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. Foundling and Infant Asylums, but what report can give an ade¬ quate idea of their life-saving and soul-saving work ! Their records are in heaven rather than on earth. From the paper on dependent children we cannot fail to learn how much may still be done in this department of our charities. ’Tis true our well-equipped institutions are doing a grand work for these children, but that work should be supplemented by an earnest effort on the part of the people to open up to these chil¬ dren, already trained and instructed, the avenues that lead to em¬ ployment and self-support. What better occupation could one find than aiding willing boys and girls to become useful, self-support¬ ing, self-respecting citizens, and faithful members of their Church! We have been touched by the paper on deaf-mutes. Surely they are entitled to our sympathy and our aid. We know with what diffi¬ culty even normal children acquire a clear knowledge of any branch, and most of all, of the truths of faith. How greatly this difficulty must be augumented for the poor defective children of silence! The aged have a special claim on our sympathy, for we are ap¬ proaching their condition. Every reasonable comfort should be given them. It must be a sore trial for the respectable aged poor in an almshouse to live in daily intercourse with life-long va¬ grants and broken-down outcasts of society. Any classification, public or private, that would help to remove that portion of their misery, would indeed be a blessing to the worthy poor. We are reminded by our program under the title, “Some Need¬ ed Charities,” that there are even new fields of labor for the earnest and willing. We should bear in mind that the obligation of prac¬ tising the spiritual and corporal works of mercy rests proportionately, according to their abilities, upon all the faithful; and if those conse¬ crated to God have assumed the great burden of the work, they should not be left to bear it alone. Be not content with giving a little alms; personal service joined to your alms, or even without them, will endear you to the poor. When the good Samaritan came upon the wounded man, as told REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 87 in the holy Gospel, it was after a Priest and a Levite had passed him by. Men, presumedly religious, closed their eyes to a brother’s distress, while a stranger gave the needed relief. Our works of charity should, as far as is consistent with their character, be secretly done, and aid should be given promptly. It is necessary to be prudent and wise—to be even cautious in our char¬ ity; but is it not better to be deceived sometimes than to be unchar¬ itable always ? In conclusion, let us hope that the good work so well begun by this Conference may find many advocates at the Summer School of America. CHARITY AND CIVIL GOVERNMENT. Address by Hon. Robert W. Hebberd, Secretary of the New York State Board of Charities. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen :—Allow me to thank you most cordially for your exceedingly kind and courteous invitation to address the Conference of Charities connected with The Catholic Summer School of America on the subject of “ Charity in its Relations to Civil Government,” which had been chosen as the theme of the late Senator O’Connor, who was to have addressed you. I must confess that it was with considerable diffidence that I accepted the recent invitation of your Committee in charge of this Conference of Charities, to speak to you, for I very fully realized that if the great death angel, at whose behest we must all of us bow sooner or later, had not, with his mysterious wand of silence, stilled the voice of your chosen speaker, he would this evening, doubtless, have thrilled you with his eloquence of language, while I must be content with seeking to interest you for a short time only in a merely commonplace way. When I reflected, however, as I told the Secretary in my answer, that a Conference of Charities must be essentially charitable, I decided to come. Before proceeding to speak on the subject assigned to me, I want to tell you that I have attended each session of the Conference, and have greatly enjoyed and profited by the speeches and discus¬ sions. The Committee seems to have been unusually successful in the arrangement of its session program. Already, during the year, I had attended two somewhat similar gatherings: one the National Conference of Charities and Correction, , 88 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 89' held at New York in May, and the other the Annual Convention of the County Superintendents of the Poor of this State, held at Niagara Falls in June. At both of these meetings the Catholic charities of the State were ably represented, the delegation to the first-named meeting being especially large and impressive. At it the Chairman of this Conference had the honor of being elected to the very important and much-sought-for position of Chairman of the “Committee on the Care of Destitute and Neg¬ lected Children,” of the next Conference, which is to be held at Cincinnati for a week in May, 1899. I hope as many of you as possible will be there to hold up his hands, and to take an active part in the Conference proceedings, as representatives of the Chari¬ ties of the Empire State, which, as I mean to show you later in my remarks, are indeed imperial in their character and extent. This being unmistakably so, I want to make the suggestion right here, for the first time in public, that New York State should have a great State Conference of Charities of its own, following the ex¬ ample of a number of the Western States, which have such Con¬ ferences in very successful operation. As I attend these gatherings I am more and more impressed with the view that it is impossible for earnest men and women to get together and discuss the won¬ derfully interesting problems connected with the administration of charities, without mutually benefiting thereby to a very considerable extent. These opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and opinions serve to broaden the mind, to dispel prejudice, and to enable those who are sincere and disinterested to come to a com¬ mon ground of understanding, and to work together in the inter¬ est of the poor and the unfortunate. The conditions of life among the poor of our large cities are be¬ coming so complex, and the problems growing so great, that this- sort of co-operation is absolutely essential if the best results are to be attained. But now, with your permission, I shall address myself more directly to the subject assigned to me. 90 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. Almost from time immemorial to the present day, but probably never more so than now, Charity has had a direct and positive relation to civil government. You will, I trust, be disposed to pardon me if I go back for a single moment to the time when the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, especially if I assure you that it is my intention to skip a considerable portion of the intervening time. If you will turn to the chronicles in the book of Leviticus, you will there dis¬ cover that Moses, the great law-giver, while leading his people toward that “ Promised Land ” that his weary eyes were never to behold nor his feet to rest upon, by the direct authority of God established in a very practical way, a direct connection between the civil government he had established over the Israelites and the dispensation of charity, for in the 22d verse of the 23d chap¬ ter of the book referred to, we find this law: “ And when ye reap the harvest of your hand, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of the field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God.” Here you will observe that by authority of the civil law, placed upon the old Mosaic statute book by the direct command of God, as we are taught, the children of Israel were obliged to relieve the poor by their direct personal benefactions in a most simple and practical way. You will also please to note that even the “ labor test ” that we hear so much about nowadays when we venture into the domain occupied by scientific charity, was not lacking, for the poor were required to garner their own share of the harvest. It is not impossible that Governor Pingree of Michigan gathered the inspiration, which caused him, when Mayor of Detroit, to start his “ Potato patch plan,” as it is called, by a diligent study of the Scriptures; but this, you will understand, is a mere surmise on my part. I do not speak with any assumption of authority on this particular point. REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 91 It affords me much gratification to be able to testify, as the re¬ sult of my close personal observations for years, that this ancient people, the Jews, vie most successfully with their Christian breth¬ ren in deeds of unostentatious charity, and that in their benevolent administrations they omit neither race nor creed, although, of course, as may readily be imagined, very properly giving especial attention to those of the househeld of their own faith. Since Moses’ day almost every form of civilized government, of which we have ever heard, has either directly or by implication recognized its relation to organized charity in some form or other. All sorts of measures have been advocated, from time to time, and many adopted by various forms of civil government, or at its instance, to improve the condition of the poor. Frequently the remedy, as we are told by history, has been found to be even worse than the disease, and to have caused a vast increase in the number of dependents. For example, in England, in the time of King George the Third, the poor laws of that realm were founded upon and enunciated the theory that it was theduty of the government to provide either em¬ ployment or outdoor relief, as it is termed, for every idle person, with the result that great numbers of the population “ rested on their oars,” so to speak, and degenerated into a condition of will¬ ing pauperism. These laws, after a comparatively brief but most alarming experience, had to be repealed, and the enunciated theory of governmental responsibility, which I have referred to, com¬ pletely disavowed. The accepted theory in England and in America from that historic period of dependency to the present time, although, doubtless, in practice frequently departed from, is that the government is not bound to do for a man that which he ought to be able to do, and is ordinarily able to do, for himself, in the way of getting employ¬ ment ; and if he, being able-bodied, sinks into dependency and seeks public relief, he must accept it under conditions which are, to a considerable degree, unpleasant, and from which, if he 92 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. possesses any true spirit, he will be moved to escape at the earliest moment possible. It will, doubtless, seem to many a sad fact that unfortunate men should be obliged to accept such an alternative, but it has been demonstrated times without number that along this line of theory and action lies safety to the great mass of the people, and that any other course would be fraught with serious and far-reaching dis¬ aster. I am not satisfied but that the conditions of the present day approach, in some degree, the conditions prevalent in the times of George the Third. Owing to the complex conditions of life in our great cities, various forces in the field of philanthropy act and re-act upon each other in a way calculated to cloud the vision of those who are not particularly clear-minded in their observation and reasoning. To me it seems reasonably apparent that if private charity so supplements public charity, or vice versa, as to produce conditions of relief giving which are in opposition to the principle I have enunciated, the result will be almost as harmful to the State as if public relief giving lapsed again into the old and hurtful methods to which I have referred. Hence the necessity of clear judgment in charitable work, and closer co-operation, not only between public and private charity, but between all administrations of charity, to the fullest extent that can be made practicable. Such co-operation need carry with it no sacrifice of any sound principle, but should, to the contrary, by the sentiments of mutual respect and toleration likely to be engendered, go far towards re¬ moving prejudice, and preventing injustice of various sorts which I need not take your time by attempting to describe. In our own country and State, the relations between charity and civil government may be most clearly recognized. One of your own creed, as many of you of course know, the Hon. John Tracey, brother of General Charles Tracey of Albany, up to the time of his decease, somewhat over a year ago, most acceptably filled the REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 93 position of Superintendent of Charities of the District of Colum¬ bia, being appointed by the representatives of the national govern¬ ment for that purpose. At the National Conference of Charities and Correction, held in New York, to which I have referred, the Hon. William R. Stew¬ art, President of the Conference (and President of the New York State Board of Charities as well), took as the subject of his open¬ ing address: “The Duty of the State to the Dependent and Erring and some of his remarks seem so pertinent to the subject under consideration this evening, that I am tempted to repeat them to you, and with your permission will undertake to do so. In the course of his address, President Stewart said : “ The organic law of every State should explicitly acknowledge the ob¬ ligation of its people to make provision for the destitute, insane, idiotic, feeble-minded, deformed, and epileptic, and the delinquent or criminal. The State owes no higher duty than the protection of its citizenship from the dangers and pollution incidental to the unrestrained commingling of these defectives with the people generally ; nor is there a greater evil than the increase of their kind. Wise public policy requires that, for these un¬ fortunates, uniform and suitable custqdial care or restraint should be pro¬ vided by the State. The destitute blind and deaf, whose education, by reason of their deprivation of a sense, is rendered difficult and expensive, should also be maintained and educated by the State, in order that they may, by early training and instruction, become self-supporting and intelli¬ gent citizens. “ There should be no delay until abuses in private, municipal, or county administration enforce the extension of State care. Before the need has arisen the duty should be acknowledged, and the promise given, that the State will assume the care of all the classes of unfortunate or defective people named whose relations are unable to make suitable provision for them. “ By the Revised Constitution, adopted in 1894, the State of New York, for the first time, assumed in the fundamental law the duty of State super¬ vision for the defective and destitute, insane and criminal, by directing the Legislature to provide for State Boards or Commissions of Charities, Lunacy, and Prisons, to visit and inspect all institutions for the depend¬ ents, or delinquents, in the State. Subsequent legislation, enacted pursuant 94 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. to the authority of the Constitution, further provided that all county, muni¬ cipal, and private charities should be subject to the supervision of the State Board of Charities. For many years previous State care had been generously extended to the insane, idiots, feeble-minded, and other unfort¬ unates, while for the juvenile or older offenders and more hardened crim¬ inals, State Reformatories and Prisons were established when required. “ By more recent legislation, the State of New York has also made pro¬ vision for destitute veterans, Indian children, and for epileptics, on a farm known as ‘Craig Colony,’ so named in recognition of the public services to humanity of the late Oscar Craig, of Rochester, formerly President of the New York State Board of Charities, and Vice-president of the Seventeenth National Conference of Charities and Correction. This colony was estab¬ lished in 1894, and is the only one of its kind in the United States. In passing, a tribute should be paid to Ohio, the first State to undertake the care and treatment of epileptics, in an asylum exclusively for the reception of persons afflicted with this mysterious disease, opened in 1893. Massachus¬ etts, California, and New Jersey have since taken steps in the same direction. “ While, therefore, advanced ground has been recently taken by the State of New York on the subject of State care for the dependent classes, it as yet only inferentially recognizes this duty, by the direction to the Legislature to make provision for the three supervisory Boards named. That the consideration of this constitutional obligation is important, maybe demonstrated by the fact that, in no State Constitution is the obligation of the State to provide for the dependent clearly admitted, except in that of North Carolina, which, by Article 11, Section 7, declares : ‘Beneficent pro¬ vision for the poor, the unfortunate, and orphan being one of the first duties of a civilized and Christian State, the General Assembly shall, at its first session, appoint and define the duties of a Board of Public Charities, to whom shall be intrusted the supervision of all charitable and penal institu¬ tions, and who shall annually report to the Governor upon their condition, with suggestions of their improvement.’ All honor to North Carolina, who has pointed out this duty to her sister States. “'The Constitution of Nebraska, by Section 19, provides that : ‘ The com¬ missioner of public lands and buildings, the secetary of state, treasurer, and attorney-general, shall form a board, which shall have general supervision and control of all the buildings, grounds, and lands of the State, the state prison, asylums, and all other institutions thereof, except those for educa¬ tional purposes ; and shall perform such duties, and be subject to such rules and regulations, as may be prescribed by law.’ REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 95 “ The Constitution of South Dakota, by Article 14, Section 14, declares what the charitable and penal institutions shall consist of, and by Section 2, directs that: ‘The State Institutions provided for in the preceding section shall be under the control of a State Board of Charities and Correction, under such rules and restrictions as the Legislature shall provide ; such Board to consist of not to exceed five members, to be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, and whose compensation shall be fixed by law.’ “ The Constitution of Wyoming, in Sections i8and 19, provides, under the caption, Charitable and Pe'nal Institutions : ‘ Such charitable, reformatory, and penal institutions as the claims of humanity and the public good may require, shall be established and supported by the State, in such manner as the Legislature may prescribe. They shall be under the general super¬ vision of the State Board of Charities and Reform, whose duties and powers shall be prescribed by law.’ The property of all charitable and penal in¬ stitutions belonging to the Territory of Wyoming shall, upon the adoption of this constitution, become the property of the State of Wyoming, and such of said institutions as are then in actual operation shall thereafter have the supervision of the Board of Charities and Reform, as provided in the last preceding section of this article, under provisions of the Legisla¬ ture.’ “No State has reasonably fulfilled its duty to the dependent, which has not only acknowledged this duty in the organic law, but has also established in such law supervising Commissions of Charities, Prisons, and, if need be, of Lunacy. Adequate State supervision should be thus provided for, and removed from the uncertainties of legislature action. Only the five States already named have taken this step. Sixteen other States have by statute established supervisory Boards under various titles. Twenty-four States, among them several of our oldest and most populous, have as yet intrusted a Commission to no Board, to see that their wards are suitably cared for and protected. The number establishing Commissions is, however, in¬ creasing, and the hope is expressed that the thirtieth assemblage of this body will be participated in by delegates of State Boards from every State.’’ The facts thus stated by President Stewart give evidence, in a general way, of the official relations which various States of our Union hold towards the charities which operate within their borders. These relations, however, are by no means of a uniform REPORT OE CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 96 character, but differ in almost every State. Some have great powers, amounting almost, if not quite, to absolute control over the public institutions of charity, with no authority over the pri¬ vate charities. Others have moderate powers, covering in their authority public and private charities as well, our own State find¬ ing itself in this latter class. The State Board of Charities of the State of New York was or¬ ganized in 1867, but was not the pioneer—Boards having been or¬ ganized in Massachusetts and Ohio prior thereto. Its powers were at first comparatively limited, but have gradually been enlarged as the State has grown in size, and the conditions of life within it have become more complicated, until now the powers and responsibilities devolved upon the Board are relatively very great. These powers and responsibilities are derived from Sections 11 to 15 of Article VIII. of the Revised Constitution of the State, from Chapters 546 and 225 of the Laws of 1896, known respectively as the State Charities Law and the Poor Law, and from various other statutes. In passing, let me say that the ex¬ tracts from the Constitution, the laws referred to and the rules and by-laws of the Board, have all been published in a Manual of con¬ venient size, which I shall be glad to send to any one sufficiently interested to send me a request for the same. These powers, while great, are intended to be used in a careful and conservative manner, and the Board so purposes to have them used by its agents at all times. The Board consists of twelve members, appointed by the Gov¬ ernor with the advice and consent of the Senate, each judicial dis¬ trict of the State—there being eight such districts in all—-contribut¬ ing a member, while three additional are appointed from the county of New York and one additional from the county of Kings, because of the great excess of the charitable work of these counties as com¬ pared with the rest of the State. A Board of this size affords opportunity for the due represen¬ tation, by membership therein, of all the more important interests REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 97 of the State, and such interests owe it to themselves and to the State that their representatives shall be selected with the utmost care, and because of the sterling qualities of manhood which they possess. The Board is practically an unpaid commission, although, in recognition of certain provisions of the Constitution, each Com¬ missioner is allowed to receive compensation to the amount of ten dollars for each day’s attendance at meetings of the Board or of any of its Committees, not exceeding in any one year the sum of five hundred dollars. The necessary expenses of the Commission¬ ers incurred in the performance of their duties are also paid by the State. Pursuant to the provisions of the State Charities Law, the general powers and duties of the Board are as follows: 9.—“ The State Board of Charities shall visit, inspect, and maintain a general supervision of all institutions, societies, or associations which are of a charitable, eleemosynary, correctional, or reformatory character, whether state or municipal, incorporated or not incorporated, which are made sub¬ ject to its supervision by the Constitution or by law ; and shall 1. “ Aid in securing the just, humane, and economic administration of all institutions subject to its supervision. 2. “ Advise the officers of such institutions in the performance of their official duties. 3. “ Aid in securing the erection of suitable buildings for the accommoda¬ tion of the inmates of such institutions aforesaid. 4. “ Approve or disapprove the organization and incorporation of all institu¬ tions of a charitable, eleemosynary, correctional, or reformatory character, which are, or shall be. subject to the supervision and inspection of the Board. 5. “ Investigate the management of all institutions made subject to the supervision of the Board, and the conduct and efficiency of the officers or persons charged with their management, and the care and relief of the in¬ mates of such institutions therein or in transit. 6. “Aid in securing the best sanitary condition of the buildings and grounds of all such institutions, and advise measures for the protection and preservation of the health of the inmates. 7. “Aid in securing the establishment and maintenance of such industrial, 08 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. educational, and moral training in institutions having the care of children as is best suited to the needs of the inmates. 8. “ Establish rules for the reception and retention of all inmates of insti¬ tutions which, by section fourteen of article eight of the Constitution, are subject to its supervision. 9. “ Investigate the condition of the poor seeking public aid, and advise measures for their relief. 10. “ Administer the laws providing for the care, support, and removal of State and alien poor and the support of Indian poor persons. 11. “ Collect statistical information in respect to the property, receipts, and expenditures of all institutions, societies, and associations subject to its super¬ vision, and the number and condition of the inmates thereof, and of the poor receiving public relief." Quite an extended program, as may readily be seen. The law in question also provides that the institutions subject to the supervision of the Board may be visited and inspected by the Board or any member, officer, or inspector duly appointed by it for that purpose, at any and all times, and that “Any member or officer of such Board, or inspector duly appointed by it, shall have full access to the grounds, buildings, books, and papers relating to any such institution, and may require from the officers and persons in charge thereof any information he may deem necessary in the discharge of his duties. The Board may prepare regulations according to which, and pro¬ vide blanks and forms upon which, such information shall be furnished, in a clear, uniform, and prompt manner, for the use of the Board. No such officer or inspector shall divulge or communicate to any person without knowl¬ edge and consent of said Board, any facts or information obtained pursuant to the provisions of this act; on proof of such divulgement or communication, such officer or inspector may at once be removed from office. The annual reports of each year shall give the results of such inquiries, with the opinion and conclusions of the Board relating to the same. Any officer, superin¬ tendent, or employee of any such institution, society, or association who shall unlawfully refuse to admit any member, officer, or inspector of the Board, for the purpose of visitation and inspection, or who sfiall refuse or neglect to furnish the information required by the Board or any of its members, officers, or inspectors, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and subject to a fine of one hundred dollars for each such refusal or neglect. The right and powers hereby conferred may be enforced by an order of the supreme court REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 99 after notice and hearing, or by indictment by the grand jury of the county, or both.” Section 14 of the State Charities Law, in the following lan¬ guage, provides for the correction of abuses, defects, or evils which may be discovered as a result of the visitation and inspection pro¬ vided for by the statute : “The State Board of Charities shall call the attention of the trustees, directors, or managers of any such institution, society, or association subject to its supervision, to any abuses, defects, or evils which may be found therein, and such officers shall take proper action thereon, with a view to correcting the same, in ac¬ cordance with the advice of such Board.” Thus you will note that the law provides (first) a plain and direct method of discovering the existence of wrong conditions, and (second) an equally plain and direct method of remedying them. There are, doubtless, many who are frequently led to wonder by what authority, and in accordance with what principle of govern¬ ment, the States exercise supervision over private charities, and especially over those which do not receive any public money. It, therefore, seems to me not inappropriate at this time to attempt to explain briefly something with relation to the source of this au¬ thority and the govermental principle involved. In the first place, under our theory of government the State, subject only to the provisions of the Constitution of the United States, is, in temporal matters, supreme over all within its juris¬ diction—otherwise it would not be the State,—and has authority to exercise certain powers, commonly known as “police powers," by which, to quote from a judicial decision which I have selected from a number of others because it is brief and comprehensive, “ The health, good order, peace, and general welfare of the com¬ munity are promoted.” In turn, because it is the theory of the government of this State, a theory derived as the fruit of long experience, I may say, that 100 REPORT OE CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. the general welfare of the community will be promoted thereby, the powers I have described are conferred upon and exercised by the State Board of Charities. It is certainly conducive to the welfare of the community (of which so many members, as we shall presently see, are applicants for charitable assistance of one form or another) for some respon¬ sible authority in the State to make certain that the inmates of charitable institutions receive proper care, that those capable of re¬ ceiving instruction be given the benefits of an education, and that moneys donated for the relief of the poor be judiciously used. Further than this, it is to be assumed that no institution of charity, which is properly conducted, need have anything to fear because of the visitation, inspection, and supervision provided by law ; while on the other hand it is difficult to imagine how any honest interest in the State can possibly be benefited by the con¬ cealment of evils and abuses in such institutions. It gives me pleasure to be able to state—not as anything at all strange, however—that I have never heard of any of our Catholic Charities seeking to evade, in any way, the due operation of the laws to which I have referred. A power which is frequently exercised by the Board with most beneficent results, in my opinion, is the authority to approve or disapprove of the incorporation of institutions, societies, and as¬ sociations for alleged charitable purposes, thereby preventing many from enjoying the benefits of a corporate existence, or any exist--- ence at all in many cases, when it is evident that they would be controlled by mercenary or other improper motives. In this way many irresponsible and impossible ” persons are prevented from embarking in a career of more or less professional philanthropy, and of frequently having some portions of the human society in this State more or less by the ears. New York State is comparatively free from the operations of unfit persons in the field of organized or institutional charity, but from my personal knowledge of the eagerness with which such REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 101 persons have in times past sought to invade the domain of philan¬ thropy for private gain, I am satisfied that far different conditions would have prevailed had not the State set up the safeguard bar¬ riers to which I have referred. The field of human emotions has a wide and varied range, but there are some domains where sense should ever remain supreme over sentiment. One such field is that which embraces the care, custody, and disposal of dependent children. A number of those here present are personally familiar with the efforts made by the Board last Winter to put an end to the evils and abuses frequently incident to placing of children in family- homes, where such work is carried on by persons imbued with a hope of pecuniary gain, and barren of the true philanthropic spirit. In its report to the Legislature of the present year, the Board dwelt at length upon this subject, concluding with the following statement : “ Some sincere friends of the placing-out movement seem possessed of the fear that to require its work to be conducted under rules and regulations, no matter how just and reasonable they may be, nor how easily complied with by well-intending people, will result in discouraging work of this na¬ ture; but this Board does not believe that a principle so vital is likely to be shrivelled by the requirement that, the work whereby it is given practical effect, be conducted in a decent and orderly manner. On the contrary, the Board considers that the evils, abuses, and resulting scandals connected with the present unregulated methods of placing out children, have much to do with retarding the progress of this beneficent form of philanthropic work. “ It is also intimated that an aroused public sentiment would be more ef¬ fective than legislation; but the history of the world has shown, and is show¬ ing daily, that to correct great wrongs public sentiment is,most effective when crystallized into the form of practical and efficient laws, and that without these it is well-nigh impossible to repress evils arising from the cupidity or the brutality of man. For example, witness the beneficent ef¬ fects of the laws to protect children and animals from cruelty, and various other statutes that might readily be mentioned werefurthei evidence neces¬ sary to sustain this elementary proposition. “ The Board has never had in mind any complex or confusing system of 102 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. rules, but should have the power to make and enforce simple requirements framed to end wrongs complained of, examples of which have been given above, without injury to any honest interest in the State. “ It approves, commends, and intends to encourage the placing out of children from institutions into family-homes, but insists that such homes shall be decent homes, that suitable records shall be kept, and that all the rights of childhood and of parentage shall be respected by those who are engaged in a work, laudable when properly conducted, but intolerable when entered into from a purely commercial spirit. This merchandise of. helpless childhood for the purpose, on the one hand, of saving parents from the merited shame of their own misdoings, or communities from expense, and on the other hand, of enriching the coffers of the debased, should no longer be permitted.” After a severe struggle, and with the assistance of, among others, Commissioner McDonough, representatives of the Society of St. Vin¬ cent de Paul, and the Catholic Protectory, the efforts initiated by the Board were successful, and a satisfactory statute was passed, designed to restrict the work of placing out children to reputable and responsible hands, under the scrutiny of the Board, and author¬ izing the Board to direct the discontinuance of such work when carried on in a careless or improper manner. Comparatively few, probably, of even the best informed people, have anything approaching a true conception of the extent of the property, real and personal, which is devoted to charitable uses in this State, nor of the amount of official and organized charitable work which, in the course of a year, is carried on within the bor¬ ders of the State, although almost every one who has had any op¬ portunity for judging must know that the value of such property and the volume of the work are enormous. The State Board of Charities has just completed a compilation of its statistics relating to the charities and charitable work of the State for the past fiscal year, ending September 30th, 1897, and some of the figures are of such great and general interest as to war¬ rant their presentation at this time. These figures, it should be borne in mind by those who consider REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 103 them, are carefully compiled from sworn statement filed with the Board by the treasurers or other officers of the thousand or more charitable institutions, societies, and associations subject to the Board’s supervision, in conformity with the requirements of the State Charities Law and the Poor Law, and are probably in all material particulars substantially correct. Because of the increased powers and obligations devolved upon the Board by the State Charities Law pursuant to the provisions of the revised Constitution, these reports from the public and the private charities of the State, covering the last fiscal year, as I have said, have been collected with more care and thoroughness than ever before in the history of the Board, or of the State, and the picture they present is one, therefore, not hitherto revealed. It shows not only a wonderful and praiseworthy amount of sympathy, effort, and means expended in relieving the necessities of the un¬ fortunate, but exhibits, also, what appears to be a startling degree of dependency in the State, which legislators and philanthropists .should take into careful account. It is to be remembered, also, of course, that the Board’s figures do not include the large amount in the aggregate expended by, nor the numbers relieved through, the thousands of minor church organizations, such as the “ King's Daughters,” “ Ladies’ Aid So¬ cieties,” “ Helping Hands,” “ Sewing Circles,” and other like as¬ sociations too numerous to mention, nor the vast and incalculable assistance rendered through purely personal benefactions. From the statistics it appears that the real and personal prop¬ erty of the institutions, societies, and associations reporting to the Board is estimated to be worth $103,384,554.21—$77,455,064.20 of this being in real estate, and $25,929,490.01 (to be exact) in per¬ sonal property—divided among the various classes of institutions as follows: State institutions. $5,450,953.60 County almshouses. 2,993,930.00 City and town almshouses. 6,842,000.00 104 REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. Charity organization societies. 346,082.01 Day nurseries. 271,416.46 Dispensaries. 1,613,983.17 Eleemosynary—educational institutions. 850,569.07 Employment societies... 171,217.76 Fresh air charities. 479,035.96 General out-door relief societies. 2,274,544.49 Homes for the aged.17,845,107.17 Homes for the blind.,. 244400.00 Homes for children.25,581,350.33, Homes for discharged prisoners. 161,997.75 Homes temporary, for men and boys. 124,340.01 Homes temporary, for women and children. 223.214.45 Homes temporary, for women and girls. 177,252.00 Homes and hospitals for consumptives. 583,000.00 Homes and hospitals for convalescents. 52,700.00 Homes and hospitals for epileptics. 120,000.00 Homes and hospitals for incurables. 1,611,855.60 Homes and hospitals for inebriates. 488,307.70 Homes and missions for immigrants. 2,441,600.00 Hospitals.29,068.051.55 Humane societies. ' 6,600.00 Legal aid societies. 19.715.00 Reformatories for children. 165,578.13 Reformatories for women and girls. 1,618,172.24 Relief for sick poor, societies for. 335,508.00 Schools for deaf. 1,224,691.65 Total.$103,384,554.21 Large as these figures must appear, there are various good rea¬ sons for believing that they do not overestimate the value of the property held by charitable institutions. The chief of these rea¬ sons is, that such institutions have not the weakness of wishing to appear too wealthy, especially when they derive their support from the donations of the charitable. The receipts of these organizations for the year mentioned ag¬ gregated $23,100,880.50, received from the following sources: REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 105 The state.$ 1,527,231.06 Counties. 2,450,628.04 Cities. 5,628,277.24 Individuals for the support of inmates. 1,292,852.65 Legacies. 860,827.27 Membership fees. 424,189.20 Entertainments and benefits. 394,744.23 Donations and voluntary contributions. 2,632,440.14 Interest and dividends. 1,118,232.46 Loans, bonds, stocks, and other investments. 1,184,133.26 Money borrowed. 1,422,047.80 All other sources. 2,356,526.23 Total..$23,100,880.50 It will thus be seen that the aggregate amount of public funds granted for the relief of the poor through these institutions, was much less than the aggregate amount received from private sources—the figures being $9,606,136.34 from the State, counties, and cities, as compared with $13,494,743.16, received through the medium of personal benefactions. The table of expenditures is an equally interesting one, I think, as it shows very clearly, in a general way, where the money goes. The total expenditures for the year amounted to $21,448,362.03, classified as follows, the difference between the receipts and expenditures being the balance on hand : Indebtedness upon real estate, principal, and interest. $7 21,325.29 Other indebtedness. 773,123.66 Rent. 151,209.02 Salaries and wages... 4,147,880.61 Provisions and supplies. 4 . 33 L 342-75 Printing and stationery. 128,214.06 Clothing. 616,421.00 Fuel and lights. 850,339.65 Medicines and medical supplies. 495,803.16 Furniture, beds, and beddings. 328,404.11 Ordinary repairs. 534,881.31 106 REPOET OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. Insurance. 102,900.40 Buildings and improvements.3(263,315.56 Interest on loans. 84,855.27 Investment. 1,642,863.00 Services of collectors in soliciting funds. 27,532.33 General out-door relief to the poor with homes... 226,860.68 Meals and lodgings for the homeless. 28,327.68 Fresh air relief. 20,185.29 All other purposes. 2,972,468.20 Total.$21,448,362.03 The number of inmates in the institutions subject to the super¬ vision of the Board was, on October 1st, 1897, 74,664, divided as follows : State institutions. 6,001 County almshouses. 5,848 City and town almhouses. 7,834 Day nurseries. 198 Eleemosynary—educational institutions. 6,020 Homes for the aged. 5,635 Homes for the blind. 113 Homes for children. 31,127 Homes for discharged prisoners. 97 Homes, temporary, for men and boys. 203 Homes, temporary, for women and children. 172 Homes, temporary, for women and girls. 426 Reformatories for children. 151 Reformatories for women and girls. 1,675 Schools for the deaf. 1,080 Homes and hospitals for consumptives. 116 Homes and hospitals for convalescents. 25 Homes and hospitals for epileptics. 177 Homes and hospitals for incurables. 659 Homes and hospitals for inebriates. 112 Other hospitals. 6,992 Total. 74,664 Large as these figures are, they do not, of course, begin to ap- REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 107 proach the statistics showing the total number of inmates support¬ ed for some portion of the time during the year, for there is a contin¬ ual movement of population in most of the institutions, especially in the hospitals, and the beneficiaries of the year number, accord¬ ingly, many more than those to be found in the census of any given date. The tables of the Board show that the number of in¬ mates received and cared for in the above-mentioned classes of institutions during the past fiscal year aggregated 269,147, quite a little army, as may readily be seen. But these were by no means all that received charitable assist¬ ance, the tables showing that in the dispensaries of the State, most of them being in Greater New York, 1,523,699 persons were treated practically free of charge, the number of prescriptions dis¬ pensed being 2,257,075. Further than this, general out-door relief was given by superintendents and overseers of the poor, relief societies, missions, and other charities to 758,609, making the number relieved by institutions (including hospitals and dispensar¬ ies) societies, associations, and public officials aggregate 2,551,455. It is not to be supposed, by any means, that these figures correct¬ ly represent the actual number of individuals assisted during the year, for there must be an almost endless and unavoidable amount of duplication in the figures given, which cannot even be estimated with any degree of certainty, for it is clear that any given case might have drawn relief from several of the sources mentioned, and would have been counted by each one. In various other ways there is room for much duplication in counting. Notwithstanding this, it must be clearly apparent, from these figures, that an uncommonly large number of the people of this State are, more or less, dependent upon charitable relief, and those well informed upon the subject are inclined to the belief that the unregistered and unreported charity which is bestowed will more than compensate for any duplication that exists in the official figures. A consideration of these facts may well make one wish that our 108 REPORT OE CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. people were possessed of more of the Spartan spirit, and that they yielded less readily to the inclination to accept charitable assist¬ ance. The lesson that I draw is not, however, that we should be less charitable, but that we should exercise greater care and discrimin¬ ation, and not welcome our fellow-men too easily to a life of de¬ pendency of any degree whatsoever. The more thought and the more care that can be put into char¬ itable work, the better are the results attained. At the same time, I hope none of my hearers will become quite so thoughtful and practical in their charity as a lady of whom I heard recently. She was standing in the doorway of her house, when one of the fraternity of wanderers entered the yard. Possibly he was look¬ ing for some of the cryptic signs of his kind on the fence-post. He got down on his knees on the lawn, however, and began to eat the grass. The lady’s sympathies were aroused, and she asked why he did that. The man answered that he had eaten nothing for several days, and had to satisfy his hunger in that way. The lady then very kindly bade him come into the house, and, nothing loath, he quickly consented. Leading him through the hall to the yard at the rear of the house, she said : “ Now, get down there, the grass is longer.” One thought that occurs to me in this connection, is that in every parish of any importance in size in this State, there should be a Conference of your Society, St. Vincent de Paul, which should take all these questions under careful consideration, so far, at any rate, as they related to their respective localities ; and, working in co-operation with the main organization, and with other bodies of citizens, exert an influence towards the better administration of public and private charities that would, I am sure, prove to be of the most beneficent character, and productive of valuable results. I argue this from my knowledge of what that Society has suc¬ ceeded in accomplishing in the City of New York, not so much in REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC CHARITIES. 109 the way of almsgiving alone, but also in the way of influencing pub¬ lic sentiment in the right direction. I may be over-sanguine, but I hope the day will come when men will be chosen to manage public charities solely because of their character, experience, and fitness, and not by reason of any seem¬ ing political necessity. And now, kind friends, with the expression of this hope, and trusting that I have been able to throw some light on the relations which exist between charity and civil government, especially in the State of New York, I will conclude by thanking you most cor¬ dially for your courteous attention. INSTITUTIONS REPRESENTED AT CONFERENCE. Catholic Book Exchange,.120 West 60th Street. Catholic Boys’ Association of the City of New York,.312 West 16th Street. Convent of the Sisters of Mercy in Brooklyn, 273 Willoughby Avenue. Catholic Abstinence Union, The.Church of St. Paul the Apostle, West 59th Street. French Benevolent Society of N. Y.,.320-22 West 34th Street. Home for the Aged of the Little Sisters of the Poor of the City of New York,.213 East 70th Street. Irish Emigrant Society,.51 Chambers & 29 Reade St. New York Foundling Hospital,.175 East 68th Street. New York Catholic Protectory, The.Westchester, New York. Presentation Day Nursery,.317 East 33d Street. Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum Society, The.44 Court Street, Brooklyn. St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged,.209 West 15th Street. St. Francis Hospital,.603 Fifth Street. St. Vincent’s Hospital of the City of New York,.nth Street & 7th Avenue. Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis,.605 Fifth Street. St. Joseph’s Hospital of the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis,.East 143d Street & St. Ann’s Avenue. Society of St. Vincent de Paul,.7 Poplar Street, Brooklyn. St. Agnes’ South Brooklyn Day Nursery,.. .433 Degraw Street. St. Joseph’s Home for Destitute Children,.. Peekskill, Westchester Co. N.Y. Sisters of Mercy,.N. E. Cor. 81st Street & Madi¬ son Avenue.