SYSTEM OF CHARITY
WORK IS CRITICIZED.
CLAIMED THERE IS NEED OF
REORGANIZATION.
Manner in Which Associated Chari-
ties Is Operated Doesn't Meet
With Approval of Some
of Its Members.
Criticism of the manner in which the Associated Charities of Kansas City is being operated at the present time, and an appeal for reorganization, were voiced at a meeting of the Men's club at St. Paul's Episcopal church last night. The heads of the three charities, J. C. Chafin of the Franklin institute, E. T. Brigham of the Helping Hand and the Rev. Edwin Woodruff, in charge of the institutional work of Grace Hall, spoke.
The demand for an efficient organization among the charities of the city was made. It was pointed out, particularly by Messrs. Chafin and Woodruff, and strongly seconded by Dr. John Punton that the present organization was an associated charity in name only.
"There is in charge of the Associated Charities," said Mr. Woodruff, "a man who has many worthy qualities, but his interests are with the Providence Associated, of which he is secretary."
NEED OF LOCAL CHARITIES.
Mr. Chafin said that the most urgent need among the charitable institutions of Kansas City today is a competent Associated Charities.
"The secretary of the present association does not give the attention that he should to that part of his work," said Mr. Chafin. "We have not dared to say anything about it for fear of complications, and I want you men to understand that we have gone further in this matter tonight than we have dared go before. It has been done with the hope that you as a body will take some action in the matter."
Dr. Punton spoke for a reorganization of the present Associated Charities, though he did not refer to the present secretary.
The Men's Club gave the speakers to understand that it would take action in the matter forthwith.
The meeting was arranged so that the work of the Helping Hand, Franklin Institute and Grace Hall might be put before the churchman.
Referring to recent criticism of the Helping Hand, Mr. Woodruff said:
NOT FOR FASTIDIOUS MEN.
"I have been to the Helping Hand and have eaten there. It seems to me that the institution is very well managed and organized. It is a peculiar fact that this criticism comes in summer time when the bums can sleep in the parks, under the trees. In the winter time they all flock to the institution for shelter. It is true that you and I would not choose to sleep at the Helping Hand. Nor does any millionaire tramp have to live in the North End."
The Rev. Mr. Ritchie of St. Paul's church further defended the Helping Hand:
"I have stood in front of the Helping Hand and watched the men come in. They carry an odor about their persons which would not please fastidious men, that is true. But fastidious men need not go there. The work of the Helping Hand is an admirable one, deserving of much credit."
