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 596 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

that the question is merely one of the proper adaptation and application of these laws to a local environment, due considera- tion being given to historical development and to actual conditions. The means of this adaptation are always to be sought in the right kind of organization. This is a matter of such great importance that, in judging of the real worth of a charity or a system of charities, the content of the poor laws and the means at dis- posal are only second or third-class criteria ; a judgment of the worth of a charity must be based first and above all on the nature and character of the organization which dispenses that charity. A good organization, which establishes the proper relation between donor and recipient and judiciously combines public relief and private philanthropy, can produce far better results with only moderate means and in spite of entirely inade- quate legislation than can ever be effected by a poor organization even with the most perfect laws and the most abundant resources ; for neglect of and disregard for the laws and a squandering of resources must invariably result from poor organization.

In the light of these facts the following pages should be interpreted ; in them it is our purpose to give a brief description of that form of organization which, in Germany, is regarded as the most effectual and most judicious at the present time.

II.

In order to understand German poor relief we must call to mind the fact that throughout Germany, with the exception of Alsace-Lorraine, the care for the poor is made a legal obligation. This obligation is enjoined upon communes, municipalities, and communal corporations in such a way that no person, whether he be a German or a foreigner, shall, in the hour of need, be with- out appropriate and suitable aid, wherever he may be. Every com- mune, therefore, has its organization for poor relief (Armenver- band) which must furnish appropriate aid, without any regard to the political or civil connections of the recipient. In order that this duty may not become too heavy a burden upon those localities where the poor and needy are wont to concentrate, the