Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 2.djvu/703

 PUBLIC CHARITY AND PRIVATE PHILANTHROPY 687

will concede that outdoor relief, with well-qualified helpers and visitors, gives the greater assurance of careful investigation and continued surveillance of the environment of dependents, and of their rapid return to normal economic conditions. The advan- tages are these : It is possible to find out exactly what the con- dition of the dependent has been previously, to get a knowledge of his character and of the life he is leading ; to look into his home surroundings and to ascertain the state of health, educa- tion, etc., of himself and of his family. Furthermore, it is much easier to decide whether aid shall be given in the form of money or of provisions, by the securing of work, or by intervening with some private charity. True, the frail and the sick must still be cared for by indoor relief, but not in the workhouse. This prin- ciple of individualization makes it possible, also, to separate the family and legally to prosecute the indigent or drinking husband, while at the same time the innocent family is supported. Under circumstances recourse may then be had to the almshouse. I am of opinion, however, that this should be done only in excep- tional cases; but then this method should be applied with the utmost rigor and severity, every other form of aid being denied. But in order that this be successful, it is absolutely necessary that the almshouse be, in reality, a workhouse, i. e. t maintained solely for persons who will not work, but who can work, and will finally be forced to choose this way of escaping the pangs of hunger. Should they seek to satisfy their wants by culpable means, as begging, stealing, or teaching their children to do these things, they are to be placed in a workhouse by force, or turned over to the civil authorities. The baneful custom of making the almshouse "the charitable catch-all for the com- munity " must be abolished entirely. Especially is it necessary that children, the sick, and the frail be cared for in separate insti- tutions. When aged people are kept in the same institution with indolent persons, there is great danger lest the indul- gence and forbearance necessary toward the former slacken t In- discipline and thus alter the entire character of the place. The reverse may also come true ; the strictness and severity neces-