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 380 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

relatives, however. Such an obligation cannot be enforced against those living in another state. Where the duty extends to brothers and sisters, an exception is usually made in favor of married sisters. And, finally, this obligation is frequently absolved by misconduct, vice or drunkenness on the part of the indigent person. In Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska no rela- tive is nnder obligation to support one who has become indigent through drink or misconduct ; while in Montana, Colorado, Nevada and Washington the duty is, in such a case, limited to parent and child. 1

The duty of support does not rest equally upon all relatives. Where it extends further than to the parent and child, the order in which the obligation devolves upon the several degrees of relatives is sometimes stated in the law. Usually, where the obligation extends to those in the direct line from grandparents to grandchildren only, the matter of who shall pay for, and what each shall pay toward, such support, when enforced through the court, is left to the decision of the court. In the seven states where the duty extends beyond this to the brothers and sisters, it devolves upon them in the order of child, parents, brother and sister, grandchild and grandparents.

When an indigent who has relatives under legal obligation to support him, applies for relief, it is the duty of the relieving offi- cer to secure the enforcement of this obligation through the court. Usually the amount to be paid by the relatives in such a case and the mode of caring for the indigent are left to the decision of the court. In a number of states, however, a fixed amount is forfeited by relatives upon refusal to support, the for- feit being used to assist the indigent relative. 2

In case, however, an indigent has no relatives of sufficient ability against whom this legal obligation of support can be enforced, he is to be relieved and supported by the public.

1 See references given above for these states.

a ln Pennsylvania and Colorado the payment to be made for the support of an indigent is $20 per month ; in Montana, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington, $30 ; in Minnesota #15, and in Alabama, 8. In Nebraska it is not to exceed #10 per week.