y
 

THE SENTIMENTAL SIDE OF THE SLUMS
 

THE needs of the slums, and of those who
live in them, are so many that only the
most crying can hope to find immediate
and substantial relief. The need of food, clothes,
and money is always present in the slums, and al¬
ways so extremely visible that the attention of
philanthropists is easily attracted by it. And so
the many millions which are yearly given to the re¬
lief of the needy go chiefly for the mitigation—not
the abolition—of the most pressing cases.

Even superficial investigation will make one dis¬
satisfied with the equivalent result for the sums
expended; but it would be unjust to ascribe this to
sinister causes. Much money is subscribed uncon¬
ditionally, without requiring an accounting, and,
not considering the exceptional cases of dishonesty
on the part of unimportant newly recruited workers,
every dollar contributed is honestly expended.
However, the pity is that honesty does not always
spell competence, ability, and intelligence, and,
through the absence of these essential traits, much
of the money intrusted to sincere and enthusiastic

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