NATIONAL FEDERATION OF SETTLEMENTS
Dec. 17, 1924.
Dear Miss Addams:
I enclose a letter from Captain Ellis which I should be glad to have returned and also one of the leaflets advertising the international conference of settlements. Miss Coolidge is to be in the city some time next week and will remain for at least a fortnight.
Under the circumstances, therefore, it seems best to call a meeting of the executive committee for January 3rd. Miss Vittum telegraphs that she can be in New York on that day and we can take advantage of her presence to be sure of representation from Chicago. I wish that it might be possible for you to be present as the International Conference and the Barnett Fellowship will constitute the main order of business.
I think that we shall have to work through the local federations of settlements in raising money for the fellowship. It seems to me there would be an advantage in a large committee. What would you think of having two representatives in the case of each local federation, one appointed as representing the resident body and the other the board members. Additional members at large could be appointed. In Boston Mr. Woods should represent the resident group and he should be asked to suggest the board member most likely to be willing to help.
In Buffalo, Mr. McLennan is the logical person to undertake this service.
In Cleveland Mr. Bellamy should act. He could be asked to put the matter before Mr. Mather and others. [page 2]
In Columbus, Mr. Wheeler should serve and he has several persons on his board who are liberal minded in international affairs. In Detroit perhaps Olga Walberg would be the most useful representative. Mrs. Edsel Ford has a good deal of good will about different matters of this kind and wishes to serve. Mrs. Dodge could be reached, probably through Mr. Cummins.
In Minneapolis Miss Chapman or Mr. Gilman would be the best persons to serve. Perhaps Mr. Gilman would get the largest results as his board number the larger proportion of wealthy people. In New Jersey, Miss Bradford may be asked. In New York, Miss Wald is the best person to serve on the committee. Dr. Elliott and Mrs. Simkhovitch might be asked to serve also. The Christadora House group will, I think, be able to reach certain persons through the churches who are able to give largely.
If you are to see Mr. Grolle it would be well to ask about the best person in Philadelphia. Could you sound him as to the possibilities of inducing Mrs. Bok to serve?
I feel quite strongly that Professor [Farnam] should be put on the committee. Professor [Farnam] raised $350 or $400 for the Japanese Relief merely by speaking about it in a board meeting. I understand he contributed the larger portion of this sum himself. He is at present in Europe, but returns shortly after the New Year.
Mrs. Neligh in Washington has access to the Bells and other large givers. Miss McMain in New Orleans should be able to be of help. Rochester, New York, should have a representative. Mrs. Jerdone probably is the best person.
It seems to me that the invitation to serve on the committee should come from you rather than from me. It would, I think, be very desirable that the local federations of settlements be officially engaged in the work of the committee. What would you think of having three classes of representatives: (1) delegates appointed by the local federations, (2) board members and (3) a group of persons chosen at large.
Another thing that we shall have to do is to apportion the sum which is it hoped to raise from each city. It is too bad to have to do this, but on the other hand the question of quota is always raised and will be in this case also. It has the advantage of providing an end to be worked for. We can, I suppose, have the apportionments made more or less official through confirmation at the executive committee meeting. I would suggest as a basis for discussion New York City, $3000; Chicago, $2000; Boston, $1500; Detroit, $1500; Cleveland, $1500; Philadelphia, $1500; Minneapolis, $500; New Haven, $500; at large, $3500. The apportionment should not be made too rigid, but I know that something of the kind will have to be done sooner or later.
I note your suggestion about a treasurer for the committee. Do you not think it would be helpful to have one of the big banking firms in New York, Chicago, Boston or Philadelphia serve as treasurer?
I have been collecting letters and other data showing the influence of Canon Barnett on the American resident group.
Very sincerely yours,
Albert Kennedy [signed]
Comments