Ccaference had been well treated in Chicago, and he hoped CleveInd would do as well. He was never more surprised in his life han to hear the expression of the Conference in selecting him to edit its records and papers. He cordially thanked the members for the mark of respect, but was very doubtful whether he could accept the trust. President Brinkerhoff thanked the Association for the unvarying courtesy extended to him, and spoke of the separation of the Conference from the Social Science Association, its parent. He referred to the growth of the two organizations, and their increasing power as a lever in the world's government; and said it was a noble thought that there were men and women who would, without remuneration, render such services to humanity. He hoped the next Conference would include a representation from the entire country. The Conference then adjourned sine die. A reception to the members was given the same evening at the Lydian Art Gallery by the ladies of the Illinois Social Science Association. The reception was under the charge of a committee of arrangements, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Harbert, Gen. and Mrs. Beveridge, Dr. and Mrs. Wardner, and Professor and Mrs. Samuel Willard. There were present Gov. Cullom, Gen. Brinkerhoff, Mr. Elmore, Mr. Letchworth, Mr. Watkins of Iowa, Mr. Wines, Mr. Lord, Judge Robinson of Illinois, Professor Willard, Mrs. N. S. Roberts, secretary of the Indiana Social Science Association, Mrs. Helen Gouger, and many other ladies and gentlemen. After music, the President of the Illinois Association, Mrs. E. B. Harbert of Evanston, made an address of welcome, to which Gov. Cullom, Gen. Brinkerhoff, and other members of the Conference, responded. The evening was agreeably spent, and the Conference of 1879 was dissolved, to re-assemble in Cleveland, Tuesday, June 1, 1880. PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE, AND SECRETARY OF THE AMERICAN SOCIAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION. BOSTON: PUBLISHED FOR THE CONFERENCE BY A. WILLIAMS & COMPANY. SEPTEMBER, 1880. PUBLISHING COMMITTEE. F. B. SANBORN, A. O. WRIGHT, W. F. SPALDING, CONCORD, MASS. MADISON, WIS. BOSTON, MASS. PREFACE. THE Seventh Annual Conference of Charities and Correction an organization consisting of delegates from States, representatives of municipal, local and private charities, and members of the American Social Science Association, interested in charitable work — met in 1880, at Cleveland, and the Eighth Annual Session will be held in Boston, July 25-30, 1881. The Cleveland Conference was the most important of these gatherings that has been held. Not only were the various State Boards of Charities represented, but a considerable number of States having no such Boards were represented by delegates appointed by their respective Governors. Officials from a large number of public and private Institutions, and the Charity Organization Societies of cities were in attendance, and many private citizens interested in charity. Preparations are already making for a still larger gathering at the meeting of next year. It will be held at Boston, commencing Monday morning, July 25, 1881, and will be continued until Saturday noon, July 30. Some idea of the character and scope of the discussions during the week in Boston may be formed from a perusal of the Reports and Papers in this volume. The names of the Standing Committees, who have in charge comprehensive Reports and special Papers upon the topics submitted to their consideration, will be found on page 20 of this volume. These Committees, six in number, will report on each secular day of the week at a morning session; the afternoon will then be given to visiting institutions, and to social recreation, and an evening session will close the day's work. Members of Boards of State Charities and Prison Commissions are ex-officio members of the Conference, and so, too, are all persons officially connected with the management of charitable, reformatory or penal establishments. In addition, all persons interested in such institutions are cordially invited to be present. |