THE BUREAU OF LABOR AND CHARITIES

Source:  Dwight H. Bruce (ed.), Onondaga's Centennial.  Boston History Co., 1896, Vol. I, pg. 542.

The Bureau of Labor and Charities has been of almost incalculable usefulness in the city, particularly in discriminating between the worthy and the unworthy poor and in the proper distribution of alms. The bureau was organized December 20, 1878, and incorporated March 7, 1881, with the following charter members: Edward A. Powell, Timothy Sullivan, Elias T. Talbot, Austin C. Chase, James L. Bagg, Lawrence T. Jones, and John M. Strong. The objects of the bureau are thus stated: (1) To investigate the condition of indigent persons in Syracuse, and so far as practicable to cause them to be properly provided for, so as to prevent them from becoming or remaining paupers or criminals; (2) To look after the welfare of children in Syracuse found to be wayward, neglected, or improperly treated, and so far as practicable to procure suitable employment in homes for them in the country or elsewhere. It will be seen that this field is a broad one, and one in which a vast amount of good may be accomplished. The number of directors of the bureau is thirty-two, and E. A. Powell was the first president, with Charles R. Sherlock, secretary.