684 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY
poorly attended, while on the present plan the attendance has hitherto been very good. These meetings are of very great importance ; in them all cases are thoroughly discussed by all the helpers, and after due deliberation the proper measure of relief is decided upon by a vote of the entire body. In this way the assembly is bound more closely together, its members are kept informed as to conditions .throughout the entire dis- trict, and they gradually arrive at uniform principles. It has been noticed, also, that friendly relations between the superin- tendent and the helpers are encouraged by this system.
A further point of difference between this and the Elberfeld system is the insertion of an intermediary between the district and the general administrative board ; this is the circuit (Kreis), including a number of districts. In its geographical boundaries it follows roughly those of the ward (Stadtfosirk). The mem- bers of the circuit are the superintendents or chairmen of the districts, while the chairman of the circuit in turn is a member of the central board. The circuits discuss matters of common interest to all the districts, and hear complaints against the decision of the districts ; they also consider and rule upon motions to grant hospital or institutional care {Anstaltspflege} for an extended period of time, or allowances exceeding a certain specified limit.
The central board, having for its chairman and vice chairman two members of the senate, is composed, as to the rest of its membership, of sixteen persons, chosen directly by the repre- sentative body of the city government (Burgervertretung) on nomination by the board. It exercises a general supervision over the circuits and the districts, it is the court of last appeal for complaints, fixes general rules and principles, investigates the condition of the people at large, and decides upon more gen- eral remedial measures and agencies. The business management, finally, serves as the organ of the central board, preparing and carrying into effect the resolutions of the latter ; it collects and keeps in a general registry information concerning all depend- ents. All applications for aid must pass through this central
