the cost of those from whom we collect. C. O. S. is only true to itself when it stands for a higher form of force, one that shall not be so much giving as exchanging. If we call ourselves a C. O. S., we are bound to keep up our efforts on the higher plane. No matter how slowly the results may come, we must have the courage and the patience of our convictions. We must not flatter ourselves that we have done the great and fine work we set out to do, when we have simply introduced a little system into the work of charitable relief, and saved a few dollars previously wasted.
Another danger, much more serious and more difficult to avoid in the mixed society than in C. O. S., is that of hurtful misunderstandings. Of course, to be misunderstood is inevi- table. We must be prepared for that, and must be always ready to explain to and reconvert our supporters. But the worst mis- understandings arise from cases where our sayings and our doings do not agree. When we say, "Not alms, but a friend," and make relief-giving our chief business; "Lift the poor above the need of relief," and do little but give the relief which helps to keep them down where they are, will not people think us insincere ? The constant criticism, based on misunderstanding, of the percentage cost of relief work can best be met by saying bravely : "All you give us is for machinery; we give no alms." It is too much to expect that poor people who are sent to us for relief, and for whom we secure help in some way, shall ever quite understand us. But at least our own friendly visitors, members of committees, and the more thoughtful of our subscribers should comprehend what we stand for. In a mixed society more than half of such persons, in spite of all the fine theories of helpfulness printed in its annual reports, will continue to believe that charity and alms-giving are synonymous.
Again, there is the constant danger of failure to secure proper cooperation. In theory cooperation is secured by resolutions voted at meetings of committees or boards of directors. In practice it comes about by the agents and visitors working together in a friendly way about a given family in distress, and using together the records and other information gathered and
