THE REPLY 
OF THE 
Y Medicaid and Relief Society 
I 
FOR 
DESTITUTE SICK WOMEN AND CHILDREN 
s TO THE ATTACK OF THE 
PRESS. 
NEW Y O K K: 
18 8 3. OFFICE OF THE 
®pbitnl ^tb nnb^lid 
FOR DESTITUTE SICK WOMEN AND CHILDREN, 
21 EAST 14TH STREET. 
It has been charged that this Society has been using the names 
of the Rev. Newton Perkins, formerly assistant minister of St. 
George's Church, and Dr. Alexander B. Mott, without authority. 
We submit the following affidavits and statement for our vindica- 
tion, as we have been refused the use of the columns of the 
press who attacked the Society. 
City and County of New York, 
State of New York. 
ss: 
William C. Atwell, being duly sworn, deposes and says, that 
he personally knows Alexander B. Mott, M.D., and that he called 
on him in reference to signing a paper bearing the following 
heading, in print: " We, the undersigned, having read the pros- 
pectus of the New York Medical Aid and Relief Society for Des- 
titute Women and Children, approve of its system of relief, and 
permit our names to be used as honorary members," and that his 
wife called on Dr. Mott, and was requested by him to leave the 
prospectus of said society and the paper bearing the above words 
in print, and that he would look it over; and she might call again. 
Said deponent called in a few days, when Dr. Mott handed him the 
paper, saying, ' Here is the paper signed; I will do anything I 
can to help you in your cause, but don't call on me to attend 
patients, for I have my hands full, but I am willing to see any 
one in consultation,' or words to this effect. 
Deponent further says that at that time Dr. Mott told him to 2 
call on Dr. Janeway and Dr. McLane Hamilton, and in conse- 
quence, both of these parties were called upon by his wife and 
both signed the paper, and Dr. McLane Hamilton consented to 
be advisory physician with Dr. Mott, as I was informed by my 
wife, and verily believe. 
Wm. C. Atwell. 
Sworn to before me this 
7th day of August, 1883. 
Frank M. Clark, 
Notary Public, (20), 
County of New York. 
State of Michigan, 
County of Wayne. 
- ss: 
Mrs. A. F. Atwell, being duly sworn, deposes and says, that 
in the year 1879 she resided in the city of New York and that 
she called on Dr. Alexander B. Mott and the Rev. Newton Per- 
kins, both of whom she personally knows, and witnessed the 
signatures of each of these parties as trustees to a certificate of 
incorporation of the New York Medical Aid and Relief Society 
for Destitute Sick Women and Children, and previous to signing 
said certificate the said Rev. Newton Perkins signed a paper con- 
senting to be a trustee, and was the first to sign the same, and 
gave great encouragement to the cause by writing a letter in- 
dorsing the said society. 
Anastasia F. Atwell. 
Subscribed and sworn to before me 
this 4th day of August, 1883. 
Calvin C. Burt, 
Notary Public, (Detroit), 
Wayne Co., Mich. 
The above, we think, exonerates the society from the charge 
preferred. If we have been deceived in any manner in regard 
to these parties, the society cannot be blamed, for we have acted 
in good faith and believed the names genuine. 
The certificate of incorporation was filed October, 1879, 
in the County Clerk's office, and any one may see it who 
applies. 
Dr. Mott and Rev. Newton Perkins say they knew nothing 
about the society. That is not our fault. According to the certi- 
ficate of incorporation they were trustees and could have taken 3 
an active part if they wished, but they did not, and may have 
forgotten they were connected with it in any way. We sent to 
each our prospectus when published, and they had as much 
notice in the newspapers as others had of our meetings. 
It has been also stated that we have used the names of Rev. 
Dr. Gallaudet, and Rev. U. T. Tracy without authority. Wo 
have what purports to be their signatures, but we have not been 
able to see those gentlemen up to the present time, being in- 
formed that they are out of the city. We can, however, substan- 
tiate Dr. Gallaudet's signature by other parties, and believe it 
genuine, but have now doubts of Rev. U. T. Tracy's : therefore 
we had sufficient authority, as we believed, for using them, and 
we sent to both some of our cards of recommendation, entitling 
the recipient to the benefits of the Society. 
The Rev. Newton Perkins gave us his indorsement by the 
following letter: 
St. George's Church, Stuyvesant Square, 
New York, Oct. 20, 1879. 
I most heartily approve of the proposed organization of the 
N. Y. Medical Aid and Relief Society, for in my work among the 
poor of this church and its chapel, I have felt the necessity of 
supplying such proper food and nourishment to the sick as can 
be obtained only by systematic and organized labor, or by indi- 
vidual appeals to charitable persons for special cases. The 
prospectus states the whole subject so truthfully, that if carried 
out faithfully the society cannot fail to be a great blessing to 
all parties concerned in its prosperity. 
Newton Perkins, 
Assistant Minister to St. George's Church. 
Rev. Newton Perkins was instrumental in getting up the so- 
ciety- 
1st. By giving this letter and his offering to serve as trustee. 
2d. By procuring the signature of Rev. Dr. W. W. Williams, 
the Rector of St. George's Church, and 
3d. By suggesting the co-operation of leading physicians. 
He therefore has done the Society a very great wrong by de- 
nying he indorsed the Society, by stating that he never consented 
to be a Trustee, and knew nothing about the society, for we 
have his letter so stating. It is a question of veracity and we 
are willing to abide by the decision of the proper authorities. 
We are also charged with using the names of some physicians 
as honorary members without authority. Here again we have 4 
what purports to be the signatures of all of them, but we are now 
satisfied that we have been, in a few instances, imposed on by an 
employee, as they have denied their signatures. Of this we had 
not the slightest suspicion until very recently, more especially 
as the gentlemen referred to did not object to their names being 
used as honorary members, when their attention was called to 
our prospectus, with their names therein, and many commended 
the objects of the society and promised to take an active part. 
ORIGIN OF THE SOCIETY. 
A lady of refinement called upon one of the physicians now 
connected with this society for treatment. She was found to 
be suffering from debility and prostration from over-taxation of 
her strength and insufficient food, and she was very much de- 
pressed in spirits and unable to do any work at this time. The 
treatment necessary to recovery was rest and food, which she 
was unable to obtain. A letter was given her stating her case to 
the Woman's Hospital, but she was refused admittance. Other 
letters were given in succession to St. Luke's, Presbyterian, 
Roosevelt and New York Hospitals, with the same result. No 
help could be obtained for her. 
Another case, that of a lady, an Episcopalian, living in St. 
George's Parish, very respectably connected, but very poor, and 
having two children suffering from disease of childhood and in- 
sufficient food. Application was made to several charitable 
societies without success. No medicine and no food,- she 
was directed to the same physician by the Young Ladies' 
Christian Association. He supplied her with medicines and food 
until her children had recovered, and then found her profitable 
employment. 
Still another lady, suffering from chronic rheumatism, a very 
respectable widow, poor and unable to work, applied at various 
hospitals without success; could not get in Bellevue because she 
had not lived in this city six months; treatment at Dispensary 
insufficient, because food and rest were needed. She applied to 
the same physician, who supplied all that was necessary until 
recovery. 
Another case: a young lady; age 23; father and brother killed 
in the war. Mother recently died and pension ceased, and she 
was penniless and afflicted with an incurable disease. She suf- 5 
fered for food, fuel, and help, and was truly a pitiable case. Her 
friends had tried to get her in a hospital or home for incurables, 
but failed to do so. She was attended through a period of over 
four years and supplied with medicines and substantial help 
until her death, which occurred last March. 
Finding such cases of very frequent occurrence, it suggested to 
the minds of the principal parties instrumental in the formation 
of this Society the necessity of just such an institution, where 
ladies, brought up in respectability, but now in poverty, could 
meet with sympathy and attention, and obtain relief by bringing 
some recommendation from a contributor, minister, or member 
connected with the Society, and we find there is no lack in the 
demand upon our resources, which unfortunately are too low 
now to meet the exigencies of every case. This Society was con- 
sequently incorporated, as before stated, and has given attention in 
the past three and a half years to nearly 3000 cases, supplying med- 
ical attention and medicines, also food in some cases of great 
necessity, and all done without publicity, but in the most 
effectual and acceptable manner. 
We state a case occurring very recently. A young lady, respect- 
ably connected, age 24, but compelled to earn her own living, 
was attacked with violent sore throat and febrile condition and 
had been afflicted for three weeks when our attention was called. 
Hei- case was dangerous, she could not have lived 24 hours 
longer; without food for three days, and her throat almost closed 
from inflammation. Very active treatment became necessary 
besides providing nourishment; her room-rent was unpaid for two 
weeks, and everything available in pawn. This society relieved 
her necessities, paid her room-rent, and supplied food until well, 
when she was able to take care of herself, Such are many of the 
cases we meet with, and there is room for many more just such 
societies as this. 
The main objects of the Society are to provide medical ser- 
vices, medicines, nourishment, and sick-room necessaries during 
sickness, and to afford temporary relief to young members of the 
family in cases of great necessity. 
Proper medical care during sickness and assistance until 
health and strength are restored, is the most effectual way of 
aiding the poor, so as to enable them to follow their various pur- 
suits in life and gain a living; and none are so helpless at such 
times as those who, brought up in respectability, have no re- 
sources to supply their needs during sickness. This Society does 
not propose to give relief to all the poor and needy who may 
apply, but to confine its attention more particularly to destitute 
sick women and children; but no one will be refused attention 6 
who is recommended by a contributor, minister, or member of 
the society. 
MANAGEMENT OF THE SOCIETY, ETC. 
In regard to the management of the society, we may state that 
all the parties who have contributed the funds donated, have 
fully examined the books and vouchers and are perfectly satisfied 
with what has been done. The physicians ami officers of the 
society have given their services free; they have lacked means to 
do as much good as they wished, but with what they had at 
their command they have done a good work for three years, 
and made the money go as far as possible; therefore, no one has 
any cause for complaint. Our books and vouchers are at our 
office, and may be examined by any member or person duly au- 
thorized, at any time; and in order to satisfy outside parties we 
invited the Commissioners of State Charities to make an exami- 
nation, and the reply came from " Josephine Shaw Lowell," who 
wrote that our application would be referred to their next board, 
at Albany, Oct. 10, 1883. 
We proposed waiting until the Board had met, and in the 
meantime verify the signatures of our honorary members by call- 
ing on them for that purpose; and in doing so we were informed 
by one that he had been applied to for the same purpose by the 
Commissioner of the State Board of Charities. We at once ad- 
dressed a letter to the Commissioner, saying we had discovered 
a few signatures that had been denied, so that it might save the 
Board further trouble of inquiry; but instead of the Commissioner 
adopting this fair course a list of parties who had denied their 
signatures to the society to her was made out, and with her 
private opinion of the Society from her standpoint, was pub- 
lished in several city papers without investigating the matter at 
our office. 
To show the public how wrong it was of this Commissioner, 
"Josephine Shaw Lowell," to cause the article alluded to to be 
published, we are able to prove by competent testimony that 
nearly all the parties' signatures were given understandingly 
and witnessed by them, and all have admitted their signatures 
since, with a few exceptions. Two of the parties denied their 
signature, and three we have not yet been able to see. Only one 
out of the whole wanted his name excised, and others wished 
success to the enterprise. But we had, previous to this recent 
call, indisputable evidence that all but a few had signed in pres- 
ence of an officer of this Society. 
From what has occurred in reference to the State Board of 
Charities, it appears to be exclusively conducted by " Josephine 7 
Shaw Lowell," Commissioner, and the public ought to know 
this, more especially as the public entertain the idea that the 
State Board of Charities was organized for the purpose of pro- 
tecting the charitable through the Commissioner, and not for 
defaming legally constituted organizations without proper in- 
vestigation. 
We did not purpose alluding to Dr. Mott, but as he seems 
very liberal with his statements to the press, we give a report of 
some of his conversation with members of this Society at their 
office. About three weeks since, after a second solicitation to 
visit the Office, and investigate its proceedings, etc., he stated 
he would have no objection to being its President, if it was re- 
organized according to his ideas; but he thought by giving free 
services to patients it would take many a dollar out of the poor 
doctors' pocket. He was then informed that, so far, we had not 
had a lady patient who could even afford to pay'for medicine, 
consequently the doctors' fees would be very small; beside which 
they must have bread before paying fees. At his second visit 
Dr. Mott said, he was determined to break the thing up; we 
would have the press down on the society, and then the people 
would be down on it, that we could not do anything, and that 
he knew two persons in the State Board of Charities. From 
what he said it looks very much as if his influence was para- 
mount there. 
It is a significant fact that the papers which have made in- 
quiries in the proper way have not attacked us. 
Since the commencement of the attack several able physicians 
have joined our ranks, and we shall be on a better footing than 
before, as we have now many active workers in the profession 
and four new trustees in place of others neglecting or unable to 
serve. 
Our next annual meeting will be on Monday, October 29, at 
1 p.m., and we earnestly desire every member to be present. We 
have nothing to conceal, and any one wishing to withdraw or 
join the society may do so. We state for the information of all 
that we have in our ranks physicians of every school of medi- 
cal practice, and send to a patient one who has adopted the 
particular system of treatment preferred. Patients who are 
recommended by a clergyman, member or contributor to this 
Society, are attended at the bedside sickness, in as thorough, 
kind and efficient manner as if she were a private patient. We 
number over 100 registered physicians of experience, active 
practice, and qualification, to attend any case, and no students 
are employed. In future, we do not desire any one among us 
who will not cheerfully give their time and attention when 8 
called upon to do so, in their respective spheres. Our work is 
purely philanthropic and unsectarian. We are endeavoring to 
do the work inculcated under Divine guidance to the extent 
of our ability, by succoring the poor and needy, helping the 
sick and distressed in body and mind, in sorrow and affliction, by 
practical good deeds, and not in empty words, and seeking 
for no other reward than the approval of Almighty God. All 
who are not in accord with us in our rules and precepts are 
at liberty to withdraw at any time. It must be apparent to 
our readers that to intentionally use the names of prominent 
persons without authority and to circulate pamphlets with these 
names as trustees, and one the President, would be the greatest 
folly, and too absurd to even deserve mention, more especially as 
so many well-authenticated names equally as good have been at 
our disposal. 
In conclusion, we have the hope and confidence, we can carry 
the work on without Dr. Mott's influence and with his hostility. 
We believe we are doing a good work, and we have sufficient 
means, at present, to do as we have been doing for the past three 
years. 
We have recently made becoming efforts to obtain a suitable 
building for our accommodation, where every bed would be free; 
and we have $5000 pledged towards that object if we can raise 
$25,000 additional for that purpose. 
All the photo-engraved facsimiles of the names in our Pros- 
pectus were procured by Mrs. Atwell, and excepting Dr. Mott 
and Rev. N. Perkins, none that we could interview have denied 
their signature when shown the original. Mrs. Atwell is a lady 
of culture and distinction, and related to several families of the 
highest respectability in this City; and she could have had no 
unworthy motive in obtaining any but well-authenticated signa- 
tures. She is at present occupying a position of responsibility 
and trust in Detroit, Mich. 
No complaints have hitherto been made or signatures denied, 
although thousands of Prospectuseshave been circulated here and 
elsewhere, until the obnoxious article appeared in an influential 
morning newspaper, and it may be well to state here that when 
the reporter of that paper called for information the facts fur- 
nished by the Society were ignored by him and our reply to the 
attack refused publication. 
In regard to others who refused to receive accurate informa- 
tion of this Society, we are satisfied they did so conscientiously, 
as they have, since seeing their signatures, freely acknowledged 
their authenticity. 
On behalf of the Trustees, 
J. R. Taylor, Secretary. STATE OF NEW YORK. 
OFFICE OF 
The State Board of Charities. 
A£b^.yr