CHARITY VOTING' REFORM.
[To ma Eorros or coo "Srecuros."] Stn,—In your issue for March 16th I see a letter from Mr. C. G. Montefiore on this subject. May I briefly place the other side of the question before your readers ? It is easy to point out, and perhaps exaggerate, the disadvantages inherent in the "voting system," but this is not quite the end of the matter. Where there are many candidates and few vacancies therS must be some system of selection, and the real question is whether the "voting system," though imperfect, is not as good as any other.' The alternative advocated is "careful selection by a Committee."' This sounds very well, but when examined what does it come to ? In effect, election by the votes of • the Committee instead of by the votes of the subscribers. It is said the Committee must know more of the cases, and must therefore make a better selection. Except in the case of small local charities, I doubt whether this will be so. In practice, the Committee must be guided by -testimonials, reports from others, and letters of recommendation, and how misleading these may be a little work on a Committee will soon show. It is evident, too, that the candidates with most money, friends, and influence will still present the best case and have the best chance. The other arguments against the voting system can also be rebutted point by point, but not within the compass of a single letter. Experience, however, is a more trustworthy guide than theory. The charity with which I have had the honour to be connected for some years has two classes of incurable patients' partly paying ones, admitted by the Committee, and free ones, elected by the votes of the sub- scribers. It is evident that a charity such as this offers un- usual opportunities of comparing the two systems. As to the result, I may say that there is no reason whatever to be dis- satisfied with the method of choosing the free patients, nor do I think that any other system would improve matters. Of course in this, as in other charities, before would-be candi- dates can appeal for votes they must satisfy the Committee that they are proper persons to receive the benefits they seek. I submit, then, that the voting system, properly carried out, is not open to the objections brought against it. Reform may sometimes be necessary, but the Charity Voting Reform Association, amongst where patrons. I see Mr. Montefiore's honoured name, while professing to seek reform, really advo- cates the abolition of the voting system. I am sorry to see from a paper I have received it goes even further still, and does not hesitate to attack institutions engaged in the difficult task of raising funds to alleviate suffering because their managers are not willing to be dictated to by an outside body. It seems to me, Sir, that the reform is needed nearer home.—
I am, Sir, &c., HERBERT W. H. GREEN, Chairman Royal. Midland Counties Home for Incurables. Leamington.
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