Don't you think there are many worthy poor in this city who need material help?" was asked. "No, sir; I do not," said Mr. Van Norden. "If a man or woman wants money, they should work for It." "But is employment always to be had?" "I think it is by Americans. You'll find that most of the people out of work are those who are not adapted to the conditions of this country. Colonel Robert Ingersoll was asked what he thought of such philosophy.--New York Morning Advertiser, March 10,1892. _Question_. Have you read the article in the Morning Advertiser entitled "Workers Starving"? _Answer._ I have read it, and was greatly surprised at the answers made to the reporter of the Advertiser. _Question_. What do you think of the remarks of the Rev. John Hall and by Mr. Warner Van Norden, Treasurer of the "Church Extension Committee"? _Answer._ My opinion is that Dr. Hall must have answered under some irritation, or that the reporter did not happen to take down all he said. It hardly seems probable that Dr. Hall should have said that he had no time to discuss the matter of aiding the needy poor, giving as a reason that there were so many other things that demanded his immediate attention. The church is always insisting that it is, above all things, a charitable institution; that it collects and distributes many millions every year for the relief of the needy, and it is always quoting: "Sell that thou hast and give to the poor." It is hard to imagine anything of more importance than to relieve the needy, or to succor the oppressed. Of course, I know that the church itself produces nothing, and that it lives on contributions; but its claim is that it receives from those who are able to give, and gives to those who are in urgent need. I have sometimes thought, that the most uncharitable thing in the world is an organized charity. It seems to have the peculiarities of a corporation, and becomes as soulless as its kindred. To use a very old phrase, it generally acts like "a beggar on horseback." Probably Dr. Hall, in fact, does a great deal for the poor, and I imagine that he must have been irritated or annoyed when he made the answer attributed to him in the _Advertiser_. The good Samaritan may have been in a hurry, but he said nothing about it. The Levites that passed by on the other side seemed to have had other business. Understand me, I am saying nothing against Dr. Hall, but it does seem to me that there are few other matters more important than assisting our needy fellow-men. _Question_. What do you think of Mr. Warner Van Norden's sentiments as expressed to the reporter?