The special duty of another clerk was to wait upon the sub-committees while they were passing upon cases. This clerk arranged the cases in consecutive order, saw that the committee did not omit any, looked up cases considered out of their turn, made memoranda of cases returned for further investigation, etc.
No applications theoretically were received at the Rehabilitation Office during the time of district or section organization. As a matter of fact, it was necessary to have at the central office from one to four reception agents. As far as possible the applicants who came to the Rehabilitation Office were referred to the Associated Charities office, but oftentimes it became necessary to treat a case as emergent. In addition to the interviewers, therefore, there were from one to four investigators at work from the center.
Many of the transportation cases, after being registered, were referred directly to the secretary of the superintendent, who was practically the corresponding secretary for the office. It was necessary closely to watch these cases, to follow up a first inquiry with a second letter and sometimes with a telegram, and even in some cases with a third communication. Where these brought no replies, it was necessary to reconsider the case to see if the transportation should be ordered, with the insufficient information on file, or whether some other action should be taken. With the transportation cases awaiting answers were filed cases which awaited answers from business references. It was found necessary to check this file regularly at least twice a week.
Upon the approval of recommendation for transportation, the cases were as in other instances sent to the bookkeeper. One of the bookkeepers entered in the Transportation Book the number of the card, the number of the order upon the railroad, the name of the applicant, the destination, the number of individuals, the number of tickets required, applicant’s contribution, railroad contribution, and committee’s contribution.
Letter of Information No. 2.
Regarding transportation. Sent to the Sections July, 1906.
With regard to applications for transportation it may be well to instruct you more fully as to what the railroads are doing for us and what we can be expected to do for applicants favorably recommended. As you know, the Rehabilitation Committee is receiving no free transportation from any of the railroads. The Southern Pacific is now quoting us two rates, the lower one to be used when the transportation expense is to be charged to this Committee, and the higher in cases only where the applicant himself is to pay. The best rate we can get for eastward bound refugees, when the whole expense is to be borne by this Committee, is that of one cent a mile as far as Chicago, St. Louis or New Orleans; half fare beyond in the Central Passenger Association, or Southern Passenger Association, territory to Buffalo, Pittsburg, and Atlanta, and full fare beyond any of these points to the seaboard. Where the applicant is himself to pay, he is charged at the rate of half fare as far as Chicago, which is equal to half fare as far as Buffalo or Pittsburg, and full fare beyond.
The California and Northwestern Railway Co., will transport refugees free for us whenever it is a case of this Committee recommending that they pay nothing.
In the matter of steamship transportation, the rates we are getting are not so favorable; the best seems to be a quotation of second cabin passage rates for first cabin accommodations, and perhaps a low steerage figure. We usually give the approved applicant a special letter to the Gen. Manager or Passenger Agent of the steamship company authorizing the company to charge us with the amount of fare and to make it as low as possible for this Committee. Of course, we demand nothing and only ask and recommend in each specific case.
With this information you may be better prepared to advise applicants who are seeking transportation out of the city.