The problem of the aged poor is world-wide. In every civilized nation a demand has arisen for a more intelligent policy of the state in dealing with a class which in any event is entitled to humane treatment and sympathetic consideration. It matters not whether they are poor because of shortcomings of their own, or because of social ills over which they had no control. They are helpless in the vast majority of individual instances and something must be done for them either through private charity or the state. The problem which confronts society is whether what is to be done for the aged poor should rest upon a sound economic basis, rather than that the circumstances should be governed by irrational and precarious sentiment. Even the poor-themselves agree that a guaranteed minimum of existence would be preferable to constantly changing conditions, from a fair degree of comfort to absolute want. It is a curious commentary upon social conditions in America that the problem of the aged poor should demand consideration at a time which is usually considered the most prosperous period which this country has ever known. The subject of state pensions in old age has a literature of its own and its various aspects preclude adequate treatment with brevity. It is attracting a considerable amount of attention in the United States and a special commission has been appointed in Massachusetts to examine into its practicability for that state. In Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, and other states,' attention is being given to the subject of state insurance upon a voluntary or compulsory basis, chiefly for the protection of wage-earners against the financial consequences of ills resulting from industrial accidents and diseases, and the inevitable physical disabilities in old