Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-01-23

When our Southern neighbors suffered bya
violen, earthquake, we sent to them p'oVisloas
for their relief. Many liberal acts nave been
done TO Others, ant shall we not protect our
own suffering citizens9 Poor, houseiess, home
less wanderers, VINO are, in this cold piercing
weather, when even the rich, and those who
live well, are complaining, left with no cover.
ing but the sky-no morsel but what the cold
hand of charity bestows! Shall they suffer even
in view Of the Capitol? Forbid it all that is
dear, all that is sacred.
But lei me not do charity wrong-her hand
and her heart were both warm yesterday, and
last night saw her in such mild mood; so
kind, so gentle SO truly like herself, that shall
never say "cold charity" again. Mercy & love
were with her last night, and found more
pleasure in their company than ever l did at
ball or lcvee.
l have told you something Of the Jog which
witnessed on my visit TO Alexandra-but,
alas! il would be vain attempt in me to give
description Of the grief and misery Of the
scene. will not, cannot do it. Sketch, then,
'he distressing scene yourself. Paint townin
flames, on a cold, wintry, windy day, when even
the water froze in the air, on its way from the
engines-yiew the distracted, affrighted moth
ers and daughters, and their still more distract
ed children, running, they knew not wither,
with looks Of wretched despair, wildly scream
ing, "Save me-Save my chiId!-O save some
thing for u.s." and then behold the fathers, the
sons, and the brothers, endeayoring to avert the
flames, losing their own little properly, all that
many Of them had, in endeavoring to save 9th
er's; and then think, after you have gope thus
far, think what a scene the smoky ruins pre-
sented, after the devouring element bad ceased
TO rage; l saw them all, and it was sad, a sick
cning, melancholy sight. We know not how
soon our situation may be like theirs; and re-
oce to find that the public feeling is reused
do not know what has been done in Con.
gress to day; but | know that the People
here are all alive on the subject, and, mark
we'll! lovely woman will be seen in the
relief ranks. can hear whispers. One said
last night, 81 will give up my paray," another,
can do without that ball dress this season, as
the session will be shors,r third, 81 do not
think those large bonnets become me, l will
make my other do awhile longer; look as well
in it" eyes, Isabella" said fourth, "and
will wear my old veil, even il i. should not hide
all my constitutional defects"-and all the saw
ings from these sacrifices were to help the poor
Alexandrians.
. Poor Alexandrians, indeed! scarcely know
wha; have written-bul know this: that their
situation demands speedy. relief; and also
know that they will not APPEAL in vain to their
fellow citizens. They will not be neglected.
l am yours, sincerely.
NorE II cannot help noticing the conducto Of
two brothers, young men from Georgetown,
one of them about Is years Of age; they were
both active. asked the youngest how he came
down; he replied, ~ walked down sir, and car
ried TWO buckets in my hands, but have los.
them" A friend who was near, said, never
mind your buckets-tbey are safe--come in
my Carriage" and he 6fouEk{ Abe gallant boy
and his brother up 70 Washingseu. Such boys
as these deserve praise and Encouragement
They will, &c am not mistaken be found some
day in superior stations, to which their energy
and public spirit can hardly fail 10 lead them.