Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1834-03-06
LAST WEEKS OMISSIONS,
[From the New-York Evening Star.
THR PRESSURE,


1t is not the least important feature in
the picture Of universal distress, that it
includes the humblest dwelling, as well
as the most gorgeous mansion-the dcs-
ttute widow, as well as the lordly neco-
hant. We were shocked to learn, day
or two ago, that no fewer than six hun
dred females had been discharged from
the employment of a single establishment
in Maiden-lane: every body knows that
their wages were, at best, pittance; and
what must become of them now? 1t is
painful 10 reflect upon the almost neces-
sary consequence that no small portion
of them will be driven TO ruin in lis most
appalling forms. Idleness, said an emf
nent theoIogian, is the empty vessel in
which the devil ro"rs h;e templaulons.-
"Deliver me from temptaton," is prom
inent petition in the best prescribed form
of human suppIication. Yet by the
misguided measures Of calculating poll
ticians for unworthy purposes, thousands
are thrown out Of employment, exposed
to want, and tempted to vice, the allure
ments of which, under the pressure of
necessity, human frailty can scarcely be
expected to escape. The following re-
lation, by correspondent, true and ex-
act to the letter, exhibits the wrctched-
ness that bad policy IN public meas
ures, may bring upon humble and help
less individuals. .--and although even dis
tress is not an adequate apology for
seeking a remedy by vicious means, yet
1t shews that something beyond political
retribution may lie at the door ofthe men
who stake the responsibility" Of an in
iquitous measure.
GA respectable gentleman ofthis city,
was accosted early in the evening, few
days since, by female of very decent
appearance, who appeared to be rather
over the middle age, whose manner of
approach evinced that she was unac-
customed to such behavior She asked
him if he would accompany her home
stating that she lived close by. From
her appe arance and demeanor, he could
not believe her TO be such female as
this conduct seemed to intimate: he there
fore walketh with her until they came to
a lamp, and then suddenly stopped, and =,
looking into her face, which she strove
to conceal, he said to her: "Madam, you
have the appearance of n married wo-
man, and am shocked that you should
thus degrade yourself, and was about to
proceed in his rebuke, when she burst
into tears, hid her face in her hands, and
exclaimed, "SIr, for Gods sake go with
me to my house, for ! am a widow with
two children, who are even now at home
| without bread or fuel have been turn
ed out of employment, and can get no
work after trying all day; and finding my
children almost famished on my return
home, in fit of desperation | resolved
to accost the first man could see in the
street, and obtain money even at the ex-
pense Of character, and by the destruc-
tion olmy peace forever" He took her
name and residence, gave her money to
relieve her present wants, and the next
day enquired into her state Of the neigh
bors, and found all to be as stated. She
has since been relieved by the ladies of
the neighborhood, and preserved from a
life Of guilt and shame to which her pow
erty, but not her will, had consented"