Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-06-07
81, 405,900
FOR THE TELEGRAPH.
T H G. III A r T 4 3 l. E L A D Y.

TX IL " II "A II L ~ ~ - IL ~ ~ ~ l.
SKETCH.
1t was in rich mansion in one of our eastern CT
ties The setting sun shed his declining light upon
the splendor of the gorgeously furnished chambers.
Reclining in the luxury ola crimson velvet cushion
ed arm chair, was lady who one would5udge had
witnessed the flight of about thirty live seasons.
Her attitude and expression, if not of anxious
thought evidenced al least connected reflection up
on some particular subject.
She was calculating the extent of her charitable
labors. She was an active and principal member
Of the Ladies Benevolent Society; she also an
active member of many other similar societies, the
benevolent deeds of which were duly chronlcled
and blazoned abroad. Her deeds of private bene-
violence too were by no means unknown. And it
may have been that her present train of reflection
was induced by paragraph in the fashionable pa
peg which she had thrown aside, wherein the llbe-
raj munihcence of Mrs. in the endeavors TO
ameliorate the condition Of the South Sea Islanders,
was eoquently lauded.
1t was evident that her reflections were about be-
ing brought to a satisfactory and comfortable con-
clusion when she suddenly aroused by faint
ringing of the hall door bell. Presently the servant
announced that woman desired to see his mistress.
"What is her appearance, John" demanded the
lady.
''Poor, very poor, ma am responded the ser
want.
''Ah, well, will see her below
Wrapping her India shawl around her, lest, per-
adventure the winds of Heaven should visit her
roughly, this active member of popular henevolent
societies. descended to the hall, where on the rich
carpet stood female whose appearance well war
ranted the servant expression of poor, very poor
ma am
Throwing back with her attenuated hand the
scany hood which concealed her features, how
much of misery stood revealed
Pausing for moment and scanning her visitor,
the lady inquired ''And what do you want of me,
my good woman!?"
'Charity, charity, lady, for the love of Heaven!'
The brow Of the charitable lady slightly contrac-
ted, and she muttered something about being often
deceived by solicitors for her charity just as though
there could be deception in those sunken eyes, and
haggard and bloodless checks.
''Oh, listen to me lady. Scarcely have tasted
food for the last week. but not that no not the near
approach of death ITSELF would drive me to seek
the charity of the world; but have child, dar-
ling boy. He is sick; perishing, lady, in want-dy-
ing of hunger: Charity, charity, for his sake. O,
] could live and toll the long day without feeling
pain or hunger, could see him playing in
health and cheerfulness. But lady, he is dying
while | talk"
These last words were uttered in impatient an
gush, and the poor sufferer clasped her hands and
looked mploringlY in the lady's face.
The charitable lady was moved; she drew her
shawl closer round her, and calling to the servant
directed him to give the poor woman some vctuals
from the servants hall, and also to find out where
she lived, she intended olay her situation before
the ladies' benevolent society, which met the next
day.
The servant could scarcely repress tear as he
handed the scanty food to the suffering woman, and
he almost regretted that In accordance with the ad-
vice Of his mistress he had ven his last penny to
further some scheme offorcign benevoence of which
he knew nothing, as he was sincerely desl on. of
helping the poor woman
The charitable lady as she assembled the rich stair
case, hoped she had not been imposed upon, nd
wondered whether her servant would not mention
the benevolcnce of his mistress to somebody else
servant, that this las. act Of charity might ret
abroad.
The history of this poor woman was the history
OF thousands She had lost her husband, and was
left the sole charge of her darling boy. She was
handy with the needle, and hoped to find employ
ment in that way to procure a comfortable living
But in her many applications for work, she unfor-
tunately found that those who had needle work to
do, preferred giving it to some of the many bencvo
lent ladies' associations, that they ight also con-
tribute 10 charities, of which they heard much but
knew nothing. Failing in her efforts here, she
must needs resort to severer drudgery for, though
she might suffer want herself she could not bear to
see her child suffer. Day after day did she earn by
hard labor, food for her child and scanty susie.
nance for herself But her health failed, and whilst
the benevolent associations were assembled, devil
sing schemes to push their charities into, as vet
unexpored regions, this poor woman was stretch
ed on bed of suffering, and her furnishing child
crying in vain for food. She had heard much Of
the charity of Mrs. -, and summoning her
remaining strength she determined to appeal to her.
Her success is known. Feebly she tottered to
her cherries home, and there on her knees, beside
his sick bed she fed to her boy, who wildly ate it,,
the food she received.
The Ladies Benevolent Society met the next day.
AT the appointed hour the coach of Mrs.
rolled pompousy to the place of meeting; and if a
person might Judge from It's pace its occupant see
med In no particular haste to present yesterday
visitor to the charity of the society. The fact
her Imagination had ust struck upon scheme
of charity, wherein figured conspcuously hordes of