New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1847-02-05
For The Tribune
Poverty and Poorer Generosity.

Mr.. EDITOR: The heading have chosen may
seem singular or inappropriate particularly to those
whom the shoe fits Bat sir, in the course of my
Winter morning walks, have seen misery enough
TO touch the heart and engender wish for the
wherewithsl to feed and clothe the distressed and
needy who daily throng our streets. Allow me an
allusion TO one which has come within my own
observation, Of suffering emgrsnts who forced from
lowly couches OF straw more probably rags 10 wan
der forth into the streets Of our. about saying
Ledries City to obtain by bread for the sub.
sistence Of themselves and how frequently for children
grooming with hunger and cold, aud casting wistful
plances at the comfortable shelters Of those now far
above them in every nse-Iured from their father.
land by prospects OF a country lowing with milk and
honey they cXpct most bitter disappointment be-
fore they have soj0urned long among And yet II
iky possessed the means nine enihs OF these egrans
would prefer their new home 10 a return have been
assured from their own lips more than twice.
Twas only day or two since that was met by an
Irishman clearly. respectfully but not sufficiently clad
who held out hand blue with cold in which were
tightly grasped four while he begged for the love
OF God for enough additional TO procure loaf OF bread
for his childrens morning meal. Passing soon al
ter met many OF wealth who while gold jingled in
and shone upon their garments Hurried by without
pilying glance what 10 me painful occurrence.
Then thought-Whaii Is the generosity OF this world
And where has the heart Of wandered thst he
not see neither understand the frequent calls made up
on his beneyoence and human feeling, II indeed any be
left How many there in this city Of 100000 inhab-
anis who neither for viii listen 10 the plead
ngs Of suffering fellow beings Put the question
arises-Cannot and Will not true Christians and phlsn
thropists also that effort be made Tor
poor and distressed well for the oreigncri think
Il but fair to have charity begin In our own midst and
when ali around have abundance. then "impsrt 10
him that hath none in other lands. Opinions will dt
fer but IL is my candid belief that the love OF riches is
the main thing which has blinded the eyes Of mil
honAires merchants, Of the world. much
that kindly emotions have not been allowed full vent
for the love Of money is the root Of all evil which
while some coveted after, they have erred from the
faith and pierced themselves through with many
rows q Timothy. chap. viz
VIII not sir. strive 10 people 10 some
work OF benevolence and Christian charity that
quarter third OF free born population shall
longer live brute but In perfect brotherhood with all
the immortal beings whom God has been pleased 10
place side by side upon this earth and that they may be
taught the ways Of peaceu'ness and wisdom Please
hold out TO the Poor and Degraded promise OF better
time. AMI 10 the Rich but Selfish apply the maxim OF
Holy Writ, For we brought nothing into the world
and ii is certain carry nothing out and having
food and raiment let US DC herewith content" q Tim
othy, chap. VIZ
| have here poorly embodied fsw rambling IDEAS
necessarily imperfect from the haste in which they
thrown together but ii they be the Of
Ing any real Reform, however humble. Am satisfied.
Respectfully An
Nez- York February l. le47