The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-12-28
T H Z R EP u BIZ IC..
Union benevolent aud Employment society.

Union Benevolent and Employment Society.
The eleventh annual meeting Of the Ladies'
Union Benevolent and Employment Society was
held on Wednesday evening, December -, In the
Unitarian church The Rev DIR. LAURIE opened
the meeting with prayer and conducted the pro-
cccdings The report of the managers was read,
as follows
The Eleventh annual Report Of the Managers Of the
Ladies' Union Benevolent and Employment Society.
In our present report of the transactions of this
society, shall have more 70 say Of its future de-
signs than of its past operations. AS a system OF
relief far the immediate wants OF the poor are
concerned, we confidently believe il has filled its
measure of usefulness, and prevented much misery
which would have existed without its aid. il ex-
pended during the past year, ending in November,
the sum of = ,O96 IS, chiefly in the purchase OF
wood, which was distributed with much caution and
impartality, and with due regard to the real
wants of the applicants.
Thus far the society has deviated very little from
the plan adopted at its organizations it will be seen
by its change Of name, that it now proposes to en-
large its sphere OF duties, and to extend It's opera
tons into other channels Of usefulness. To make
its benefits permanent by affording TO the virtuous
and industrious poor the means OF supplying their
own wants, and thereby contributing to elevate
their character and condition, has long been our
earnest desire; but, with the limited resources of
the society, We hesitatcd % incur liabilities which
might be difficult to meet. Various plans for pro-
vdng work TO INDECENT females have, from time to
time, been discussed at our meetings. but, for want
of necessary funds to carry them out, were not
adopted fair held during last winter for
this specific purposes but the proceeds were insult
tcient TO Justify the requisite outlay for any def
mite plan OF employment, and at that Indictment
season. when the wants of the poor most press
ing, could not refuse them the usual relief so
urgently demanded. The whole matter was there
fore deferred to a more convenient season. STILL
we were not discouraged; the experiment had sue
ceeded in other cities-why should it not in our
own? Believing that it only required the attention
of the citizens to be aroused to the subject to secure
their co operation, called public meeting for
the purpose on the 10Th November last; at which
meeting committee of gentlemen were appointed
to confer and report upon the subject. An able and
encouraging report was presented, in which II was
proved that system of employment was not only
expedient, but with the proper support, practicable
] We have been gratihed at the ready cooperation
of several gentlemen with in this enterprise, who
have strengthened hands in the way we most
needed, by generously contributing the means to
| carry on the work. Two of our most worthy citi-
zens, whose names should be glad to announce
but the fear of offending Restraints us-have con-
tribued literally in sums each OF fifty dollars and
one IN an order for an equal amount OF dry goods
Several other gentlemen have aided Us in sums OF
ten and five dollars each; and all cordially approve
the plan as the best mode of dispensing charity that
could be devised
Thus encouraged, we have rented store
the Centre Market house, and engaged the services
of an experienced and competent lady superin-
tcndent Of the establishment, who is well acquainted
with the circumstances of the poor, having been
herself long actively engaged in benevolent enter
prises. She Is well qualified to prepare work for
applicants and to transact the business of the store.
Our plan Is briefly to purchase stock of materials
suitable TO give constant supply of plain saleable
work; this work Ia be distributed TO all who apply,
according 10 their capacity TO do IL. The garments,
they returned will be placed in the store for
sale, which will thus become depot for a variety
of useful articles of clothing. Orders will be
ceived for fine work. and here valuable assistan e
may be rendered TO interesting class of persons
I who have become reduced in circumstances by
misfortune, and who suffer long and silently from
a reluctance TO make their wants known. We
know many sueh, who would be glad IN obtain the
assistance this society affords and who arc compe
tent 10 do all the finest kinds of work II we are
sustained in the enterprise, we hope in time To add
a sewing school TO the establishment, where, by
little instruction, young girls may be fitted for
their future duties, and their characters fortified
against the temptations TO which deness and want
\ expose them.
Since the Employment Society went into opera
/ ton, the 4th Of this month December work
has been given 20 fifty persons 10 the amount Of
one hundred and forty pieces We give this state
ment to show that a substantial beginning has
already been made.
Having thus briefly stated the condition and fu-
/ ture designs Of this society, commend il, with
its additional responsibilities, % the blessing Of
Providence, and 10 the serious consideration and
encouragement OF the community upon whose sus
tanning help II so much depends Under its foster
| ing care, II must be the means of accomplishing a
/ great amount Of good, and of preventing the in
! crease Of poverty among
We cannot close our report without referring
with sadness 10 the lose this society has sustained in
the DEATH during the past year, Of two Of its direc
trcsscs. We miss, on this occasion, the accus-
toned faces which used 10 greet us AT our anniyer-
sarics, and the words Of counsel which fell from the
4 lips revered. Long will the remembrance Of
4 their untiring zeal 90 promote the benevolent OBJ
jet Of this society serve 10 encourage In the die
charge Of the arduous duties we have assumed.
BY order Of the board:
G. A. WEBB, Secretary