Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1849-04-06
The Charity Of Wages.
ut LYDIA II. sIoouRSEr.

Among the forms OF benevoIence, which
in our age Of the world. are both multiplied
and various. perhaps few Of US sufficiently
keep in mind. the Charity Of Wages. To
asssi the poor through their own industry
ennobles them. Il Keeps alive tNas iove OF
independence which 10 so priceless IN free
country. To grudge or stint the wages of
female labor is false economy. IL is 10 swell
the ranks OF degradation and vice. In our
sex i, is objectionable cruelty; for the ave-
nues in which they can gain an honest sub
sisience, are neither SO numerous nor 80
flowery that we may close them at pleasure.
and be innocent. We ought not TO consid-
er ourselves as doing the duty Of Christians
though we subscribe literally TO the for
eign and popular charlottesville we with
hold the helping hand, or the word OF SYM
patty, from the female laborer within our
own gates. know not that narrate an
uncommon. or peculiar circumstance, when
mention young girl, brought up in alllu-
ence, who. after the sudden death OF her faith
er, was leh without resources. The moth
er's health failed, through grief and misfor-
tune, and she nobly resolved 10 earn a sub
sistence for both. She turned to the needle,
with which she had been very dexirous Tor
amusement, or the decoration OF her own
apparel. A little instruction enabled her TO
pursue, from house TO house, the occupation
Of dress-maker.
At first, some Of the delicate feelings oil
early culture chung around her. She dared
scarcely TO raise her eyes at The table OIL
strangers, and when at night money was
given her, she felt half ashamed TO take it
But want soon extinguished these lngerings
of timidity and refinement. Before her pit
lance was earned, il was mentally devoted
TO the purchase Of some comfort for her en-
feebled mother. II soon became eviden
that her common earnings we're not suffi
cient. She took home extra work, ant
abridged her intervals Of rest Her cand
went not out by night, and sometimes wheI
her mother had retired, she almost extin
guished the fire, continuing to work witt
chilled hands aud feet, lest the stock Of fue
should not suffice until her slender earning
would enable her 10 purchase more.
Her nervous system became oyer.wrough
and diseased. Those for whom she work
ed were often querulous, and hard to please
She felt an insuperable longing for kin
word, an encouraging look-for some form
: Of sympathy. 10 sustain the sensitive splri
Those who hired her, had not put these !
the contract Work, on her part, and moi
ey on theirs, was all the stipulation. The
did not perceive that her step grew ieebl'
as day by day she passed through the Grove
$ ed streets TO her task, or night after nigl
: returned 10 nurse her infrm mother.
a sudden flush came upon her cheek, and ST.
l. sank into the grave before the parent Il
. whom she toiled
r The wife of sailor, during his period
e absence, did all in her power TO aid him
4 diminishing their expenses. lie was not
!. that class, who spend their wages on the
: arrival in port. and forge their family. u
e as that family increased. his earnings, viii
y out rigid economy on her part, would ha'
G been insufficient for their support.
}, AT length the bitter news came that h
y husband was lost at sea. When the I'll
D shock Of grief had subsidized, she summon
n her resolution, and determined TO do III
IS for her children, which their father had
often expressed his wish to have done, II
'e they should be kept together, and not
al dependent on charity. She medltaied wi
70 mode Of livelihood would best enable her
d comply with wish she held sacred. S
., had great personal strength. and good &C
ID stituiion. She made choice Of the hard
o. work which is performed by females,
j. cause il promised the most immediate
', ward. Ohen, after the task Of washing, I
! she forget her WEAKNESS, while in dus