The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-11
Local Matters.

Hh ToOH ALW%bS " hNNH WIN wv - NO
duty is more imperatively cnjoined upon US than
that of ministerng to the wants OF the destitutoj
and none is perhaps more generally neglected In
this city, the great defect appears To be the want OF
properly organized plan of operations. Much 10
done by individuals seldom iudiciously. They
whose hearts move them to acts Of charity do not
pause in each instance to inquire into the need of
the persona upon whom they bestow their gifts, nor
is right always made of those gifts. small
bride will in general turn beggar from our path,
and the impostor is apt to receive it the truly
destitute and deserving.
We have almshouse, il is true; but, usual,
popular sentiment, especially Of the poor and gno-
rant attaches disgrace TO the reception of its bene-
fits Still il performs a sanitary office, and is not
the worst, though often the last, refuge to which
the homeless poor resort.
We occasionally notice spasmodc effort on the
part of good citizens TO provide plan of visi
tation 60 the homes of the poor and of relief for
their sufierings; but these efforts only made in
the hour of need and their fruits seldom devel-
oped until the Of trial has passed by, and the
flowers of spring are blooming near the graves of
many who might have been preserved TO behold
them once more.
1t would be a simple task to remedy all this
lncTe DC d pan vi Teici, anu II
should be always in operation. Something like the
following would answer, viz:
The Mayor should annually nominate, and the
Councils approve guardian of the poor for each
ward. These should elect their President, and in
! one person, an agent and secretary, by whom all
accounts should be kept, and all property held He
alone should receive salary. This board should
| every month appoint for each ward one male and
one female soliciting agent, and two male and two
female visiting committees. These persons should
at the end of each month render reports he printed
for ms of which should be furnished them) of their
operations. No aims should be bestowed by tho
visters of any ward Except where and i'm
mediate necessity demands it) but with the assent
of at least two members Of the Board Of Guardians
room should be provided in which to deposite all
goods procured for the poor, and which would also
serve as the office of the Agent, and the meeting
| place of the Board.
This pan it will be perceived, contemplates
only procuring and dispensing the voluntary gifts
of our citizens. Our knowledge of the people Of
Washington warrants the belief that these would
be ample for the relief of all poor who can be
| justified in remaining outside the almshouse.
There many poor wretches who ofteen need,
firstly, supply of some pressing wants, and then
the power of the magistrate TO compel them to
change their mode of life These could, by the
means propose, be brought to light. There are
some who need only partial and temporary relief,
and whose condition need not be made publicly
known. Such board and such committees as
could well be procured would not wantonly reveal
their names, but would aid them kindly, and ad-
wise them for their future welfare.
Will not some Of the many kind and charitable
citizens of Washington think upon the suggestions
we deferenialy offer, and, if approved, practical
| ly adopt them. The will and the means TO assist
all our poor at hand; the way only is to be de-
termined.
ASTEpILuyIAN.-We learn that in digging a
well near the junction of NJ and Fourth streets, in
this city PROSTATE tree Cor least portion OF
one, for ts length has not been asoertained,) has
been found at the depth OF twenty five feet. Much
surprise is manifested at this but satisfactory
explanation will no doubt be suggested.
Too Flush or CASH A colorcd boy named Ho-
ration Mccoy, aged about Is or 10 years, yes
terday, suspicion of theft, sent to Jail by Justice
Smith, to await further examination. He had
about fourteen dollars in his possession and could
give satisfactory account of the means by which
lac obtained it.
JENNy LIsD AGAIS.-Before going TO the great
concerts IL appears proper that Mr.. Gibbs, on the
avenue, between 9Th and 10th streets, should be
consulted. Music only be justly appreciated
by those who endeavor 10 look pretty possible.
STREET CRossrSes.-We think these gener-
ally defective in this city. They are too low, not
! elevated above the mud and water, and occasion
ally imperlcctly laid with hagstones. 1t was only
the Other day that poor boy was badly hurt by
/ being thrown from cart at the corner Of 9TH and
+ streets, and assured that the imperfect
character OF the Crossway was the occasion Of his
mshap Might venture on a plan, entirely
original Of course, should say the commissioners
should be mending their ways.
We bcseech our readers not TO omit attending
the Festival at Temperance Hall nor the Fair at
Csruss. The ladies conducting these benevolent
enterprises deserve better treatment than they have
received at the hands Of the gentlemen Of Wash.
ngton
The Diorama at Odd Fellows' Hall is pronounced
beautiful and instructive by all who have visited IT,
lie pleasant and profitable place Of resort for all
persons, and especially for the wives and children
| Of every Christian family.
1.-THE Union Literary Society will hold
its next regular meeting on this "wednesday eve
ming, at Woodbury. Academy, corner Of II and
Twelfth streets. An Essay will be read by Joseph