New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-08-13
SHADOWS or OUR SOCIAL SYSTEM
VI.-HIS MOTHER s IN THERE

group Of little boys and few girls were at play
on the front steps and in the heavy granite porch Of
the Tombs. II was delightful day. Now and then
fash of sunshine fell part of this merry group
lighting their faces with beauty you would hardly
expect to find there at the first glance
Somehow il panied me Those children there, and
at play They were ragged baresooted and bare
headed, some Of them; but they were chidren--they
were not all bad. They played good-naturedly; and
one felt that pure lOve-angel nestled yet in each
little heart bidding it love everything Iovabe. Then
why should they play there?
/ had Just come from the country where children
could sport the green hl-sdes, and this was such
contrast. II called up visions Of childish jewellers
among the rugged hills Of New England, looking
down upon with radiant faces rs we fee past them
in the cars-of one group Of little girls with their
dolls standing out against the sky in beautiful relief
like so many inspired Cassandras propbesying of
swiftcomiDg innocent future; one little gr holding
out her doll and evidently bidding it look at we
passed, in earnest faith in its ability and its obedi
ence; and of a group of boys short distance be-
yond, with sheep and lambs in the back ground
the boys intent game Of ball that it was with
reluctance that they could consent to stop and give
parting hoora with an ostentatious flourish of
hands and hats. All that was delightful. This was
chilling. II almost seemed though the two or three
men standing near ought TO send these little ones
hastily away from place like this. 1t reminded me
Of butterflies gathered about stagnant pool and
sucking up miasma when there is plenty Of clear run
hing water only little way of.
Then these children seemed TO lken themselves TO
the delicate green and bright tinted moses, that will
sometimes grow up over muddy pool trying to make
il look beautiful but only causing the heart to turn
away sadly at seeing beauty and ugliness closely
associated
walked slowly around that square, massive prison,
feeling for it kind of fascination it would be difficult
TO define. When again in Centre-st. two boys came
down the front steps and walked before me- hating
upon the corner.
Is this a pleasant place to play in, boys7'
asked.
"Tbis ?" said one little fellow, looking nquiringy
up and down the street, and then resting his eyes on
mine as if at loss to understand the question.
"Here !-yonder8 | replied pointing TO the chill
dren on the steps.
The child dropped his eyes; his naked toes worked
nervously the pavement, and his whole figure
seemed to droop like flower that had been suddenly
drenched with cold water
The other boy nodded with his head significantly
toward the side entrance of the prison. His mothers
in there"
Both children understood the question now.
4" His mother g in there"
How the blood rushed over the boys face when he
heard this. l would have given anything TO recall
the words and tie question that caused them. One
moment the child bent forward painfully and looked
ashamed; then stealing quick glance into my face
he turned hastily off and tried to whistle.
Poor little boy" said, with an intense wish to
give him comfort.
The words seemed to sting him as Though there bad
been venom in them. He writhed under It, and beat
the ground impatienuy as he passed on.
81 wouldn't care peg, Ben said the other boy.
al don't care :" he replied with an oath; but walk
ing faster than before. Once he turned back with
look half grateful half inquirng, then snapped his
fingers at me and went on
1t was no use following these boys. Somehow they
had shut me away from them. great cloud had
come down, and its wing was so black 1t awed
me- One often meets with the most cruel and intense
sorrow, and while plying ii deeply cannot reach it.
The spirit finds no balm for its wounded fellow quite
kindly enough to soothe and heal The soul rolls
back upon itself with great weight resting on it and
crushing it down. till it cannot 60 out in fitting words
of aid or consolation. But is there Savior coming
TO such as these poor chldrenl No helper to lift them
into better and brighter world II must be-if not
here, then hereafer-so surely as God is good But it
must come here too for little children will not cannot
be born always to an inheritance of evil.
ANTOINETTE L. BROWN.