Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-11-12

trunks OF trees Whlcn give hoAS@ss$ts = --~-,T
once attained similar dimensions and the same old
age.
Ladies, Union benevolent society.
The anniversary Of Che Union Benevolsnt and
Employment Society was held in Trinity church on
Tuesday evening, 9th nstant, at halfpAst O'Clock.
The meeting was opened with reading Of the Scrip
lures and prayer by Rev. Mr.. Cummins after which
the following reports Of the Secretary and Treasu-
rer Of the Society we're read
Report Of the Female Union Beneuoient and Eni~
q pioynent Society for Me year ending November
lst, 1885,
The poor 70 have always with you Is the Ian
guage Of Him who was. himself |" q man of sor-
row" and " had not where to lay his head. II is
wen for us that the poor "never cease out Of the
land Their needy and suffering condition re-
minds us, by contrast, Of our own indebtedness 70
the God Of Providence; it makes steady appeal
10 both our gratitude and our sympathes, and fur
nishes us an unfailing stimulus TO the exercise Of
that benevolence which finds ito highest gratifca-
ton sIhing up the bowed down and pouring the
oil Of gladness Into wounded spirits Kindness to
the poor Is, therefore, both our interest and our
duty 10
II was deep conviction Of this truth that led,
many years ago, to the formation Of the society
whose anniversary we celebrate tonight. The
same conviction has perpetuated the society, and
made It in good degree prosperous since the year
1888, and will continue, trust, to perpetuate it
long as any Of the inhabitants Of city shall
30 feel the pressure of indulgence as to need the
helping hand of charity. The influence of this So
ciety has been silent and unostentatious, but be-
nign and effectuaL Without noise or display, it
has sent It's pleasant offerings to the abodes of
hundreds and thousands Of the destitute, and
eternity alone will reveal the amount Of human
suffering II has ptied and relieved. Trde, 1t has
passed through some endorsements and trials
but in the time Of need its earnest appeals for help
have met liberal response 80 that its operations
have never been entirely suspended for the want
of means, nor have the hearts Of its managers
been entirely discouraged. For the most part they
have felt themselves to be well sustained in their
labor of love bya generous public, and that it was
pleasant to be the almDners Of aims so oheerfully
contributed as those which have flown from year
to year into the treasury Of this society.
Perhaps 1t is the saddest thought connected with
this occasion, and with review of the past, that
many who we're present at the formation Of the
society, and many others who, from time TO time,
have contributed Of their efforts and their SUBJ
stance to advance its interests, have closed their
eyes In death and gone to the world Of spirits |
One such valued friend Of our society has recently
left us. We refer to Mrs. Commodore Smith, in |
whose sudden and painful death the poor have lost
a kind and generous benefactor.
"With them her name viii live
fu Through long succeeding years,
Embalmed with all their hearts can give
Their praises and their tears"
Her departure admonishes us that the time is |
short. Let us cherish her memory, emulate her
virtues, and be stimulated by the sad vacancy her
exit has made, to greater fidelity on behalf of that
cause which pleads the example Of the dead, on |
behalf the children Of poverty, at the very mo-
nent when It makes its urgent appeal to the living
The board gratefully acknowledge many gener-
,us donations to society during the past year,
especially from the Union Choir Association, Phil
Society, and Mechanics Institute, all of
which have been duly acknowledged.
We regard the depository as very important
means which the society is employing for the ac-
,omplishment of its benevolent design. There
garments made by the poor (for which they re-
,eve liberal compensation are kept for sale, and
here direction is given to the INDECENT who are
seeking employment In this way, while the So
,iety Is benefited by the proceeds Of the sale, the
Door themselves are encouraged, and their industry
8 both stimulated and rewarded
During the past year ! So females have been en-
,loyed 1882 80 have been paid for work done
II 500 Is 3-4; and 275 homes have been obtained
or females.
The Board deem it due to the Superintendent 10
bear cheerful testimony TO her untirng devotion to
he interests Of the depository. Doubtless much
'f ts prosperity is to be attributed to the efficient
md faithful discharge of her duties Still the cx-
,edency Of continuing the depository is doubted
~ some of the best friends Of the society Should
be continued tits to be hoped that adequate means
will be furnished to enable the Superintendent to
upply with work all who may apply. for IT, which,
We regret to say she has been unable TO do during
he past year, and has thereby been frequently sub
ected to undeserved censure from applicants
In conclusion we have only to express our hope
hat the friends of the society who have stood 80
,oby by Il in months and years past, will not now
% weary In well doing but rather augment
heir contributions to its treasury, nasmuch as the
demands upon II must increase as our population
Increases. And we also hope new friends will re-
pond 10 call and come earnestly to our assist
nee. Is not the cause for which we plead benev-
'lent beyond a question: II Is the cause Of the
Door and needy, our brethren and neighbors Nay,
: u the cause OF Him who said, "lf thy brother
,e Haxen poor and fallen In decay with thee then
bou shalt relieve him yea, though he be a strsn-
ger and soioumer, that he may live with thee
TFeasarers Report.
NOVEMBER q, 1855.
The Treasurer makes the following report Of re-
eipta and expenditurea FIR the vcar end;ng No |