The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1859-02-19

| The Ladies of the Public School Benevolent So
ciety return their thanks to Mr. LKIaHros for bis
very excellent lecture delivered Tor their dement,
Their thanks are also due to Mr.. SUrILTFE Tor a
choice original poem, read on the occasion.
They are grateful to their friends for their lher
al patronage aud would inform them that the re-
ccipts Of the evening we're SIS rs
s, A. WIrrEsaYER, Sec'y.
keokuk, Feb l7th, 1859.
Report OF the Pubic school Benev-
0lent society.
The Ladies' of the Public School Benevolent So
cety beg leave to submit to their friends and pat
rons the following report, which mbraces an ab
sract of the doings Of the association, and furnish
es as clearly the limits Of this paper will allow
exhibit of the disbursement OF the funds placed
in their hands for distribu ton.
That the association might the more certainly
compass the end for which it WAS designed, and that
their efforts mi ght BIO the more perfectly systema.
tized, they have divided he city into six wards,
corresponding to the six districts of the Public
School, and appointed committee of two to each
ward, whose duty and aim it has been to visit all
the destitute families in their respective districts,
and to ascertain by personal effort and observation
tho condi tion Of the children contained therein.
The llittees have been active and efficient,
and, notwi ibst anding the nclemency of the wealth
err have thoroughly canvassed the entire city, and
furnished BIS far as their limited means would al
low, such children with clothing and books were
willing to attend ON public means of instruc-
ton.
But they have been forced to witness vas.
amount OF Iestituton which has not yet been reiev-
ed, and they beg leave TO submit that while human
suhsrng is painful 10 behold under all circumstan
ces, that to witness the restitution and sufferings
Of innocent helpless children, wrngs the soul with
double agony. Ii they could bring in panoramic
view before you this evening, all the ragged, bare
footed children Of keokak, with their surroundings
of filth, vice, and squalid poverty, your hearts
would sickcn and your eyes with tears overflow
Language is inadequate TO portray their degrade
tion and suforngs, rs in helpless dependence they
cling to those who should shield and support them,
but who are so lost to virtue and so abandoned 10
crime and dissipation that every humane feeling
and sympathy OF their natures has become extinct.
They would not appeal in behalf Of the thousands
below you, who sweat and strive for daily bread
who shiscr in comfortless nts, destitute Of
most Of the nrcessaries Of life, while your tables
grosn with uxuries, and plenty crowns your fastal
boards, but they would appeal TO you in behalf
OF ther helpless children.
Y Q who rich and strong and happy--who sit
in your comfortable homes, clothed in costly appar
ell every cay, with servants to do your bidding
who wrap your children in furs and hannels TO
shield them from the icy breath Of Winter ard lead
them with tender care TO tic schools of science and
aity--think of the barefooted children Of poy-
erty, whose tattered garments nutter in the north
wind and who are growing up to mature years,
scarcely beyond the shadow of your dwelling,
ignorant ~ the beast Of burden by whose side they
are destined to labor.
Can there be any apology for the crime If these
children neglected. What if their parents are
Incorporate and improvdent What il their hard
earned gold lies in the till of some whisky aristo
crat, or unprincipled dram-seller2 Will you let
their children 60 ragged and uneducated, and fail
to extend to them the sympathies due to our com
mon humanity
Nay, verify. But rather from the abunda nee
which God has given you clothe and elevate the
children If the poor, and como up with noble man
illness TO the support OF our educational interests,
by promptly paying your school tea.
This nj ISOLATION desires no praise-seeks no re-
ward, other than the good which will result from
their labors. They may not educate Burns, or
clothe a Massey, but they hope to bring many from
the sinks Of vice and pollution and the slavery of
Ignorance, to stand forth in the glorious light and
| liberty If yirtuous and Intelligent manhood.
They have gone forth weeping, bearing precious
| gifts and breathing words of encouragement, and
they now return rejoicing that they have been able
to throw light and hope across the pathway of
who, though in their sunny days Of childhood,
| knew no joy or love,--eyca have frightened and
hearts glaidened at the thought that there some
| one in the wi0e world who cared for them and
would look after their welfare.
This Association has been in existence only three
months. The following table will exhibit the
amount Of money and other donations which they
/ have received, and the manner and amount of the
! disbursements made:
Proceeds Of Public School Exhibition. Sl23
Donation by Brown and Bartlett. 81
Donation by Miss Huict..-...... ......... IL
/ Making the amount Of cash received. 15s
/ Donated by Mr.. Duke, 50 pairs shoes.
do Mr.. Seiman, Hosiery and Il loves.
do MIR sample, loo pr socks and 8hats
| They have made AMI distributes
/ Goats and Pants..... ........... ........... 81
Dresses ............. Al
Quilted ekirts.... III
Total number garments distributed. .l6i
They bave also given out LA pairs shoes and IL
pairs socks.
By reference to this table it will be seen tina
great care and economy has been used in purchas
ing materials for clothing, and that with the $40
they have purchased "a pairs Of shoes and l65 gar
merits. all of which were we'll lined and made.
They has on hand in money, $Ii So.
They are under great obi cations TO the Superin
tendent and teachers Of the Public School for thei
hearty and faithful cooperation In all their effort
to the good conduct and attendance of thos
who have received their assistance.
They a.e grateful to ali who have in anywis
contributed to the support and interest Of this Az
socati n s. A. WITTENMYER,
/ Feb 10, 1859. Secretary.
Published by order Of the Society. Journa
please copy.
Putting HIS Foot In it.
The Washington correspondent of tn
, Louisville Journal tells the following:
Recently, at the grand ball Of one Of tn
Cabinet, an actress was among the company
a lady who deservedly enjoys q high posi-
ton OF responsibility. "Do you know Mis-
-" enquired Mr.. G. ooh yes, by repu
tation | saw her play the other night on
Of her leading characters" This remar
was overheard, and Of course, it was 500
whispered that the actress was among til
crowd, and many eyes were directed to
= survey Of her person. Subsequently.