Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-04-22
For the Journai. l0.il
THE HOME FOR The FAIENDLEilS,


The anniversary OF the institution tor Il isnd-
less children, recently Obsi ved luis city. was
Inost interesting Aud tvuohnk exvi else Surely
there was not one present wnoBo neart did not
warm towards the neat and comfortable chill
dreu, whose manners and appearance we're so
much in contrast with the degradation and want
from which they have been rescued. The insti
tuition Is one Of excellence, and exhibits how
much Of beneyOlenoe and true christianity dwesls
Ia the hearts Of its patrons and directors; nor
would we utter q word that would discourage
effort in this course of charity but no one, who
heard the report read, could fail To that this
enterprise brings most Of its power to bear upon
the eject, when more decided consideration
should be given 10 the cause. The poverty and
suffering which most children in our midst are
made to suffer, come directly from drunkalness
This is the root Of the evil and it is singular that
the philanthropists who are heartily engaged in
this charity, are not as constantly and vigorous
ly engaged in the suppression Of the numerous
aud increasing drinking houses In our town, as
they are in caring for these destitute children.
II our recollection serves us properly. the report
Of the Secretary of the institution, showed that
at least three-fourths, (perhaps seven eghths)
OF the oases under care, were children of drink
ing pdrenn-the want and degradation Of these
sufferers were not caused by themselves, but
Now would it not be wise to strike the evil st
its root, aud not wait until the tree grows 10 d
vast size, and produces such an abundance Of
poverty, suffering, and sorrow Had not the
parents OF these children been drunRards they
had known no suffering g-intelligenoe, good man
ners and great comfort would have been their
lot.
Is it not plain, then, that to avert the suffer
ing OF innocent children, we should aim at the
reformation Of parents or rather had We not
better 60 one more step in advance, and prevent
the parents from being tempted TO drink the ruin.
Gus draught? Could we concentrate our efforts
against the numerous drinking houses that infest
every street OF our town, and overthrow the army
Of destructives who live and thrive in our midst,
there would be few drunkards In our cOmmupi-
~, nor would there be so many suffering chill
dren, to need the fostering care of good hearted
ladies aud gentlemen. Children would be under
the immediate care Of atfectionate parents, whose
industry and thrift would bring competency
and domestic happiness.
II the evil which this institution processes 10
meet, is not met until the victims 'kuock at the
door," for sucoor, the managers had better in
their movement 10 procure sufficient acpommo-
dations purchase largely, for it IL plainly to be
seen that the alarming increase OF drunkenness
in our midst will furnish nnumerable objects for
their care and keeping. Eating houses, where
more is drank than eaten, and lngerebeer SALOONS,
are the chief improvements in our city this Spring;
and the enterprising pioprietors of these attrac
tive edihces make an easy living off of just such
persons IS have furnished The "Home" with its
interesting inmates.
With these facts before them. would il not be
we'll for the "Friends of the Homeless" and
every philanihropist ia our community, to unite
IN generous, determined, powerful effort. for
the overthrow of intemperanoe We are under
the Impression that a little more personal actiyi
~ In this matter with smaller outlay Of money,
would prevent most of the evil which we are
called upon to counteract, through the iustru-
mentality Of the "IIomen
Could the wealth, the intelligence, the morali-
~, the religion, of our people be concentrated
in an active movement against intemperance, it
would speedily be overthrown; but so long as
our citizens live in apathy on this subject, there
will always be poverty and crime; aud poor
houses, jals, and Homes for Friendless children.
may be enlarged and multiplied. ORC.