The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-07-30
DESTITUTION IN THIS STATE.

The ravages of war, the loss of property of all
kinds, the drouth which prevailed in many local
ites last year, and the heavy and long-continued
rains in June of the present year, have caused
much want and suffering in this State We
know there are Instances in which the benevo-
leuce of the government is abused, but this is to
be expected where want so much abounds, and
where there is regular detective system to dis
tnguish the really deserving from the thrftless
and vicious. 1t is better to aid large humber
who really deserve it and make some mistakes
in so doing, than it would be to aid none because
a few unworthy persons mi sht impose themselves
on the government. The chief OF the Freedmen's
Bureau in this State, Gen. Miles, has been very
liberal in dispensing aid to our suffering people
This aid is freely bestowed in provisions to all
actually needy persons, without regard to color,
condition, or former present political opinions
But even charity has bounds. This aid should
he given no longer than it is actually necessary.
The people should be encouraged to rely on in
dustry and economy for living. The habit of
begging for or depending on the government for
living should be sternly ciscountenanced.-
Governments are established, hot to feed people
or support them in habits of idleness, but to pro-
tect them in their industry and encourage them
in their efforts to improve their condition. The
aid now extended by the Bureau and by the
benevolent, is temporary in its character. 1t can
not be continued as permanent thing. 1t ought
not to be.
We learn that the suffering in Union County,
in this State, is very great. The crops in that
County last year were cut off by the drouth.-
The people of Union have been relieved to some
extent by the Maryland contribution, and the
contribution made in Washington City under the
auspices of DIR. Powell; but we learn that an Of
ficer of the Bureau, who has carefully inquired
into their condition by order of Gen. Miles, re-
ports some seven hundred persons as totally des-
ttute and of course in starving condition.
We learn that Col. Churr, who has charge of tie
Bureau during the temporary absence of Gen.
Miles, has sent large quantity of corn aud pork
to Union, to be distributed among the poor; and
the committee having in charge the Boston fund
have appropriated the sum of $500 to the Coun-
ty This sum has been sent to a committee in
Union, who will apply it mainly to the sick, the
intirm, and the aged, as it is believed the gov
ernment will furnish enough meat and bread for
the great body of the suffering population. Will
liam Gray, Esq. acting for the benevolent people
of Boston, has recently notified Gen. Miles, Col.
Pu!liam, and W. w. Holden, that he has been
authorized to add the sum of 50, 100 to the Bos-
ton gift, making in all S9,l00 donated by the
Boston people through this channel for the
lief of the poor in this State. But 81 900 of this
amount have thus far been actually expended;
but the committee, after due consideration, bav
ing heard from various parts Of the State, have
appropriated the bulk of the fund to such locali-
ties as seem to be most in want.-Rdtetgh Stan
dard.
"Tommy, my son" said fond mother, "do
you say your prayers night and morning 7"
"Yes, that is nights but any smart boy can
take care of himself 10 the day time"