Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1867-03-27
lcoMMUNIcArED.


Tho article I sent you last week in r.
gard to the subsection Of our women to
the goddess of fashion, and consequent
neglect OF the hordes OF poor in their
midst, appearing in your paper, L pre-
sumo upon that to write again. since
relief for the families of our Confederate
dead. and an appropriate style of perpet-
uating tbsS memory is the direct OBJECT
of the iHlairy, How to check the pro-
gress ofa6lly ." ] will give al INSTANCE
of practical charity in this city, and how
they still remember our martyrs in
certain city, will not say whether It be
imaginary or real. For chaEn oi puo-
lie benefits, we have societies and the
" Lecture y every Tuesday night, but
there is one lady in this emporium who
does more in the way of benevolence
than dozen public institutions, for she
comes face to face with the poor. Her
household duties are numerous. A
high mark in society = talented,
genial and pious-it urges vebe-
mently its claims upon her, ana
her home is seldom without guests, yet
she has time to find out families ia need,
! ferret out their various wants, present
/ their cause to those who she may hope
| will hear their cry for help-purse or
property holders-Rnd her earnest, heart
| felt appeals never fail to procure a gilt
/ of some kind for the sufferers. Sisters
/ suppose YOU and do likewise, then the
/ mantua-maker and millinery establish
/ ments would not be so familiar with our
| faces. However, let me say right here
/ that / do not think we should ignore
! taste or style In dress completely, but
only be sure thst We are the modest
/ violet. or delicate rose, and not the gaudy
/ mlip or conspicuous poppy.
! In q CITY of old Virginia where the
/ hero's deeds of valOr are house hold
words, the style OF monumental parties
is this: In the center of a building ap-
propriated for the gathering is an art-
ficial mound, terraced with steps, ana
upon its summit is placed an urn IN
which is dropped by every one VINO
attends, a card attached TO q sprig OF
| evergreen. and upon IL IS written a
hero's name with some gallant deed or
,Iesperate exploit of his, whether private
or officer. Somebody's fame and
81 somebody's name" are always dear to
somebody, - so that many whose names
never come upon the historic page are
vet a part Of legendary history. During
the evening some one standing by the
urn reads aloud the mOttO's, which are
brief. Of course. This is often rich IN
tellectual entertainments
There are two other features, how
ever. of these celebrations more useful
if not more beautiful. In this social hall
are four immense chests, into Wnlcn Is
deposited a bundle each body brings for
some poor family, on which, OF course
is neither the name nor street Where
tbev are to be found The name of the
donor if not given, thus avoiding that
, ostentation which might be the prompt
; ing motive of some. The roll for the
( chest contains anything Of apparel OF
{ household goods, second hand or other
I wise, which suggests itself to the one
I who donates. The beauX who escort the
Young ladies to these parties take pecu
liar delight in packing the charity bun
dies. Our young gents OF Memphis
- would hide their faces for week
p caught Juggling any package save oou
quet or an opera glass;
The other feature so interesting 10 TINS
One of each impoverished family Is IN
vited to the bountiful supper gwen OF
these occasions, and requested TO 0rlnt
with them a basket for a share of tn
surplus supplies always prepared at ines
seasons.
One other thing l surely must no
omit to mention, and that is, ever,
woman Is arrayed in white with
badge of Grape on the shoulder. Neithe
dance nor revelry completes the scenes
but q song, "The Conquered Banner ]
may be, or poem repeated which leave
the soul. with thrill of eioqUenee, vi
brating to still higher and nohler aspira
tions.
Now, with these two Illustrations, tn
one actually occurring in Memphis, hay
| not proven that woman or singl
set of women can give character to
principle and system Of benevolence?