The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-08-08
pIc-NIos FOR POOR CHILDREN

rated a series Of picnic excursions to the
seaside for the poor children of New York.
Giving literally of its own money it APP
pealed to the public for aid. Its appeal is
being responded to with gratifying prompt
ness. From five hundred to athousand chill
dren are taken out Of the hot, dusty city AMI
spend the day in some cool and pleasant
retreat by the seaside. Refreshments are
provided abundantly for all, and the little
creatures are made happy. We thank the,
generous proprietors of the Times for this
happy thought, so creditable alike TO- its
proprietors and to our common humanity.
They deserve the unstinted gratitude and
praise of the whole country in inaugurat-
ing this noble movement. Not merely be-
cause they have made SO many little children
happy fora day, but because Of the Illus,
trious example which challenges imitation
everywhere. What glorious investment!
Five hundred little neglected children gath
cred out of the filthy allies and Sums ofthe
city and made happy in Gods pure air and
sunshine by the sea- All for five hundred
dollars. io,h,g1ayoa y,j @
Who can calculate what that may do for
each little boy and girl. Lifted but for one
day from the degrading conditions which
surrounded them, visions of better life
may open to these poor little souls, that
may prove the first step in q life of useful
ness and happiness. -f.a
"What seeds of life that day We're sown,
The heavenly watchers know alone"
Can anybody conceive of more pleasure
derived from any expenditure of money,
than the generous donors to this children's
picnic fund, enjoy? In addition to liberal
contributions in money, the Times tcontin-
ues to devote large space in its valuable
columns to this sacred work of blessing the
poor. The fund has already reached fifteen
thousand dollars, and is swelling daily.
| But however gratifying theimmediate re-
suit, still more encouraging is the ultimate
effect of the movement. Our generous
and warm-hearted friends will not stop
with the slight gift of days happiness to
the neglected children of the metropolis.
They will learn the unspeakable luxury of
! disinterested benevolence and its sure re-
ward. They will feel an interest in the
permanent welfare of the little children
whom they have blessed for single day,
and be led to study the cause of their I'M
fortunate condition. They will inevitably
come to face the question which rises to-
day, earnest, imperative, and not to be
ignored in land rich with every
bounty of Providence, helpless and dis
pairing poverty, rears its children by thou
sands in rags and filth to certain lives Of
i degradation and crime? tt,,.',,,. faa f +
/ To this question no man or woman can
give a rational answer. 10 maintain that
such state of things is necessary, shows
not only lack of insight and knowledge
but of faith and courage. There is a RENE
dy clearly in our reach. 10 refuse tt
seek it from indifference is the meanes
selfishncss. TO deny its existence is t.
distrust the possibilities Of the race for it
grandest destiny and to libel the common
Father of us all. ttAA
l Above politics, above the formal religion
of our time, is this sacred obhgationntc
seek, and gather in, and protect the strayel
lambs of the human flock, pursued by TIN
relentless wolves of hunger, ignorance ant
crime. p pr 'st' ..'H