New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-01-11
NETWORK DAILY TRIBUNE SATURDAY JANUARY IL. 1879

Usually, they were left upon the street, true
foundIings. or sent by the hands of third
party to the public charities, where, under IN
adequate and ignorant care. they died mlser-
ably by scores. Within three or four years
the condition of the Island Hospital has been
improved, with some diminution OF the death
rate, which is still, however, excessive. Inc
Roman Catholic Sisters have also established
Founding Hospital, which is already over
crowded. II is a very noble charity, one OF
whose direct results is marked diminishing
of the crime of infanticide in the city. But IL
cannot receive One-half of the homeless moth
ers who, with their newborn llegltImae
children, besege its doors. And there Is aDso-
lutely no institution save the New-York IN
FAINT Asylum which contemplates similar reheI
among PrOtestants.
II il not true that unmarried mothers are
clad to be rid of their babies. Attendants at
all institutions where a reception-basket is
kept testify to the passionate grief win WHICH
these women abandon the forlorn mites, re-
turning again and again to caress them, ana
almost always attaching to their clothing some
poor little token by which they may be lden-
titled. Nay, since these baby eyes are the
only ewes that meet them without reproach,
these baby hearts the only hearts that are not
closed against them, their love is often pas
sion of clinging, melting tenderness which
happier mothers never know. Through IT,
they may be won to simple and honest lives.
BY it. they may be led to follow their babies
anywhere. 1t is the plan of this Asylum to
keep the mothers as the nurses Of their own
children whenever practicable, and to protect
and aid them after this service is full
filed. If also tries to discover the
father of the disowned child, and to make
him in part responsible for its maintenance.
And it is not the Legitimate alone whom it
seeks to befriend. but any homeless, deserted
or orphaned baby needing its care. Moreover
it binds itself to rear, to teach, and tendeIly
to care for the children till homes open Tor
them, or till they are old enough to learn
some means of honorable self-support. Ana
during this tutelage the Asylum will still stand
behind them, an Overwhelming home
1t is the hope of the managers to make this
institution in time as gracious and beautitul
benefaction as the London Founding Hos
pital-a charity so unique and so noble that we
intend soon to retell its touching history. Their
earliest and chiefest need was roomy and
cheerful building set in quiet country shade
and greenness. This they have obtained, and
now they must have funds. The ball to be
given at the Academy Of Music on Thursday
evening next ought to pour money into the
treasury. 1t is a trite saying that Society is
responsible for the woes Of that world which
lies beneath Society. But in large sense it is
true. Now, therefore, let Society make the
meager atonement involved in nights bril-
liant festiyity and its small price, taking what
comfort it please in the thought that that lit
tie sum would in no other spending bring so
much joy to so many joyless.