Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-11-29
A SEASON FOR CHARITY.


The conditions under which winter has
commenced indicate that there Will be
need Of large charity during the cold sea-
son to keep poor and destitute families
from suffering. 1t is generally believed
that so large quantity of snow as now
covers the ground, has never been seen
before at this early season. while the Sc
verify of the cold corresponds to the depth
of the snow. Snow foot deep on the
9th Of November with rivers closed
from bank to bank by ice, and travellers
obliged to wrap themselves in the heaviest
woolens and warmest furs for protection
from the keen frosts, is a state of things
quite unexpected even for this latitude.
To those who have comfortable houses,
warm clothing, ah abundant table, and
plenty of fuel, the rigors OF the season oc-
casion no suffering and but little incon-
venience. But to the poor this early and
searching cold weather, these banks of
snow and wintry skies, demanding More
fuel and clothing to keep the limbs from
shivering and freezing. are not only pres
ent trials but so reduce the scant resour-
ces for the winter that bitter want and
misery are sure to come before spring re-
lilies will not provide against the winter,
and so suffer in consequence of their i'm
providence and neglect, but their failing3
will not excuse others from discharging
the duties of charity. The tender. loving,
warm heart will not inquire before cloth
ing the freezing feet OF the child whether
the father was Industrious and careful of
his earnings or idle and shifiless.
In addition to the prospect OF u long and
severe cold season this winter to increase
the hardships and deprivations OF the poor,
is the fact that employment and wages
have been curtailcd very much in the
country, so that many who would work
and earn a living are likely to be deprived
of the opportunity. There is better look
in the direction of labor than there was a
few weeks ago, but at The best wages will
be lower, work more difficult to find than
is usual at this time of year. We are
pleased to learn that the arrangement of
business has not created any serious loss
or trouble in affairs generally in our State,
and that labor within our borders is less
disturbed than in most other States by the
financial panic, vet we are and shall De
affected somewhat uufavorably by it, SO
as TO increase in some degree the destitu
ton amongst us. Prices of necessary ar
ticles of living have fallen and this will be |
relief. We hope the winter may not
continue as it has begun, but of that we
do not know. Admonitons to economy
and prudence have not been lost, serving
to put the household affairs in the best
possible shape for hard times.
But when all is done that the best wis
dom and resources Of the poor can do to
keep themselves comfortable through the
winter, there will still be enough for the
benevolent and thoughtful to attend to in
the way of charity. Let every individual
do what he can to keep want from the
door Of his house. He should not expect
others to do what he ought to do and can
do for himself and family. The demands
upon charity being large the wants of all
are less likely to be supplied. But when
the poor man has done his best and still
has failed to procure sufficient food, cloth
ing and fuel for the wants of his family
then charity should step in and give him
a helping hand. For this purpose chart-
able associations should be formed in all
our cities and larger towns. They should
not postpone organization and action until
Christmas, as is common, but should start
at once that they may be abreast of the
frost and snow. prepared t. resist their in
vasion at a seasonablo day. As winter is
n full month ahead OF its usual appearance.
our charity movements should be Il month I
earlier in order to keep pace with the cold
and the exigencies for benevolence that
attend it. Religious societies will off
course look after their own people, but
outside of these there is a class which will |
need help and should not be neglected.