Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-12-24
Correspondence.
A Wcrd for the Poor.

especially those that contain large for
eign population, the suffering among tn,
poor of our county, (Hancock) woult
seem hardly worth mentioning. Still thi.
fact does not make the suffering of any
individual case. any the less hard to bear
or. render our duty any the less plain.
There are in every town some poor, who
during the coming cold winter will need
assistance. l fear there will be many more
this season, than usual with us, although
it is rather early to speak with authority
on this point. 1t is highly proper that
Physicians. Mercha1t ITS, and others. whose
business i-ads them into contact with the
poorer classes, should call the attention OF
those who are able, and charitably dis
posed. to all cases OF dcstitution as they
are brought to their notice, not only in a
! general. but in an individual manner.
People who are comfortably housed.
surr ounded with the many comforts money
will buy. who have never known what it is
to suffer for the necessities of life, are very
| apt to forget. that there is, and ever must
be, class in every community not so
fortunate.
As the cold begins to strengthen, and the
accumulations OF The past summer dwndle
away. Qiindeed many had saved any thing)
the issue will be upon us, to seek out. and
relieve cases OF desttution.
In my practice among the poor. the fact
hnTnn,n =
upon me. that in the majority of cases of
extreme destitution. the cause lies in their
tmproridence, lack Of management. This is
no new idea, l am well aware, nor indeed
is the whole of my subject rs for that mat
ter. But bearing this fact ever in mind,
and others OF which | will not speak but
that we generally observe among the poor.
would suggest that in our manner of re-
lieving them, we keep these things ever in
view, that with an eye to their future, We
may reciily those habits AS far As possible.
would impres, the importance of giving
this matter more attention STILL that they
may be impressed BY precept and example,
with habits of Industry Econvmy, and
FrngaiNy.
would a.lndc to the fact that is admit
ted 1 think. that when it can lie done
not only where money is appropriated by
towns and corporations, but by individuals
a we'll, that employment be furnished
(even ifthe work done i of little conse-
quence. and the pecuniary aid be received
: IL will h.. fnnpI ipnItir,-
that very few of the laborins class make
any attempt to accumulate for "raiuy
day When i family i 10 receive assis-
tance, the better way is to visit them, 10
see ot what they stand most in need. II
money i, 10 be appropriated. let the money
be invested for them. this would suggest
Itself rs matter OF economy.
low nffSiw peop.e there are who have
les, articles of cast of clothing, and o ten
bedding. (of no use to them) that could be
made to do SO much good, aud make so
much comfort, if properly made use of.
Let those things be brought from their
hiding places. and bestowed upon some
destitute family where children are in
thtters. Such articles, Qf properly made
over,) will make useful. warm garments.
Not only gire the articles, but supervise
the matter until they are made n proper
use oi. Some OF the women are sadly in
need OF just such instruction. You will be
astonlShed to see what change you can
make in the appearance, and comfort of a
iahiy, with little expense. The good you
coYiil make you much happier. while at
of hVt and economy.
w. are all SO constituted as 10 look IN |
TO people whom we think are above us in |
the. scale of humanity; advice, and in |
strd;tion, at thi, time. when given in a
kinf. and concliatory manner. will have
a great influence FOR good, and generally
be &eeded. After the corporeal wants
hata been satisfied, there is no better time
TO improve the higher moral faculties. as
at tiA> time, the &mpathes are brought
INTO play, and the recipient becomes more
susceptible to moral influence. Let all
loof about them at once, and see if they
DO not know of some family whose poyer-
y they can alleviate. There are many.
>anu those generally the most worthy who
Will not make complaint. if they can posi-
bly, avoid it. How much better you will
enjoy your own bright fire-side, and the
comforts with which you are surrounded.
md, as you hear the wintry blasts sweep
~. and the icy sleet beat upon the window
Ianea you will have the sweet comfort.
hat comes from good deeds, well done.
t is Eomethins in this practical age. to
'nows that you have relieved one case. (at
east (of human suffering. Let all of those
0 wl9m ease OF destitution may become
NOVA. make it promptly known, and
ndgiag from the people of my own town,
orlaRd.) it will be promptly relieved.
The poor ye hare aluays Nth you" saws
he Good Book" and instead OF sending
nr means to distant lands, see to it, that
zone suffer, or approach suffering, in our
wn good County of Hancock.
FREEMAN II. CHASE, NJ. d.
Orand, Dec. 7. 1874.