The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-23
PICTURES OF POVERTY.
Saturday Might 1T st. John's-ss For
Baby's Sake!''-The Ladies Asking fox
More Clothing. Ff at NJ

Saturday Might NJ st. John's-" For
Baby's Sake!''-The Ladies Asking for
More Clothing. Ff OH De-
Notwithstanding the large congregation that at
tends religious services at st. Johns, Sun day Is a
dull day there. The crowds that filed the open
space in front of the schoolrooms and made the
vestibue full OF the hustle and excitement of life
on Saturday had retired out to-day will bring them
shronging back again. and the busy scenes Of last
week will doubtless be re.enacted. Till q late
hour Saturday evening the volunteer clerks were
al busy at their desks clearing them for the work
Of the present week. The admirable system pur-
sued retains every name and address, whether
from the donor or recipient OF money, clothing or
food. The most hastily pencilled note is filed for
reference at any future time, and every penny or
loaf Of bread received has thus its written history
All this involves sight amount of labor but it
performed cheerfully by the volunteer visitors.
The number furnished with food on Saturday was
600 families.
-t.-nt FOR BABY's SAKE.
Late one evening last week a gentleman accom-
panied by his wife and two children, one babe in
arms, entered the Guild. They had walked all day
long in search Of friends whom they had known a
few months ago, and from whom they might OBJ.
tain temporary loan, If only OF sufficient money
TO purchase shelter for the night and also lood.
The gentleman mad been bOokkeeper in this city
with hundreds OF others, when 'his h0use''
went down in the commercial storm, ana
for time he lived on his savings, but seeking
employment daily. His is the old story Of unsuc.
cessiu effort, and, finally, he gave up IN despair
cheaper than in the city. He sought employment
there and failed to obtain it, so at last, when he
that remained and bought tickets back to New
York. He tanned to life his last remaining spark
OF hope-the hope that some Of his old friends
might help his wife, his children and himself live
on little longer, when success might crown his
efforts to get work Night came on and found
hungry. They were directed to st. Johns chapel.
The light was SHINING through the open door, and
Hn vue MAN. S Ser une osas[ sa
TO her bosom, and several times, when she
thought no one saw her, she syly kissed its tears
that baby would comprehend and be comf0rted.
WHAT WAS TO BE DONEf
could be obtained at that hour The charges at a
hotel Tor single night would cover the expense
Of room for this little family for an entire week.
TWO gentlemen had called IN to witness the opera
tions OF the Guild an hour before and these two
volunteered to find room. Tney were given GER
tain directions ana names, and they sailed
an hour after the family had home fire
and food: There was moments hesitation
as TO what the best plan in relation TO this case
would De. The lady misunderstood the cause OF
the delay. She gathered her child to her breast
an go to the station house, Merciu God city
30 great and rich as this, and no place where can
lay my nead." Wnen she grew calmer and under
stood what was being done for her she burst into
tears, becoming hystercal and saying, "ForgIve
me- was sore distressed for baby's sake, not
mine" True woman to the last. Surrounded by
strangers dropping from fatigue and hunger, she
forgot all else but baby.
The clothing department. will be open as usual
to-day, and will remain so until the last garment
has been given out. The ladies in charge OF it,
however, show signs OF uneasiness in regard to
supplies, which have decreased, while the need is
still very great. Among the packages received on
Saturday was large one containing new gar
ments sent by Mrs. Oscar Tibballs from 1The
Helping Hand" and a barrel OF clothes from New
Rochelle, bearing the initials III. A. L. F.n