National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-01

,HAKsPEARE CLUB.
The Starving Poor-Appeal for their Relief
Mrs. Jarley's Wax Works.

III dA "OEASs
The city OF Washington is now, perhaps, one
Of the most beautiful cities in the country. 1t
has been made so by large expenditures of money,
under the direction of men Of great talent and
untring energy. But while the beauties Of the
city may be everywhere admired, and the cos
it has also dark side in its history, for its poor
are numerous, in consequence Of Its peculiar posi-
ton. Since the stoppage Of the Improvements
they have been idle.
At this season Of the year the suHerings of the
poor are greater. because they are out Of en-
plOyment and unable to earn the means to live
They must, therefore, be dependent upon the SYM
pathy Of those who feel for the distress Of Others
In the exhibition Of its sympathy for its poor
practical sympathy-Hashfngton stands unri-
vailed. Every kind of machinery is set in motion
that beneyolence can desire, and every class Of
citizens come forward to give them effect. The
rich and the "Well-to-do assist by their cOntribu-
tiOns, often generous and always timely while
earnest persons, whom the knowledge OF suffer-
ing deeply affiicts, make personal efforts to feed
the hungry and clothe the naked. The members
Of the Shakespeare club OF Washington, pleased
with the opportunity Of joining in work so praise
worthy, have associated themselves together with
4 view TO obtain contributions, and personally
superintend their application. To aid the poor
amply sufficient. All that is needed to give them
jUdiciOus direction is a combined effort such an
effort as the members Of the club propose to
make. 1t is frequently impossible to eXaggerate
the misery Of the poverty now prevailing. The
cases mentioned below are from the report OF an
eye witness, and the information can be con-
good cause. Remember, these cases represent at
this moment shivering, hungry men, women and
children who are are absolutely helpless and
starving out, of sight Of the public They live,
and their cases appeal most powerfully to the
business and bosOms of the humane, and to the
conscience Of all who appreciate the golden rule,
ADO unto others as you would they should do unto
you" In other words, let those who are able help
the poor. The poor, said the Saviour, We have
always with you. But It may be peTtinently
asked, did the Saviour mean that the poverty Of
the poor should include nakedness, cold and
hunger which could be guarded against, and which
his followers were directed to relieve?
Case No. !. Visited house No. -, o street
northwest; widow with four children; lives in an
old shanty; found they had nothing to eat, and
Case No. 2. Visited house No, Ninth street;
old man and wife, colored, with daughter dying
Of consumption; nothing to eat, and no fire.
Care No. 3. House on street; sick woman,
cOlored, with four children who were crying for
bread; no hre; the father had gone out to obtain
Case No. 4. House on Third street northwest;
widow, white; her son had just left the hospital,
where he was taken after an accident; no FIRE and
nothing to eat.
Case No. s. House on Third street northwest;
coloTed widow, old and paralyLed-can hardly
move; found nothing 10 eat; no nre.
Case No. o. House in Ridge street; widow. col
ored; husband killed in battle; nothing to eat;
fire.
Case No. I. Visited ten families in - alley;
none OF them had any hrc in the house, and many
Of them nothing to eat.
These are samples OF what is seen every day
by the visitors Of the poor, whose sufferngs con-
tinue at this moment, though somewhat ameliO-
rated.
1t is desired to furnish efectual relief to as
many poor persons and families as the money
received Will provide for. Especially is this to
be said OF the widows and orphans of soldiers
who fell in the war. The appeal for aid is now
presented. This terrible reality Of poverty is
brought before the community in the hOpe-the
ierVent hope-that more than usually generous
response may be given. The smallest contribu-
lions most respectfully and gratefully received;
for ous Of the contributions Of many It is possible
that not only may present relief be administered
but in some instances such substantial help af.
forded as may enable the unemployed to tide
over this period Of distress and sorrow until they
can secure, through their labor, enough to sup
port their families.
The following members Of the Shakespeare Club
will be happy to receive contributions, either in
money, provisions, clothing, blankets, flannel,
&c, SC, and will give, through the press an &C,
count OF their stewardship, viz: Mrs. Margaret
Hosmer, No. s3l street northwest; Mr.. W. q.
Murdoch, No. 723 Eighth street northwest: Mr.
James BaDgs, zoos Massachusetts avenue north
west: Mr.. and Mrs. c. q. Adams, No. 9I7 Rhode
Tal