National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-05-21
BOUQUETS FOR THE SICK.
Opening of the Washington Flower Missi

Opening of the Washington Flower Mission
Most Of the readers of The REPUBLICAN have
doubtless read with interest the accounts we have
published from time to time Of the flower missions
organized in more Northern cities. But as many
are probably unacquainted with the work Of these
unique charitable societies, It may be worth while
to say that they are not, as some have imagined
from the sound of the word, -four missions to save
the bodies of the poor fren starving, hut societies
for the collection, arrangement and distributor
among the sick, in our public hospitals and else
where, of flowers and fruit to cheer the lonely,
dropping hearts which too often starve for the
want Of 3 little active sympathy nom those IN
health and easy circumstances in life:
The HOdUs Opercadi of these societies IS as lol-
lows: A headquarters having boen selected ~
central position the public is invited through the
press to send flowers and fruit during stated
hours on certain days of the week. The WORK Is
regularly at tie rooms, receive and arrange the
flowers sent in, and then take the bouquets and
fruit to the yerious hospitals in the city, where
they distribute them
AMONG TUE sICK
with their own fair bands. Tho ministry Is,
therefore, a double one, Of most beautiful and
acceptable gifts borne by cheerful and symPa-
thetfc bearers and It would be difficult TO say
which one Of lis many beautiful features is the
source of the greatest pleasure.
These missions have hOUrished in Boston ana
New York for many years, and are gradually
being organized in other cities. One Of our e4-
changes says: $1,000. 81 -,..
1t is wholly unnecessary 10 TcCOuuJ tue grave
full cfices that have been performed by this char
ity and they are likewise so many in number and
at the same time so unOSteutat1ouS, that II WOutd
be impossible to do so. Through its instrument
tally the beauty, fragrance, the cheering aEd
refining influence of flowers have been introduced
into the RbodeE of the poor, the sick and the tired
and their presence has not untreQuently inspired
fresh hope and energy. These eloquent mission
aries have enlisted the sympathies and cO-opera-
ton of individuals and classes who have genuine
contempt for that which has merely sentiment 70
recommend it. The railroad companies and e1-
pressmen are glad to lend their services free OF
the way of money. The service Of collecting and
distributing flowers is considerable II is true, Dut
1t brings It's own reward.
THE TRIBUTE OF GRATITUDE
and the sight of happiness conferred follow each
dtspensatiOn Of floral gifts, and these are more
satisfying to those engaged IN the Work than
money could possibly be-"
Our object in calling attention to this good
work is to make known the organization of The
Washington Flower Mission" in this city. So
far as we know, this is the first society Of this
sort started here. The rooms are very centrally
located, at No. AL F street, exactly opposite
willard hall. The first meeting Of the Mission
was held at noon yesterday, when flowers for
over nifty bouquets were received and arranged,
and were afterwards carried to Providence hos
pital. most cordial welcome greeted the
bearers Of these unexpected, but most welcome,
gifts, and the smiling faces Of the poor sufferers
bore a mingled expression of pleasure and Gu
riosity to the meaning of the floral visitation.
The rooms OF the Mis- sion are to be open regularly
during the summer, between the hours Of eight
and ten on Thursday mornings. A COMMITTEES OF
ladies will be in waiting TO receive all flowers
and fruit sent to the rooms. IL is TO pc hopel
that the needs of this beautiful aud timely min
iStry the sick poor will not be forgotten or ne
elected by our citizens, and that all who have
flowers in their gardens, or can obtain them OF
friends, will devote some Of them to this most
worthy puTpOse.