National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-25
A CALL TO THE CHARITABLE
Starvation in our Midst.

To the Editor of the National Republican:
SIR: large majority of the inhabitants Of the
city Of Washington have but limited knowledge
Of the actual condition Of the poor In our midst.
The following facts may, perhaps, serve to show,
In o slight measure, the real state of things as
they now exist and have been existing for at least
two months past. few days ago several gen.
uemen called upon Major Richards in order to
get some information relative to the condition Of
affairs among the poor. The Major said 1t would
be utterly impossible to describe the want and
misery existing among the poorer classes, but re-
marked Gould the charitably- inclined but wit
ness what we see here evening afler evening
their hearts would be melted to pity and their
purses transformed into private relief sssocia-
gentlemen TO visit the First Precinct police sta
ton, where they would learn of Individual cases
Of great suffering: The following are q few:
sisting of a man and wife and three little chill
dren. The husband has been out Of employment
for long time, and the wife has been sick for
number OF weeks. The man was found begging
bread the other day in order to keep his children
from starving: They have had to pass through
some Of the coolest weather without any FIRE.
Another case A widow woman, with four or
ave children. Her husband was killed some time
ago while engaged In bridge building. She was
found by an officer few days ago to be in q sick
family, was also found TO be in a starving eondI-
ton, and was temporarily relieved by the ofieer
And still another: A family, consisting of man,
wife and three children. reported to be In starT.
ing condition. The husband was q clerk in one of
the Departments, but was discharged some month
ago, and has been unable to obtain employment.
The foregoing Information was obtained from an
officer.
Another: A crippled white man, with six chill
dren to care for also deeply in want Of bread and
fuel.
These cases might be multiplied over and over
again, but it is not necessary TO enlarge here.
Something ought to be and must be done to allie
Viate the awful condition Of the worthy Door in
this city. 1t is true much has been done by the
Citizens Relief Commission, but not one half Of
the really neeessitous cases have been reached as
yet. The people must take this thing in hand
Bread and fuel must be Lad for the starving, or
else, ere long, crime will stalk abroad in our
midst, as 1t does in our sister cities.
The police have frequently contributed out Of
their scanty salary for the help OF those who were
in want, but their means are TOO limited to be-
stow upon others what they need themselves.
Independent Of Congress, II the Wellto-dO class
Of our citizens were to follow the suggestion Of
"NeWcomer," in the Star of Monday, I'D, and
get up some kind Of grand charitable entertain
ment, funds sufficient to relieve the wants Of the
poor for come time 10 come could be raised.
Let men and women of influence act at once in
regard to this matter. Remember the significant
words Of CHRIST: THE poor ye have with you al
ways" TRUTH.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR VALUABLES,
Gall and examine the fire and burglsr-proof
vaults Of the Safe Deposit Company, corner Of
New York avenue and Fifteenth street, for safe
keeping Of securities, jewels, siverWare or other
valuables. Rents, from ten to sixty dollars per
annum, according to size. No business man can