The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-02-19
The Thornwell Orphanage Again..
MIR. Jacobs Makes some Statements
and Admission!

Editors Press and Banner:
GENTLEMEN: No man will demand with
more oarnestness than / do that all charita-
BILE situations, depending upon the bencvo-
lcnce of the public. should be thoroughly
open to the inspection OF the public. So far
| we agree.
On Saturday last. 7 accidentally saw n copy
OF your paper, containing FOUR second notice
OF the Thornwell O~rphanase, at the house Of
a friend in Laurensvillc. AS I had time only
to read 1t hurrIedly and Ia II copy Of the
paper. I may not give you all the information
you desire.
First, you wish to know my relation to the
institution, and how much profit I derive
from It. From the funds contributed by the
/ receive nothing. receive no salary for my
services, which occupy full half Of my time.
I return to the institution, in provisions and
money . full ea1lya n m fr the food oHd, con
That part paid in money, appears In the
Treasurer's report. I do not occupy "a large
part OF the building" with my family, but on
ly q partof one room, for n little orphan child
self and little ones. The library OF the tnsti.
tuition, IL also used By me rs my office and
study. But that I am very greatly benefited
by my residence IN the institutlon; very
ter given me. l do not pay for the preparation
OF my food, the children are very, kind and
thoughtful OF my wants, and take a great
pleasure in endeavorlng to prove their atiec.
lion for me. l love them rs I do my own, !
minister to their wants and comforts. / live
for them. 1t would be very. unnatural II
YOU mean that they black my boots and
wash my clothes, you have been mislnform-
cd. These are not all the benefits l derive
from my connection with the ~Orphanagc.
Perhaps I ought to publish them, but MS they
would appear rather intangible to the general
public, / will wait till you call for them.
You next ask. by what right funds given to
support the children are used to enrich the
not apply. for the funds given for the support
of the children arc not used to enrich the cor
poration. The piazza was built by money
that was given to build q piazza. with the
kitchen. So with the other improvements
The reception room for instance, WAS furnish.
cd, the large bell purchased and put up and
the pump put in by money contributed by
churches and individuals specially for those
purposes. No money has been permanently
invested but such as was given with that OBJ
icct in view.
: The third and only other query that I can
remember, in your editorial, Is as to the rcn-
who work seven months In the year. SIM
ply, because the children do not work seven
months In the year. Who could have given
you such erroneous information :? The chill
dren are engaged in household duties four
hours daty and are in school fire hours dnity.
There are two boys who work In the printing
| office, and as you will see by the report, these
two boys do contribute materially to their
own support; there were two boys In the gar
den. and their labors certainly did greatly re-
ducc the pro rata Of cost. The othertwo boys
bcing quite smalD and the fourteen girls,
were busy and Industrious. but their work
such as cooking, ironing, patching, making
own clothing. house cleaning Is not remuner-
atiye. tho, NECESSARY nGTs nnib,i ma ~ oh tba i1c ,tSaSe "a s fhe
institution. The children have done nobly.
to do what they have, anu they deserve
praise for 1t.
You say in the close of your editorial that
your only motive In your criticisms Is TO in
cite me to more economy. The motive Is
p~raiscworthy and Igive you credit for SINGER.
method. But. my friends, your labor Is Who'll
" unnecessary. Careful and scrutiniZing
men, belonging to every leading, profession
They look into matters closer than you have
done. They know very well how hard to get,
u dollar IS. Their own pockets come to the
rescue In the hour of need, and thetr "
treasury. | am only one out OF many.
You are right In saying, that there Is n great
deal that cannot be learned from either Mr..
Scott, or any letters on our last annual report.
Evidently, you have much yet to learn nbout
our institution. Frankly and honestly,
friends, If you wish to become fully posted,
there is n better way than that you are taking.
This, truely you did not intend. DO this,
then. Come one, or both of you, to Clinton,
a rect the to St ths o o9Fiasss SSp0t Yoa Stall G bs enter, el-
tanned Mt my expense. Stay two or three
days in the house. You shall nave the fullest
opportunity to examine everything fully.
Dur minutes, ledger and books generally
shall be opened to your inspection, and so
shall the entire routine of our household.
This invitation Is In good faith and good feel
ing. But should this be impossible for you,
then take another plan. II still you are not
satisfied, do not challenge our Integrity in
your columns, remember that truth goes n
foot, while error flies on wings" but send us
by return mail, a list Of the points on which
you wish further information. and 1t shall
be cheerfully and cordially given. And,
then, when you are satisfied that we arc not
impesLers and knaves, but are doing Il work
that you can approve, say so.
Respectfully yours,
VIM. r. JACOBS.
Clinton, s. c., Feb. II, 1873.