The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-02-06
POVERTY AND RICHES.


manity, than any other two in the Eng
lish language. They are relative terms,
and of course have a superlstive mean
ing to some, but signify all grades of pos
session or non-possessiOn TO the major
ity. There is pauperism, illustrative Of
the most extreme want to which NOR
tails can besubjected, in material sense.
Indulgence also expresses a state Of ex-
treme poverty, or a lack Of even the
most common bodily necessities.
Readers, go with me to a neighboring
city. We will cross the business streets,
thronged with the busy elements Of life
in its varied phases Of forns-ssad eolor,
position aud caste; we enter the fashion,
able avenues aud there behold stately
mansions as we pass, going on and on
until we gradually descend into the more
comm rn walks of the city; We will not
stop here, but turn aside into a narrow
lane bordered on either side by novels,
reekiug with filth and compassed by
CHASTITY sights. We begin TO think we
are truly in the by-ways Of life, although
there is no lack of human beings, So
called, in this narrow, pent-up way. We
almost shudder as we watch those half
clad children fighting, and still another
set who, running over with vitality, de-
spite the hard rubs OF life, seek TO dis
pense it by dancing and uncouth pranks;
we pass on, viewing with fear and hor-
ror scenes which are presented TO US,
| but at last we reach a dwelling Of no
mean dimensions, but now leaning, with
broken windows, sunken roof and loos-
ened elapboards, which respond with
willing noise and clatter 20 the strong
wind which seeks TO invade its poor
precincts. We ascend the tottering
stairs upon the outside Of the building,
enter dark, gloomy hall, pass several
doors, from which sounds OF distress and
suffering are emitted, and finally we
reach another flight Of stairs which we
ascend and are ushered into a garret,
dark and dismal; in one corner upon a
bed OF straw lies woman, pale,
haggard aud thin, apparently the mother
or the seven half-naked children who
stalk around in fear and shame, attempt
/ ing to hide one behind another, for there
is no furniture to screen them; a chair
frame with one broken leg, an old
kitchen table with two or three broken
plates, a knife and broken fork with a
few crusts of bread that lie upon it, and
ing, are the only articles Of furniture "a
be seen. In another corner the fathel
lies upon the floor; as we enter he erie.
out in a grufT, dissatisfied tone, zoe
bring me my crutches;" he attempts &c
get up, but finally yields TO the oppres.
sion Of disease, mutte:ing curses upon
God and man. We make few inquiries
drop word Of fsympathy, leavean offer
ing Of charity, and with a long-drawr
sigh take our departure, the while talk
ing as we hasten from the most ahjec
scene Of poverty we ever beheld. Ever
a contented dog, or the song and purr o
a cat would add cheer to the scene. Tn,
coarsest picture would be beautiful Their
but no, all is gloom aud sadness; moth
ing is there but niue disconsolate, suf
feriug mortals; not one ray of hope, ex
, cepting the spiritual light that glistene,
in that mothers eye as she said, al
will be better up there"
We hurry on with eager step over th
cold, rough way, being anxious to ap
proach scenes Of greater comfort an
cheer. Behold a contrast. We enter
magnificent mansion OF the same city
Take a peep into its gardens; see il
vine-clad arboTs, its lakelets, fountain
and grassy lawns. Look at the mist
, light Of its deep, mysterious walks, fra
, grant aud radiant with flowers, plant
, aud trees Of every variety. One Nigh
almost think that the gods OF classic day
, preside there, all is graced with such a
air Of stiffness, quiet aud beauty. w
will ascend the marble steps Of a mai
sion, unparalleled in grandeur and love
illness. We are ushered into parlol
magnificently furnished, and feel tina
we are seated in the lap of luxury, s
elegantly, so beautifully is everythin
adorned. The costliest paintings thl
money can buy, the finest mirrors, I'll
richest carpets, the most elaborate tai
estries, enriched with gold and silve
velvet sofas and the largest deep wit
dows adorned with fine lace, all harm'
nizing in color aud quality. Not onl
this. but a drawing-rOOm Of book
= piauos. vine-clad windows and the chOit
est flowers, with chambers furnished
the most ample and richest style, all b.
. speak a condition Of opulenee aud wealt
unsurpassed. The inmates are clothe
in the finest raimeuti the father an
= mother preside AS king aud queen owe
the household, which seems a unit
thought, peace and harmony. Ora,
aud courtesy adOrn every thought, EN-,
, tion aud movement. As these terms
a material sense are only applicable re
atively to humanity, so they are in a
immaterial sense, there being all grad
Of intellectual and spiritual poverty al
riches; they likewise, as the former
t apportioned to the majority, and Il
e latter to the few, in temporal things
! in the mental. Poverty in world
things is lamentable, but how muC
more so when it desolates the immort
a mind aud spirit.