The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1881-02-02
For THE RECORD.
OUR CITY'S CARE.

to think it a true saying, that "one-half of
the people do not know how the other half
lives or exists" To be convinced, it is but
to take the trouble to visit places where pow
erty and want exist. A day or two ago we
paid visit to Mr.. Everitt, the present keeper
of our city's care lthe poor. We were cor
daily invited into that ancient but roomy
farm house where he now resides. Upon en-
tering we were offered comfortable seat be-
custom of our farmers was observed-the pass
ing around of the finest apples that the cellar
afforded. After conversing awhile about farm
affairs, a pretty little girl of between and
summers with faxen hair and beamipg eyes,
a pleasing countenance and a most intelligent
face, entered the room. She made her way to
Mr. Eyeritt, climbing upon his knee and seat
ing herself there just as if she was one Of his
family You appear to be tired aud sleepy
said MIR. Everitt 'Des-I-is-tired--a
-seepy said the little girl. " Well go
lay down upon the lounge and take good
Sleep" is said to her. Mr.. f. remarked, 81
have got SO attached to that little girl that
"OhiN inv w hSSP hOt "hh HiSO WIG Va ShO
little boys that have here ; but am getting
old, and am afraid something may happen
that could not do that justice to them that
would Ike to do" We pondered to our
self, thinking, can it be that this pretty little
waif, whose lfe's journey has but barely be-
gun, is one of our city poor THAT we hear so
much about)9 And is she to be shuffied from
our city poor take them, and thrown amongst
all classes and conditions of people that are
usually found at poor houses? But such is a
fact. Would that some of our charitably-
disposed people should take an Interest in this
little speck of life before she is taken ont Of
our city limits, and see that she is brought up
to be useful member of society.
We were taken into the poor apartment.
and there found several men and women en-
ioying the comforts of good hot stove 0ne
of the women was engaged in makia9 Pm
cushion another, seeing that the shore was
well filled with fuel One OF two Of sha cid
men, with their elbows Gu their knees and
head resting between their hassas. Eeraaps
were looking back OVER Essrs sxhsn9z,s jSsrsnaag
and wondering probably whas zhair si1aara
would be. They gave vens 10 thaFr feelsags
By saying, S Why IS it that the city alaHaari,-
ties are sending rs from place 10 PLACE, Hzsa
as if we were cattle. We ara satisfied aasI
content where we are" We nosseed c1s a1m
in corner, with sunksd cheeks and psElss
face, who scarcely noticed Us. We remarked
that we did not think that ne was long for
this world. Yes" said Mr.. Ersritt Il
have noticed that he is falling. He has
running sore on one of his legs, and be has
been with me since l have kept the poor
There has been some question of dispute with
our city authorities whether he did not right
ly belong to another township, and there to
another year rolls around, the great settler of
disputes--grim Death-will pass that way.
Lambertyille will have one less to support
In this room we also noticed two frolicsome
little boys, who were dividing pieces of apples
among the old people. Here would be good
opportunity for our farmers to procure boys.
They appear to be healthy and robust. Per-
haps they would grow up to be useful and
become good citizens.
We were taken up stairs into the female
department. Everything appeared to be neat
and clean. The sitting or sewing room was
warm and comfortable, and from a window
there was commanding view of the city. at
this window sat an aged woman, busily en-
gagged in sowing, and who, from her converse.
ton, appeared to be quite intelligent. She
asked, Why is it that we have to be removed
from here ? We certainly cannot expect to
have more comfortable place, as we are now
near some of our acquaintance and our
church. If we go to the other place " (mean-
ing the new contractor, G. P. W., Eve cannot
see anything from our windows but the tops
of trees. Yes; shut out from everything"
After further conversation with Mr.. Ever
lit, we learned it was the feeling of parties
contracting to keep the poor Of our city for
one year, that they fear they may not get
them again another year following, and can |
not afford the expense of making things as
comfortable as they would like to.
In regard to the number of poor and their
nationality that Mr.. Evertt has ander his
care, there are 10 at his residence--6 of
American birth and of Irish birth. Besides. |
he assists several at their own homes, all of
Irish birth.
In regard TO making changes in the manner
of keeping our poor, we think it would be |
good idea in the future to make the contract
to extend to at least three years. 1t would |
certainly be more agreeable to the poor, aud
there would not be that common complaint
that the poor are removed from place to place
just on account of one contractor being a little
lower IN his bid than another. CITY.
Philetus Sawyer, Republican, was elected
United States Senator by the Wisconsin Leg
islature Tuesday, to succeed Angus Cameron.
Johnson NJ Camden, Democrat, was elected
IInitad States Eanatnr To s,,ccaad Era..I- |