Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-09-13
Gales zIin Skftfkss.
ONE WOMANS WORK.

1t is an odd change, after wandering
through the monotonously modern cities
of the United States. to pass in the width
of a street. from the airy, well-lighted
homes of our later civilization to the an
Gent hou ses of foreign people; Pecul,
lar is the sensation on leaving the broad
pavements OF Canal street to find oneself
in the narrow byways of the French quar-
tiers Of New Orleans. 1t is well, perhaps
for those who doubt the worlds progress
to visit this quarter.
The motley people filling these byways
seem as exotic as their homes. 1t is diff
cult to realize that one is in an American
city while listening to the queer French
jargon and looking into the black-eyed.
slender faces eager with tension that
reaches further than the nervous system,
and does not weary the soul. As the
tourists wanders still farther through the
dusk of the tortuous street and out through
the sunlight of fhe Spanish square, he is
carried backward through century. On
either side of this well-kept garden are
the homes of the Montalbas. Although
of ancient build, both houses and grounds
are in good preservation, having been
left in trust to the city OF New Orleans
with reversion provided in case OF neg
lect. Leaving this park. with its contrast
of luxuriant flowers and prim cut trees,
our guide led US aside through time
worn entrance OF stone, and we found our
selves in the dim and silent interior of the
cathedral wherein those aristocrats had
worshipped in the long-ago days.
'.Let us 90, too" | said ''.his weird
old cathedral is haunted. am sure it is. !"
drawing freer breath as we stepped into
the open air. II feel as though | had
seen all the ghosts of Montalbat. DO let
us visit something of flesh and blood
something we can touch and know to be
alive" cried. Our companion. musing
for a moment, said: IL have it! We will
visit Margaret ~
"Wh0 is Margaret ?" queried.
"A wonderful woman, the very sight of
whom will make you better and wiser and
happier ~
Gallons. then. for have much greater
faith in Herbert Spencer than in Calvin
believe in happiness as a moral agent
much more than do in misery. But who
is this princess, queen or goddess p
''She is none OF these, only an Irish
woman. Shall tell you her history on
the way?"
IF you please" assented.
About thirty years ago." began my
companion, Margaret was poor young
widow. maintaining herself by selling the
milk of one COW. Trundling her cart
about she often discovered, in the byways,
destitute little children. Her purse was
empty of money, but her heart was filled
with pity. and these motberless ones crept
unawares beneath the wings of her love.
So Margaret gathered. one alter another,
sixteen waits. and gave them shelter. As
she went on her daily rounds she asked
for broken food and ast-off clothing. She
was prosperous. and presently was the
owner of several mich cows. About
twenty five years ago she sold these and
bought an old shanty. where she started a
bakery. As we shall soon be there, | will
reserve the rest until we reach our desti-
nation"
Walking few squares farther we halted
before large business house. CHANGING
up read the sign. "Margaret's Bakery"
Several delivery wagons were waiting al
the open doors. As we entered ali elevi-
tor piled with boxes OF crackers descended
in the centre of large apartment, and
numerous powdered workmen were hurry
ing to and fro. In one corner Of this room
was desk. and by it sat n woman.
That is Margaret" said my escort
She was giving orders to several men
standing about her. and had an opportu-
nifty of scanning her unobserved. She
was a large woman. weighing more than
200 pounds. should jugde her features
were heavy and irregular. her faced flush.
ed, and her head massive and shapcly
She was dressed in plain print skirt and
a loose sack of dark flannel
As we stood looking about us a gentle
man advanced from the desk and bowed
courteously.
1--WE have taken the liberty to call on
Margaret and the factory. Will il be an
Inconvenience ?" asked my companion
Not in the least Margaret is busy a,
present, but will show you through the
establishment and then return to her"
We mounted the elevator to the floor
above, filled with the clang OF machinery
Controlled by happy-faccd workmcn and
workwomen. As we looked about us |
asked many questions.
This il large establishment ?"
''Yes, the largest is the city; we work
up $50 barrels OF -four per day. and en-
ploy 100 persons"
And is Margaret the sole proprietor p
asked in wonderment.
''Uutil the last two years. yes. She has
recently taken n partner, an orphan boy
whom she has brought up. but to her the
success of the business is DUE
lis she an educated woman ?"
queried.
mo: she reads little. but does moi
write"
''And she has accomplished all this I'M
aidede"
Yes; for the last % years she has been
at her post by O'Clock in the morning
and oversees everything herself. But
that is not the most wonderful part of her
story" he continued, ''she sends every
cent she makes upon the poor, reserving
nothing except her own simple living
She furnishes every charitable institution
in the city with bread; if they can pay
they do SO if not, she gives it TO them.
Besides this she entirely supports an
asylum containing 200 babies. to say
nothing of her private charities. The
proudest gentleman in New Orleans bows
low to Margaret, and | do not tbelieys