Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-04-10

The following letter should appeal 10
every citizen Of Memphis as an urgent plea
for aid for a noble charity, and the concert,
when given, should b. made the means OF
generous help. OF course Mr.. Tracy will
respond promptly, in the affirmative:
HOUSE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD,
MEMPHIS, April s, 1883.
Mr.. Peter Tracy:
DEAR SIR-As you are aware, we have
been laboriDg for years to obtain means 10
build a new house, larger and more suitable
than our present one. The funds obtained
by our Fair in the fall of 1880, and those
rsis.d by our little collection in the spring
of 1881, have been carefully preserved, and
10 this we have been constantly adding by
collections abroad. There is, however, one
great obstacle 10 the collections sbro ad-Ie
are constantly asked why does not Memphis
build her own institutions" We try TO
appease our inquirers by saying that We
have already applied TO our Memphis citi
zens, and that those to whom we have ap-
piled, have responded generously; however,
the sum is still insufficient to copplste the
building, and, as We do not refuse the poor
and unfortunate who come 10 US, or are sent
to Us from other parts Of the State, we feel
that we have a right to ask for assist
ance for our new building from all
quarters. This statement made, contribu-
lions are given sometimes with
great generosity, so that We have
now sufficient 10 commence our proposed
new house. This we dread TO do, however,
until We can zee our way clear to complete
the same, without going in debt. Therefore,
we wish to have a concert, and we are conf.
dent that We could not put the management
OF il in better hands than yours. We, there
lore do earnestly request you to accept the
responsibility, as we are cure yon will make
it grand success. Numbers Of ladies aud
gentlemen have already volunteered 10 assist
in The sale of tickets, and we have had sew
eral offers to buy large number OF them,
so that we have every reason 10 believe that
it will be a complete success. The necessity
Of the new house is perfectly obvious to all.
We now number almost 100 inmates. The
sleeping apartments are so crowded that
there is ne room to- step across the floor at
night, want OF space for more beds obliging
US to make use of pallets in order 10 accom-
MEDIATE more. Almost every week We are
Obliged to refuse new applicants. Those only
are received whose sad condition renders any
shelter better than none. Once admitted
they generally remain for years. Some prefer
10 remain for life, TO secure perseverance
in reform alton. Our institution is now self
sustaining, IS all are obliged 10 work-our
motto being, "ldleness is the Mother OF Mis-
chief"
The donations asked are in behalf OF the
thirty-fv orphans, who, also, are sheltered
under our roof-a reformatory institution
being necessary even for these little once.
Here they have the advantage of half
| days schooling, besides being taught trades,
to which the remaining half day is devoted
OF course, these poor little ones are not
capable OF earning their living. II may,
| perhaps, be unnecessary TO mention There
things TO you, as We are sure you understand
full we'll the merit of our work, and We are
confident that you will not be wanting in
efforts, on your part, to assist us in erecting
our much needed new house. Trusting that
we will soon receive favorable answer, We
remain, respectfully yours,
| SISTERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD.