Morning journal and courier., 1886-07-27
A PHILANTROPIsT.
He Was Also Bonanza to the Old Beg


 gar Woman. From the New York Times There is an old woman whom every one who has occasion to travel about the city in the evening below Fulton street is sure to meet sooner or later. She seems to have only one hope, one object of life, and that is to get over the ferry. To this end she ac- costs whomsoever she meets, and in pleading tones begs for "but one penny to help me get across the ferry" Very considerably, she never requests more than half the ferry fare from one person. Fulton street is her favorite begging ground, and she patrols it from the ferry to Broadway and back many times during an evening. When business grows dull there she takes a turn up and down Wall street.
 The stars were shining brightly a few nights ago, but were not visible to mortals on account of thick clouds. Leaning against a failing at Wall street and Broadway was man seemingly lost in thought. A closer in- spection showed that he had been imbibing rather too freely and was only pondering whether it would be safe possible to walk along. He had just decided the momentous question in the affirmative and was making the preparatory lunges when plaintive voice fell on his ear:
 'Ouly Il penny, pl0aSe, to Qelp me over the ferry"
 By an effort the man resumed his former posture, and inserting his hand with difficulty into his pocket he with greater difficulty ex- tracted handful of small change, and with still greater difficulty decided which of the coins was penny. When all this was slowly but successfully accomplished, he pass ed tho penny over to the woman, and, with the stereotyped "God bless you, sir" she hobbled away
 The giver was too exhausted to think of moving along for some time. In fact, it was 10 minutes before he made another attempt. He had scarcely taken half dozen steps three forward and three backward, to save himself from falling-when again he heard a request for help across the ferry. Once more he went through the laborious operation of finding penny and placing it in the hand of the ferry fare seeker, gravely received her blessing, and relapsed into state of profound meditation. Evidently the events of the past 20 minutes were being thoroughly cogi- tated. Suddenly his face frightened. He tried to stand up straighter, and showed plainly that he had come to definite con- clusion in the matter.
 Just then came the third request for pen ny for ferry fare, which was bestowed as graciously as the other two. The man looked happy. He could not keep his happiness to himself and reeled over to a spectator who stood by the lamp post.
 "Look here" he exclaimed; ''Pm ph'lan- thr'pist, I am. Greatest thing ev' saw. Been standing corner. New saw such place t do good. Talk 'beut giving money U hospitals n orphan 'sylums. Tain't nothing side this. Helping lem cross ferry. Women all going over ferry. Helped three 'Iready. Wonder why tn all want get over ferry. I'm going back n stay for n hour n help s'more. Bes' thing ev' did nall my life.
 He regained his post, and just in time, forthe old woman for the fourth time returned and asked tobe helped across the ferry. She receiv- ed her penny and waddled away with smile on her hypocritical face. The philanthropist looked proudly after her ond when she was out of sight turned to his spectator and shouted joyfully:
 ''Wha'd I tell yers Don'cher seea Bes' way doin' good, helpin' poor women like her. Funny sh'd all be old women, though. braced himself to continue his philanthropic work.