National Republican., 1888-01-10
HELPING THE POOR.
scenes In the Rooms of the Associated
Charities.


Charities.
How many people nave lived in this city
for years who know nothing OF tho awful
poverty that besets many families, espe-
cially during the winter monthsY Some
people, however, are aware Of II, and have
heard hundred changes ruug on the
words poverty" "stsrvation," "misery."
Probably no one sees more OF the dark
eide Of life than the general agent OF the
Associated Charities, and In bis Office at
times may be seen strange and sad pictures.
Only few days since there was scene not
likely to be soon forgotten by any person
who saw It. In one corner OF the room was
a little blind white boy, about years old,
weeping, for he had lust left his widowed
mother-who is working, at very small
compensation, to support four little chill
dren-and had been taken to Mr.. Emery to
secure his assistance In gaining admission
to an institution where the blind are edu.
Gated. In another corner OF the office was
an old blind white man, who had just been
led In by small lad. and who wanted food
and fuel. Near the desk was woman
whose husband had been a hard working,
Industrious man, but who had been seri
ously crippled by an accident and was still
unable to work. Their rent was overdue
and must be paid, otherwise they would be
set out Of doors. Close by the woman sat
man just out OF sick bed aud
who had come to try to saw little
wood that he might get some groceries
hungry children, waiting for his return
Another petitioner was small boy, with a
letter from a friendly visitor who had just
investigated the case and described the
pitiable condition OF sick mother, deserted
by her husband, with three little hungry
children, without food or fuel, and with a
landlords notice to leave the premises or
pay the rent.
Two others stood with wood yard tickets
In their hands indorsed by Rev. Mr.. -, to
whom they bad applied for alms.
Three fine specimens OF the genus
"tramp," evidently just 10 from The regular
country rounds, stand, hands In pocket,
petriBg furlively at the agent as he talks
quietly and sympathetically with some Uf
the more sorely afflicted ones. Dlsinclina.
tion to labor is plainly writ Gu on the fea.
tures and garments OF the three vagabonds,
but their stomachs will hold out no longer,
and 1t is case OF "saw wool or go hungry."
Then the scene changed little. The
pirched features OF young girl lighted up
with grateful smile us Mr.. Emery handed
her ar order for what would relieve her In
mediate necessities The tramps were
briefly and searchlngly investigated, turned
inside out, aud allowed to flee. Tne msn
with wood yard tickets were provided with
saws and started at work The little boys
letter was read, and food and fuel were
sent Immediately to the afflicted family.
The old blind man Is gently reminded that
he has practiced the game Il little too long
and he moves out hurriedly muttcring
scriptural selections under his breath. The
poor woman whose husband is crippled is
aided at once, and further assistance is
promised her, while arrangements are made
for taking care of the little blind boy until
be can be sent away to the home, where he
will be trained to usefulness.