Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1888-04-11
ORGANIZED
An Appeal FOR Aid by the Woman's Unio
Reneyolent Society,

Benevolent Society.
Said a member Of the Woman's Union
Benevolent Society, at its last monthly
meeting: Have any of the ladies read
an article in Harper's Weekly, March "a,
on the subject of Organized Charity ?"
Few had read it, but the sentiments OF
the article as stated by the questioner
made so decided an impression that the
society took action and appointed a COM
mittee to prepare an article to be published
at an early date in the daily pspars Of our
city, to call attention to the Organized
Charity already in its midst and now in
the sixth year of its existence.
The w. U. B. s. is not an Organized
Charity of. mere inquiry (see II. W, but
while it is vigilant In seeking out and in
curing into the condition of the poor,
physical, moral and religious, il also gires,
making a speciality of relieving present
pressing necessities first, and then, as the
case may be, ~endeavoring to find
employment for those able to
work and homes for orphaned
or neglected children, or recommending
them for aid to the commissioner for the
poor, or to the churches to which they
may belong.
Although this organization is not of re-
cent origin, it may not, perhaps, be fully
understood by many of our charitable
people who have already given, or wouid
willingly give to its support. First-It is
entirely dependent on voluntary contribu-
tions. Sscond-These contributions are
solicited by committees appointed by the
several ward auxiliaries, contributions OF
$50 from ladies and 500 from gentlemen
constituting membership.
The Finance Committee has resorted to
giving entertainments, suppers, &c, to
r~eplenish the treasury. Liberal gen lie.
men have sent at various times generou.
donations; but the society has no permanent
fund, although it can he sure of a monthly
expenditure Of at least one hundred
dollars. Taxpayers will reply: ''Thous,
ands Of dollars are paid annually for tue
relief Of the poor. A comfortable well.
kept infirmery provided for the aged and
helpless, besides there are several charti,
able institutions, Orphanages, homes, in.
dustrial school," True, imagine q Chris.
tian land without these institutions in
populous towns and cities Again, why
contribute to the support of idle, worthless
people, who would rather beg than work?''
Sometime ago the society passed a resolu-
ton to assist no families where there were
naturally flowing for women and children.
How was this resolution recognized when
the question "Have You a husband ?" was
answered in the affirmative, but he is ont
Of work, or he has gone away to find a job,
OF he has been sent to the ''hill" for -
days. Present necessities were supplied
aud hope kept alive in disponding hearts.
street beggars are as numerous az
formerly" Yes and will be until a law is
passed prohibiting street begging. But
before such q law is passed, let
Us have more charitable institutions,
a ~Iefornatory school for girls as well as
for boys, and a home or nursery where
mothers can leave their little ones while
they earn their daily bread. While we
wait this reformation, this progressive
work which we hope is in Wheeling's near
future, we, the committee appointed by
the ". U. L. s do most earnestly solicit
the necessary means to carry on this be-
nevolent work, which work finds its code
not in the Shsster, which teaches tnat the
turning away Of a beggsr producers calam-
ity, nor from the Koran, which lays par
ticular stress upon the merits Of good
works, but from the Book which says:
"Pure religion and undefled before God
and the Father is this: To visit the father
less and widows in their afl i%ction." And
again: 'Ifa brother or sister be naked and
destitute of daily food. aud one of you sly
unto him, Go in peace, be ye warmed and
filled, and yet ye give them not the things
neediul, what doth it pro6i?" The Book
which teaches a common brotherhood and
commends those who pity the poor.
In the name of the w. U. B. s. we make
this appeal. Our funds at present are low.
our receipts precarious, our demands ur-
gent. Will not some of our good citizeps
invest-a certain sum Of money to be paid
annually, accepting for "value received"
the improved condition of the poor, and
the approval Of a good conscience. Rest
assured the beneiaotor, as well as the ben
ficiary, is always a recipient of good. ut
is more blessed TO give than to receive"
Individuals desiring to respond to this
appeal for annual contributions TO the per-
manent Fund will fluid the committee at
the y. NJ. c. A parlors, Market street, on
Wednesday next, from , until 5 p. m, or
if they prefer they can send direct to Treas.
urer, Mss NJ. C. Wilson.
MRS. G. l. WILLIAMS,
Miss NJ. G. WILSON,
Miss n. CARNAHAN,
Committee.