Wichita eagle., 1889-09-03
WOMAN'S COUNCIL - PHlLASPHROPIC
WORK AMONG WOMEN.

To the Editor Of the Eagle.
Is philanthropy work, or duty solely
suitable for women Shall the most mo-
mentous problems concerning our duty
toward our less fortunate fellow creatures
be left TO be indiferently solved by the
almost futile efforts and cramped purses of
few women whose hearts are SO much
larger than their opportunities?
Who does not remember with a pang OF
shame and pity the small beginning of the
first hospital work in the citye A feeble
endeayor, perhaps even unwisely managed
at times, for the directors were inexperi-
enced, but worked for and prayed for with
unceasing energy Slowly, and through
much tribulation. the Benevolent home
came to be reconnized rs permanent in
stitution. As the outgrowth OF that
thought there exists now another sweet
charity that should enlist the help and
sympathy of every parent IN the city, the
ChIldren'S home.
There are now three hospitals in the
city, where the homeless sick and afflicted
may be cared for. and a home when limo
cent children, thrown on the world through
no fault of their own, may be given homes
with good people, and a chance to outlive
the shame and obloquy Of an ilegltlmate
birth.
There are also two young women
who have devoted their small means and
their lives to the rescue OF ignorant girls
who might through very Ignorance and
frlendlessness be led into doubtful paths.
These two girls with an elderly woman for
matro1, provide haven for homeless
women cut Of employment,
They had Literally next to nothing to be-
gin their labor, but faith in the goodness
of God, and a belief in the answer TO
prayer. One would have supposed the en-
tire body of christians representing the
churches of the city would have rushed
gladly TO the aid OF this most scriptural
undertaking, but the truth Is, II has met
with scanty encouragement, and has even
been sneered at as piece OF 'fanatlclsm,
SO unrecogniZable is real follower OF the
Master in this the nineteenth century OF
Selhshness.
But there is still one class for which no
provision is made. The unfortunate
woman, who wilfully, or biindly, has fall
en- from the path of rlght-dolng, but who
would gladly retrace her mischoSen steps,
finds no helping hand held out To her. A
lady not long since, while advising kindly
with one Of these women, WAS met
with this reply: What shall l do
then. l was carelessiy brought up
and can only sew indifferently. l might
do homework, but who would have me'
Would yous" Alas, her advisers heart
was warm, but she could not anser yes
The Woman's council, organized last WIN
ter and numbering nearly tU members,
has under contemplation start ia this di-
rection. The idea is not yet fully devei-
oped nor the plan formulated. but that the
outcome shall be something in the nature
of an industrial school, where employment
can be given to those who wish TO be
taught to help themselves, IS the senti-
ment of the deliberations.
One who knows herself able to render
capable services for a just remuneration
will rise in her own respect and command
the respect of others.
Let the good and generous women OF
Wichita seek the wisdom that is to be
found in council and help one another TO
decide wisely the proper way to commence
this work. Come TO the meeting OF the
executive committee and directors at DIR.
Stevens hail. South Water street. on
Thursday at 8 O'Clock. All who are inter
ested are cordially invited