Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-08-27

family groups, and the abandonment of luxuries
and frequently even of the comforts OF life. The
young who may thus be overtaken by misfor-
tunes, have the elastic attributes that dominate
the hopeful and ambitious period of youth.
They seek other employments and other fields
of useful toll. But TO those who are aged and
feeble, the loss OF property and the failure of
business enterprises come with crushing force.
1t is to be hoped that some like these, in the
years that are to come, may find shelter and
comfort in this Old Peoples Home.
Others may come here who are wasted in
health and broken in spirit; afflicted with the
cares and ills that are incident TO old age; they
may be fretful aud troublesome Cases such as
these should have special consideration. If
they should develop some of the characteristics
of childhood, they should be looked upon al
care that is accorded to the helpless Let us
then resolve among ourselves to make this in.
stitution all that its gentle founder intended 1t
should be-all that its name indicateS-a veri-
ia BILE home place of comfort and of rest for
those who are looking out upon the sunset of
life.
Jean Paul Richter has said, what makes old
age sad is not that our joys, but that our
hopes cease" Let US here, at least, try to in
spire these old people with new hopes, and be-
stow upon them such joys and privileges and
pleasant surroundings as are within our power.
In the selection of those who are to wait upon
and attend the inmates here, think great care
should be exercised as to their physical tenn
permanent and mental training. In their inter
course WltQ LQOS6 WHO are unQer their charge,
these employees should be actuated by kindness
of heart and by sympathetic gentleness of
disposition. fthese old people are sick or in
distress their very helplessness should appeal
to those who are around them and awaken the
tenderest instincts of their nature Harsh Ian
guage and forbidding looks will deepen the
burrows that gather upon the faces of the
afflicted, while cheerful expression of counte-
nance and comforting words will warm the
aching heart and cause it to beat with genial
and responsive throb.
1t is the little amenities of social intercourse
that have their influence in all the affairs of
life. The most costly luxuries, if offered to a
patient sufferer with grudging hand, would
add a chill to the gloom of sick chamber,
while a drop of cordial, administered with a
smiling face, would be received with CORE
spending smile of gratitude to the giver.
Says charming English writer:
at is little thing
To give cup of water; yet its draught
OF cool reireshment, drained by feverd lips,
May give shock of pleasure to the frame,
More exquisite than when nectarine juice
Renews the life of joy in happiest hours.
1t is little thing TO speak phrase of
Common comfort, which by daily use
Has almost lost its sense; yet on the ear
Of him who thought to die unmourn'd twill
Like choicest music; fill the glazing eye
With gentle tears: relax the knotted hand
To know the bonds of fellowship again;
And shed on the departing soul sense
More precious than the benson of friends
About the honored death-bed of the rich
To him who else were lonely, that another
OF the great family is near and feels"
After the conclusion of these exercises in
the chapel the audience assembled in the
corridor, where the memorial tablet was
unveiled by Miss Mary E. Croker, daughter
of Colonel G. F. Crocker.
The marble tablet is of very beautiful de-
sign and workmanship, and was presented
by the Lady Managers of the Old Peoples
Home. 1t is set in the inner wall of the
front corridor, near the door. The inscrip-
ton reads: