The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-12-24
PRACTICAL CHARITY.
PHILAsTHR0PY ON WHEELS IS A
NOTABLE SUCCESS so FAR.
Other Plans For Relieving the Distress Of
Hunger Among Our Many Poor Peo-
pie Now Under Consideration.

| That sort Of practical philanthropy
CRY, and presents plans for the immediate
r.lief Of their wants, generally meets with
the success which has attended Dr. ". W.
Parker's efrorts during the past week.
Twenty-Five wagon losds-big. generous
loads is the record Of four days collection
by the four wagons assigned for duty
since Wednesday, and there is hardly any
character Of wearing apparel which is not
represented. Dr. Parker says he viii stop
the collections only after the whole city
has been thoroughly canvassed.
The city Mission room have been
found too small 10 accommodate the
large quantities OF goods, and he has Sc
cured the premises. 1926 east Main street.
The goods will be simply put In the store
without being assert ID, until the colle--
tons are complete.
Although the distribution Of goods began
on Thursday, the Doctor thought 1t ad-
visable to discontinue until an opportunity
is afforded 10 determine whether april
cants are worthy. That part Of the work
will be continued during the latter part
Of the coming week. Some poor devil VINO
had Just InlSNtl DOING liult dpplltl 10
the Doctor for "a coat yesterday morning.
He came into the Office without sign OF
q coat, and said that Mr. Hugh Blair
had sent him. As he had nothing with him
70 prove his story, except the lack OF
coat. the Doctor sent him 10 Mr.. Blair for
a note. Mr Blair's reply was lacOnic IN
the extreme: "This man is out OF Jay, and
has no coat" was all the note aaid. The
coat vas promptly given.
1t is not proposed frat iris collection
shall benefit the colored population. Or.
Parker has suggested TO the Rev. }. ii.
Holmes, the pastor Of the First (colored)
Baptist church. that he follow the present
plan Of collecting goods. as there are many
cOlored people who are well enough or
in the world 10 aid their fellows. lie thinks
the collections will supply the destitute
white element only.
The heart OF Richmond has responded 80
generously TO the demand for assistance,
that the Doctor has under cor sluerauon
a plan TO supply those who are worthy
with the necessities Of life While the
times are hard on nearly all classes. he
thinks that enough good food is thrown in
the slop-pails each day TO supply all
wants The difficulty IS in collecting and
distributing the food while it is yet good
The plan Of securing quarters in different
parts OF the city, where the food could be
sent, or from whiC- collections could
be easily made, seems the most feasible
Under Amusement. II think If the city
Government were 20 take charge OF this
matter with their present facilities, they
could easily arrange 20 collect and dis
tribute the food, or, If this plan is shown
not to be practicable. a fund should be
started. / think the banks. insurance conf
panies. and merchants would all give lib
orally. Rations might be distributed from
the police stations. This plan would reach
all classes. The refined people. who would
let pride keep them from coming TO the
commissary stations might be supplied
with tickets, which would be as good as
currency, that they could send by ser
want for whatever might be required. II |
will not take a very large fund 10 carry |
the destitute through the three or four
very trying months OF the winter"
This and other plans 20 smccth the path |
OF adversely. and 90 bring into clearer |
light the teaching Of Christ "to love thy |
ueighbcr as myself occupy this profess |
busy man during every leisure |
moment. His motto. "The poor are al |
ways with us, let us care for them in !
combination" is worthy Of the attention |
of those whose names and deeds have gone |
10 make Richmond's name as a place |
for the foOt-sore and hungry, known near |
ly everywhere.