The Wichita daily eagle., 1893-02-04
TO HELP THE FALLEN,
The Home for Friendless, Depraved Wcmen
Opened Yesterday.

When the foundation Tor new cnurch
is laid the people turn out in vast numbers
TO see the ceremony and TO eulogiZe the
objects of it. When colleges are dedicated
the beauty and brains Of the surrounding
country are there 10 give the affair tone
and inspiration. When state reformatories
and asy ylums are built the politicians
mount their battlemeuts and with the
most extraordinary bursts Of eloquence
tell OF the great good sought to he OBJ
taineG. Even when common Kansas
joint is opened crowds of enthusiastic cit
izens gather there to praise the fine
mirror, glority the liquids, eulogize
the picture and chromos and fatter the
projectors of the institution, but when
some little enterprise is started in an
humble way for the benefit of unfurtun-
ate humanity, having no political, social
or religious prestige behind it, or when
there is no free lunch dished up, nobody
cares to be present outside, perhaps, a lit
tie band O. enthusiasts whom the people in
a sneering way may call cranks
Yesterday the Home for Fallen Women
was formerally opend at l3l Pattie avenue
in a small but convenient little cottage by
Mr.. and Mrs. Shrievs, pair OF unostenta-
tious Quakers, whose chief aim Is TO bring
that peaceiwhch chacraterize their religion
to troubled hearts. There were a few
there not for the purpose Of showing
CANDY new bennett or to vex some other
woman with the graceful folds OF their
new silk dresses, but they were there sole
ly to give encoura cement TO the good work
and to inspire these TWO disciples of peace
and humanity in their undertaking. To
one endowed with the philosophy of hu-
manity the scene would be more impress
sive than the glittering scenes that will
attend the presidential inaug uratiou
month hence or the gaudy and expensive
display that usually attends the dedica-
tion Of some fashionable tabernacles or
towering cathedral. Here were two
humble souls and half dozen or less kin
dred spirits laying the foundation for an
institution designed 10 give shelter to the
most depraved elements of humanity
the fallen woman-and to ad-
minister that comfort to their
souls which will enable them to see that
life is worth living and heaven worth
striving for.
The home is yet very bare and humble
one and it viii require the most liberal
assistance from the charitsbly inclined
citizens of Wichita, and in affairs OF this
kind the good people of the Peerless
Princess were never known to fail in
coming forward creditably A little
furniture and clothing are required and
will be required right along for it is ex-
pected that the home will flourish in the
way of inmates from now on. There are
lots of abandoned women in Wichita who
lack only fair opportunity to reform, and
now that this opportunity is offered them
there is no doubt but that many will &C
cept of it, hence the necessity Of more con-
yeniences in the home for their accommo-
dation.
A WOmaR never becomes so depraYed
that she is beyond redemption. People
may say differently as much as they
please, but it is fact. nevertheless, pro-
vided, of course, that favorable opportu-
nifty is given her. Those, then, who will
contribute to this opportunity will be only
embracing an opportunity, themselves,
to do something for their fellow mortals.
The ladies are especially requested to en-
list in the cause in this indirect manner.
1t is necessary for more reasons than one.
These fallen women feel the sting of the
keenlv and feel their patron
ace with equal keenness. The tenderness
of good woman towards fallen sister is
more powerful than the balm OF Glleud,
and without it salvation is nearly impos-
sible No student of the conditions which
surround fallen women can fail 10 appre-
cate this. If you don't contribute some
thing in this cause for the sake OF the
essence of all charity DO it for the sake of
humanity
The first case was taken into the home
yesterday. The writer will not mention
her name for fear the whole community
might giggle and guffaw at the idea of the
possibility of her reformation; but there Is
more strength in charity than in anything
else in this world, and it may prevail over
the heart of this woman. If it does not
nothing else will.
Improvement is noted already for the
woman was not two hours in the home
when there was a.perceptible change of
heart. Tears are always good indication
OF softening Of womsn's nature and an
approach Cf her wOmaDly instincts. This
woman, touched by the sympathy OF her
more fortunate sisters, burst into tears
when she realized the interest they were
taking in her salvation and unless she is
the most hardened hypocrite, her refor-
nation is assured. She is worth fair
trial anyway. and II she is not restored to
a better life it wiz be her own fault. 1t is
TO be hoped that the home will prosper.