The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-09-07
THE NEWS MAIL BAG.
Incurabie Invalid Children

To THE EDITOR OF THE NEWS;
SIR-Will you continue to help the
poor and unfortunate, by giving space in
your paper for an appeal in behalf of those
who are seldom mentioned by the press,
and almost neglected by the general public.
refer to those among the very poor, who
are incurable invalids, needing more at
tention and heartfelt care than some 9TH
ers, who, when ill, have only poverty to
contend with. / will only mention the
needs OF the children, and what can be
done for their help and comfort.
The most needy ones coming under my
frequent observation, are tho blind and
those who suffer from hip and spinal dis
eases.
They are often left alone. uncared for,
with nothing to relieve the monotony and
loneliness of life spent in the midst Of
poverty and wretchedness.
"Do you hear the children weeping, oh. my
brothersl
Ere the sorrow comes with years?
They are leaning their young heads against
their mothers,
And that cannot stop their tears.
The young lambs are blesting in tho meadows.
The young birds are chirping la the nest,
The young fawns are playing in the shadows,
The young flowers are blowing in the west.
But the young, young children, oh, my
brothers
They are weeping bitterly:
They are weeping in the playtime Of the
others,
In tue country OF the free"
1t may be that some of our readers, es-
pecially those who are waiting to receive
a call for service, wish to know what they
can do for suffering humanity as repre-
sented by those for whom l make this ap-
peal. My answer to all inquirers, rich
and poor, is that in any service for God
and humsnity, they ~ 0st give them
selves, with what wealth and talent they
may possess, with faith and confidence
that their efforts, IL we'll directed,
whether great or small, will result In
good to themselves and those they wish
to benefit.
1 have noticed that the invalids enjoy
the presence and ministrations of refined
and kind hearted persons who come as
friends and helpers;t not merely as official
members OF society. TAey like to hear
music and singing, and the reading OF the
latest news and interesting stories, while
admiring the beautiful flowers and par
taking of some Of the "good things I"
brought by the visitor. Toys
and picture books are always
welcome, and musical instruments
arc received with great pleasure. All de-
! sire To read and write, some to do plain
sewing, embroidery, painting and sculp-
ture. would suggest to those who are to
be their teachers, that they use, with
other methods, the kindergarten system,
it being useful, as well as pleasant aud in
structive. The blind shoup have especial
care and attention, being in need Of some
one to read to th5m, and act as guide
and pleasant companion in their walks.
1t may not be known to nll your readers
that part OF the service of our charitable
societies Is to endeavor to supply the
necessary artificial aids and appliances so
essential for the comfort and locomotion
of those suffering from hip and spinal
diseases, and which are often too
expensive for their parents or guardi-
ans to procure. The demands upon our
charitable societies for such aids are so
great, with the expensive nature OF the
service and lack OF funds, as TO compel
them TO refuse the applications OF many
who are in need.
II is hoped that some OF your readers
who love children and who are willing TO
aid the unfortunate, will. now that the
wants of such are brought to their notice.
respond by personal service and gifts OF
money. The way TO do IL can be easily
found out, by application To tho kind
hearted and efficient oyerseer OF
the poor, the city physician and
Others of like profession, as well rs 10
those connected with our charitable So
cieties, list OF which can be obtained
from the city directory. 1 would recon-
mend from Personal experience and OBJ
servation, the kind and efficient render
ing OF such required services by members
of tho order OF Sisters OF Charity and OF
the Providence Association for Ministry
TO the OK. FRANCIS GALLAGHER.