Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-05-04
FRESH AIR l.OR INvALIDs.
An Admirable Opportunity for til
Exercise of Practical Charity.

An Admirable Opportunity for the
Exercise of Practical Charity.
To the Editor of The Evening Star:
1 know The Star has ever been foremost
IN encouraging helpfulness to our less for
tunate citizens. and I venture to hope you
will allow me space for a few suggestions
in behalf of little mission which 1 have
long wished to see established in our city.
I have been an invalid for fourteen years,
and have thought much about my fellow
sufferers wherever they may be, ana the
possible alterations to a lot Of more priva-
ton than any of you who are we'll and
strong can realize. Nor are many aware
of how many of those quiet sufferers of
whom nobody hears there are :.
l have always believed that If individual
cases of those whose lives would be bright
ened by receiving and others whose lives
might be broadened by giving could hut
somehow be brought together much good
would be accomplished without any fur
ther solicitation. The milk of human kind
ness is not dried up in our hearts by any
means. but we fail to realize or be aware of
our opportunities.
1t is not a money gift that desire. 1t
is indeed not only among the poor chat l
would wish to see the mission flourish. 1t
was first suggested to me by the very
smooth driving in Washington and the
beautifully shaded streets and the many
flower-bedded parks, all so restful and de-
in and year out within four walls.
So many own their own horses and vehi-
cles; and have thought that if they only
knew of some one (near by them perhaps)
who is able seldom or never to get out,
either to walk or to ride on street cars, but
is compelled to be a prisoner within doors,
and who would be refreshed and gladdened
by a drive and through many long days
thereafter live the memory of it, they
would be glad of the opportunity to bring
some sunshine into darkened life by send
ing round their carriage and coachman-
or better STILL going themselves-to take
the sufferer for an airing.
There are many families of culture and
in very comfortable living circumstances
who yet cannot afford the luxury of a
horse and carriage. 1 would be very glad
among these, as we'll as among the poor,
would let themselves be known. Nor need
they at all hesitate by feeling that they
would be considered as objects of charity.
of a polite and gentle courtesy, ever due
to the weaker from the stronger.
I have felt a delicacy in broaching my
plan heretofore, because I might have been
accused of a personal motive; but am now
relieved of such embarrassment by the re-
cent purchase of a very gentle horse and IN
easy phaeton, and 1 expect myself to have
the privilege of joining in the mission
propose.
Visits, of course, will not be made to
those sick of fevers other acute dis
eases, so that there will be no danger of
contagion.
Something might be done also by those
who have not carriages to brighten the
hours of those invalids who are not able to
drive out.
I would therefore respectfully solicit all
who own their own horse and vehicle, and
who would be willing to take some "shut-
in" for an occasional drive. to send their
name and address to A. G. H.. care Of
Evening Star: also any who would be will
ing to visit and cheer or read to the "shut-
in" On the other hand l desire all shut
ms who would like to make the acquaint-
ance of some outside friends to write their
name and address. and If they like short
account of their invalidism, whether they
could go for drive, whether they are able
to do their own reading. or in what way
their lives might be frightened, and send to
A. G. H., in care Of Evening Star.
l would suggest also, that while no
church membership Is required. 1t would be
well, if any one is a member of any church.
to name it and its pastor. so that in future
organizing parties most congenial to each
other might be brought together
Hoping to obtain large response on both
sides of this question, A. G. II.