The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1895-12-14
HELENA, MONT.
An Eloquent Appeal on Behalf of the
Sisters.

A very pleasing entertainment was
Of the End for the benefit Of the Sisters Of
the Good Shepherd of this city. The
program consisted of photographic re-
productions of the music of the most en-
i1ent composers. The exercises were OPP
ened by an address by Lieut.. Gov. Bot
kin, who spoke us follows:
/ have been chosen by a preference so
wholly undeserved as to add greatly to
my en- barassment to offer few remarks
Introductory to the entertainment which
you have assembled to enjoy. 1t will he
your privilege this evening to- have illus
trated to your hearing an instrument
that stores sounds and reproduces them
at the will of the operator. This is one
of the inventions in which the past quar-
ter of a century has been so richly pro-
life that signalize the triumph Of human
ingenuity in reducing the forces of ma
ture to the service of mankind. All such
products of the mind are to be welcomed
and greeted with gratitude and admira
ton. They are at once the signs and the
agencies Of the progress of the race, and
testify to the endowments that are bear
ing lis onward to future that the i'm
agination fails to compass.
But here there IS mistake to be
avoided. That is low, mean and sordid
estimate Of human progress that meas
ures it by the improvement alone in our
material conditions. There is no fear but
that due attention will be bestowed on
those appliances that go to our comfort,
enjoyment and physical we'll being; but
fully apace with our advancement in
these there should be the growth of a
broad charity that extends it's watchful
care and it's kindly offices to all who are
Of the brotherhood and sisterhood of
man. Surely this is no violent state
ment; that human progress should be
progress in humanity.
The present occasion is connected
with his duty. About six years age there
was established in this city the House OF
the Good Shepherd. It's primary object
is the. reformation of fallen women and
their instruction in such employment ?t as
will qualify them to enter upon honcra-
BILE lives to rise on stepping stones of
their dead selves to better things Close
y
purpose, and that is the sheltering and
care of children who. by reason of their
surroundings, their exposure to immoral
influences or a natural tendency to evil,
are in danger of becoming addicted to
vice and crime. ...
/ would be ashamed to argue that this
is a NEST humane, nay, holy mission.
It grants assurance that no woman is SO
degraded but that the star Of hope shall
shine above her. With unfailing ten
derness and unfaultering devotion, with
out regard to race, sect or creed, it opens
for her a door that, closing, shuts out
the shame and sorrow Of the past and
ushers her into future Of purity and
usefulness. Not less important is the
work of this Institution in behalf Of chill
dren.. It is not the practice Of the Sisters
who have charge Of it to parade their re-
suits; otherwise an impressive showing
might be made Of the numbers that have
been rescued from courses that could
only end in disgrace and crime.
So far as the individual benificlarles OF
the House Of the Good Shepherd are con-
cerned its efforts are to be commended
and encouraged as responsive to the
highest dictates Of humanity. But the
benefits are not limited to them the COM
niunity participates in no slight degree.
Every woman who is recalled and every
child who is preserved from career Of
shame and crime is distinct gain to
society. The social evil is one Of the
most difficult problems that confronts
civilization Legislation and the exer-
else of police authority have failed in
the task Of solving it; it is no exaggera-
tiun to say that the devoted labors of
those noble Sisters have done mere than
all the expedients that government can
put into operation.
It need not be said that the task is one
Of the most unplea SAINT and discourage
Sing in nature. Sentimental charity
rarely undertakes it: it calls for higher
dedication And since there are those
who, with self-sacrifice before which
work OF humanity, it cannot be that I
will appeal to you in vain to extend to
them your aid.
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd only
ask that they may have the opportunity
to make the institution self-supporting.
While they will gladly and gratefully ac-
cept donations Of money, clothing or pro-
visions, they ask for work that can be
done by the inmates, and especially
washing and ironing and plain and or
Ramental sewing AS to all of these,
patrons may be assured of the best work
and moderate charges. There are prob
ably few within the sound Of my voice
4 who cannot thus assist this most deserv-
Ing charity without bt1rdenfng them
s1lyes, and the most that IS needed isSsaE