The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-08-03

There certainly Is nothing selfish and
sectarian in an Institution of this kind.
Its aim Is broad, deep. purely charlta-
bic and Christian. So much So that
the good. generous and intelligent peo-
pie OF this enterprising city will not be
slow I'm appreciating Its motive and in
realizing their opportunities in helping
to further the interests OF very pyac-
ticable and most noble institution.
First of all, as has been stated be-
fore. a suitable tract Of land will be
necessary whereon to erect the build
ings. The securing Of this ought to be
very easy matter indeed, since there is
almost any amount Of land lying
around the outskirts Of the city, not
only well suited for such an institution,
but In addition. owned by corporations
or individuals. who might be very glad
TO donate site for such an institution.
We learn from Brother Francis that he
expects to secure from ten to twenty
acres OF ground, to constitute a little
farm, providing for the keeping of the
convalescents. as we'll as give them the
benefit Of wholesome outdoor exercise
IN such farm work as they might be
able to do.
The necessary buildings required to
begin the work are few, and could be
erected at small outlay of money.
from what we know Of Brother Francis
as man his unselflsh devotion to the
uplifting Of his brother man-his prac-
tical, common-sense plan for doing the
work, we have a full right to believe
that the willingness and readiness to
assist him Will meet the ready approval
OF all classes and conditions of men.
Il Il II
1t may be of interest to some to learn
that there Is somewhat similar insti-
tuition at Verbank. New York. known
as Priory Farm under the order of
the Brothers of Nazareth. A few years
since, Colonel De Peyster a wealthy
and well-known resident Of New York
city, had found an intimate acquaint-
ance with the elevator boy in the build
Ing where he had his office. One day he
missed him and on inquiing learned
that he was sick and had been sent out
OF the city to a convalescent home by
some friends. Some time after this the
boy returned to his work In the elevator
and Colonel De Peyster, seeing him
back, asked him where he had been
and all about the home. On being told
the nature Of the institution. he sent
for Brother Gilbert. who was in charge,
to come and see him. He did SO, and,
as the result Of his visit, Colonel De
Peyster decided farm of 300 acres to
the Brothers OF Nazareth, and at dif-
ferent times since has given them in
the neighborhood of $4,000 to put in
buildings and otherwise help to carry
on the charitable work at Priory Farm.
1t consists Of training school for
boys. convalescent home and a home
for consumptives. The institution Is
we'll and favorably known in New York
and supported by large circle Of some
Of the best and most influential families
in the state of New York.
Last summer Brother Francis spent a
week at this institution he studied
the nature of its work. and came back
to Scranton thoroughly convinced that
similar institution might accomplish
most excellent work throughout this
thickly settled valley. The more he
thought about 1t, the more he decided
1t his duty to enter upon this work per-
| sonally. So that finally on the second
| day Of July he was sOlemnly set apart
| for this special kind Of work In st.
Luke's church by the Rt. Rev. N. s.
Rulison. ID. d., assistant bishop of the
diocese of Central Pennsylvania. Since
that time Brother Francis has been
busily engaged In his new line Of work
visiting among the sick and poor, in
structing the ignorant. and formulating
plans for a permanent organization
upon which he expects to conduct his
| work.
Brother Francis has consecrated him
self wholly to this special line of work
he expects to make 1t life work; he
wants no compensation for 1t. only the
plainest kind of living. This Is all he
asks for and the amount Of good ac-
complished he very gratefully acknowl-
edges as his highest compensation he
could wish for. Whether our rich city
of Scranton Is prepared to accept the
magnanimous offer OF Brother Francis
remains to be manifested on the part OF
all those who can in any manner OF
/! form assist him in his work. The writer
here would suggest that The Tribune
open a subscription list In Its columns
In behalf Of this worthy charity. public
ly acknowledging the gifts as they may
be given. The institution Ii to be in
| corpotated, as we understand, In the
near future, and a board Of trustees
appointed.
Scranton Is beginning to be large
and wealthy city; we have already sew.
eral excellent charitable institutions OF
which we may well feel proud. but In
all fairness be 1t said we have none
more practical, common-sense like
more unselflsh and purely charitable
than that Of the Brotherhood Of the
Good Shepherd, now in its infancy and
asking for recognition in this commun.
ity. May our well-to-d0 people bt
prompt and generous and ere long an
other most deserving charitable insti
tuition will be engaged In doing goOt
among the needy and neglected-an In
stitution that will prove blessing moi
only to the poor, but blessing alst
to the good people who may be inter
ested in Il. a. well as q blessing adding
glory to the good name Of our enter
Max Melville.