The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-08-22

poorly made. cheap clothes are the
things on which merchants make their
greatest gain. These things that have
run do not wear. and cne's little in
come is soon frittered away. We tried
by example to undervalue these expen-
sive tastes. came to know that more
girls went wrong from an inordinate
passion for fnery than through any other
temptation. 1t was hard to win the con-
fidences Of the girls. harder still that of
the mothers until we began to furnish
them outings for the sick little ones and
to teach them cheaper ways Of living
better than in the old ways. Then our
doors always were on the fly for them.
"Once came near meeting with an un-
pleasant experience. l had living with
me young girl of Polish birth. She
was undeniably beautiful, and utterly
Ignorant Of life or the perils of great
city. On her afternoon "out" she failed
to return at the usual hour. P. NJ, and
she was still away at 9 o'clock.
Becoming alarmed for her, took the
train-for l lived then as now at Benton
for the city. / first went to her home to
see if she was there. Her people lived in
one room in a wretched old hive OF
house that swarmed with people one
shuddered to meet so evil we're their
looks. Her father was at home, but in
spite of my anxiety he seemed to get an
idea | wanted to get his child for some
evil end myself. 1t was impossible to
convince him l had no desire but her
good. He could not believe one dressed
like lady could do good deed without
hope of reward, and in his excitement
he turned the key on me. locking me in,
threatening to turn me over to the po-
lice. l remained outwardly calm, al
though was inwardly much alarmed at
the idea of spending night under that
roof
FINALLY / persuaded his wife my in
tentions were to help their child, and
through her, he was persuaded to es'
cort me home. He lookedsas though he
were capable of numbering me if 1
quailed or made the least attempt to
escape. was only too glad to get out
Of doors. My son met me at the depot
and my first question was-Has she
returned?'
"'No. but you take the lantern and 60
home. 1 will wait for her here, and see
she gets home all right if she comes
out on the late train"
"'My companion said-'I see you be
good! Me go way. You find my girl
"lt was midnight before the young
woman appeared. She arrived at her
home with some of her companions soon
after l left, and her father put her on
the train when he arrived there.
THAT little swarthy faced Polish
| mother was not without womanliness, for
the next afternoon blowzy boy brought
me badly spelled note from her-'Tan.
king the lady and beg her excuse US
we know SO little bout dis country an
its ways The little woman afterward
attended our mothers meetings. and the
family had the pleasure of seeing i'm
proving their condition through little
of our guidance"
The Settlement Home
Now finds a home in a plain little
house on Second and Victor streets 1t
was nice grocery store with a modest
"fat" over it for the family. The whole
lower floor is now used as hall. for So
cial, school and other purposes. There
the library occupies one side of the
room, and contains about 1900 volumes.
The upper rooms are devoted to the
teachers private uses and the kitchen
where mothers receive practical illustra.
tions of the lectures on cooking and
housekeeping.
The work has broadened with the
years and opportunities. Men and boys
now can attend the lectures and con-
certs, for good citizenship" comes in for
a share of consideration. Ten business
men Of st. Louis, incognito, assume the
rent of the house by the year. which is
81 ZOO. and Mr.. Edward Babbitt has a
Boys Club" in charge numbering forty
lads, whom he meets two or more times
a week. He is not only their teacher,
but friend. who mingles work and
amusement in such just proportions be
holds them.
The object of the settlement is:
ITO improve the moral and social con-
dition among women and girls.
"To gather all little ones under three
years of age into kindergarten.
Means to these ends are:
"Free lectures. friendly talks, games
and social meetings, study classes.
Saturday, sewing school. Sunday.
afternoon concert. Free library and
reading room. A mothers meeting and
neighborhood visiting"
This movement is entirely unsectarian.
No fees are charged and it is supported
entirely by voluntary contributions;
while visitors are cordially invited to
visit the institution any day and see for
themselves how it works.
Mrs. Virgins services have always
been gratuitous and the work supple