The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-05-15

The Entire seIf-Enacement OF ths
Truest PbfIanfbropfsts.

0cus AIiuhtIolts WHO cft1lcu tuo
great Hampton industrial school for
colored and Indian boys and girls, used
10 say that he found IL easy enough
10 persuade good man 20 give what
was virtually an eye, an ear or a finger
TO the great body which symbolized his
work, but that IL was almost impossible
TO find a philanthropist willing TO give
blood-money; that is, supply that which
was necessary to the life of the institu-
ton in n general and unaccrdited, but
more vital, way.
Most people desire TO see the exact
spot where their money Is 10 be put,
and want 20 be distinctly identified
with their gifts. To be willing to have
ones little charity become forgotten
drop in the llfe-glving stream that sup
plies great benefaction requires an
which is not common, even among
persons who are devotedly religious,
but which is, after all, the highest test
of philanthropic character.
A beautiful illustration of this self
obliteration came recently to the writ
er's notice. IL seems that during the
rush of the Christmas seasons very
considerable number of packages ar
rive at our post offices on which either
no postage stamps have been placed,
or else too few have been used. In
most instances these packages do not
have upon them the address of the
sender, and consequently, instead of
reaching their destination, they remain
in the governments charge until final
~ disposed of by Washington officials,
IL does not take much Imagination TO
picture the many little tragedies of dis
appointment that these hundreds of
unclaimed packages initiate. Here
little girl has put her happiest thoughts
into n loving remembrance for some
dear and distant aunt or uncle. There
IA poor woman has starved or shivered
In order 10 send warm clothes to \
brother struggling TO earn bare liv-
ing, or 10 a son alone in far-off city.
The fatal cents were lacking TO carry
these evidences of tendcrnesses 10
their eager destinations. Insufficient
postage must be responsible for a great
deal Of disappointment misery and
possible family estrangement.
This fact came to a good mans
thoughtful recognition one day, and
what followed illuminated scores of ex-
pectant homes. He was not rich:l
neither had he enough relatives for his
large heart. When the new idea came
TO him, he rushed to the post office,
which, being in one OF our large cities.
received large quantities of mail mat
ter.
what per cent OF Christmas pack
ages fail OF delivery for lack of post
age2" he asked the postmaster.
For answer the Official took him TO \
room where there were many homeless
packages.
"What would it cost TO supply post
age to all the belated holiday pres
cnts?"
A sum very large for the good mans
purse was mentioned.
"Well," said he, after pause, II win
pay for all the unstamped Christmas
packages this year, and the next-well,,
please God, He viii take care OF that!
| think can give as much happiness
in this way as in any other; but on no
account is my name TO be mentioned"
He unconsciously put himself in tho
same class with u rich man in another
great city, who for years has answered
all requests TO Santa Claus thnt chill
dren have sent to che post Office in the
town in which he lives.
This is what Gen. Armstrong would
call blood-benevolence IL supplies the
very arteries OF happiness. Like the
heart, unseen and UNDECIDED, IL does its
beneficent work.
Most OF us, dispensing our little char
tiles, think they are unappreciated or
useless IL we are not thanked or praised
by those who receive them. This does
not exemplify the Masters modest
spirit of helpfulness. Almost anyone
who makes his life blatant drama,
seeking recognition or applause, can
obtain some kind Of glory OF men. IL
takes life OF self-effacement to obtain
glory OF God.-Youth's Companion.