Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1897-12-29
Ny "HOme."

This'is the soothing word that ca1ms
the mind under all the various ankle
ties, notifications and disappoint-
ments we meet with, day after day, in
the busy world. This is the idea that
enables us to support the most trying
vexations and .troubles-it is an anti
dote for all evils.
My "home. There is a deliciously
restful, quiet tone about the word. 1t
presents heavenly ideas of soft ease,
and gentle repose to the oppressed
mind and languid body-ideas of quiet
seclusion, where ones powers and fac
ulties may be relaxed, and be at rest.
The weary child that slowly draws
its little tender feet, one after the
other, in endeavors to keep up with
dear papa" who has taken it out for
long walk, looks up in his face with
Frightening eyes, as he says, "never
mind, we shall soon be home now"
Its tiny fingers take frmer grasp of
the supporting hand Of its father, and
its poor dropping head half erects, as
it thinks of the kind mother who will
receive 1t with words of sympathy for
its fatigue. seat it in her lap, lay its
face on her cherishing bosom with
comforting expressions, and chafe its
aching limbs with her soft palms.
The school boy, or girl, when holi-
day time comes-with what anxiety do
they not look forward to the time of
the arrival of the conveyance which is
to take them "home?" They both
think of the approaching happy meet
ing with all their effectionate family,
the encouraging smile of the proud
father-the overwhelming kisses of
the fond mother-the vociferous we.-
comes of the delighted brothers and
sisters. After all the joys and sorrpsSs:
of season at school they are al last
at "home," free to forgSethe hard
Latin lines, the copy-book, auasthe
neatly executed sums, and to eHfeH
fully into. all the joy and peace of q
happy hane at Christmas-tide, and tor
receive the blessing and encosrage-
ment of father and mother for their
welfare and success in the New Year
The business man thinks of going
home after the fatigues of the day,
with ecstacy, He knows that on his
return he Shall find an affectionate
face to welcome him, a warm snug
room, a bright fire, clean hearth,
the tea things laid, the sofa wheeled
round on the rug, his wife sitting by
his side, conso1ing him in his vexa-
tions, aiding him in his plans for the
future, or participating in his joys,
his children climbing on the hassock
at his feet or leaning on his knees.
begging him for the promised letter to
Santa Claus, and for his intercession
with "dear mamma" for "on1y half
an hour longer"
But. that is the bright side of the
| picture. ] am aware that there are in
dividuals who never can know the lux
ury of a "lrome." Mr.. Charles Lamb
says, "The home of the very poor is no
''home.'' And also aver that the
home of the very rich is no ''home.''
He may be constantly at home if. he
chooses, therefore he. can never know
the delig htfuf sensation eta return to
it. Besides, ''home" should be place
of simplicity and quiet retirement
after the turnmoil of the world. Do
the rich find these amid their numer-
GUS guests and oficious domesfics-
their idle ceremony and pomp and os-
tentation7 This is not the ease and
comfort which should be peculiar to
"home "
Again, we must admit the presence
of the very poor. In our cities, and
in isolated districts of the countryside
there are those who have never known
home. The New Year brings to
them no hope of peace on earth, good
will to men," Conceived in vicious
ness and vice, poverty and want, they
trudge through the weary years, and
only find rest from their weariness of
crime, their social ostracism, the
sights and snubs of our Christian
country, when the last yule-tide is
past, and they are laid away in the
potters-feld.
Misfortune brings many to face
such fate; avariciousness and selfish
ness brings many more, and hudd1ed
together by scores in the vile dens and
filthy streets of our cities-paying
tribute to oppression and greed,-when
the old year merges into the new, and
the homes of their more fortunate
neighbors are Respondent with happy
youth and brightest joy, they fall
upon their knees and thank God that
there is one less year of life..
4 There are 1Oo, 900 idle men in New
York City alone. That means 900. .OOo
linen, women and children in want.
And it means that IT is the duty Of