Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-21
The Tramp Question.
To the Editor of the Dispatch:

4 ~ the bullOT the DlSpdtcn:
Many of us have been watching with
| deep interest and serious misgivings the
tramp ordinance" proposed in this city.
That not only our city, but our civiiza-
ton, is threatened by this thing we call
'tramps" is too manifest and serious not
to be recognized with just alarm. But
that back of the tramp" is a far more
dreaded something, that goes steadily on
making. if not increasing, tramps. and
when once a man is made into tramp
works with regular and powerful force
to hurry him into ever-deepening de-
graduation. widening the gulf between him
ana his brother men, blighting, crushing,
and destroying hope in his bosom, and
creating out OF him a factor that defies
law, respects no rights and casts a ter
ror and dread over the land, thinking
men are bound to see. The tramp is not
a tree, but the fruit Of a tree. Not
cause, but the result of a cause or OF
many causes.
Then, too, the word tramp" covers a
very long line in life. 1t begins where
the honest, loving, brave. noble man OF
glorious toll starts out with bleeding,
yet brave, heart TO find work. in which
he can maintain his nobility and sustain
and support those dear one dependent
upon him. Such men used to nave 1t
said of them, They are going forth to
seek their fortunes; but. alas! condi-
tions are so changed, the shrewd and
avaricious have so adjusted the wires ana
frightened the bands that prevent the
honest daily toiler from making for
tune, that we now hardly ever hear the
expression, HE is hunting work. Yes,
and for days, weeks, and months seek
4at xahn
there is SO much to do. The hope with
I'm him meets disappointment after dis
appointment; sending chill after chill
through and through him; deepening the
ache in his heart that is there because
OF the suffering and unhelped ones he
loved and left, until at last hope dies;
shame of failure comes and takes pos
session. filling his bosom with despair
that cannot face home and suffering ones.
deem sense Of wrong in the condiuoh
Of things that forces him helpless ana
Drotesting out into the world, a worth
less wapderer, gradually changes INT"
,ntstrust of humanity, and fearless as
regard of its favor or frown; resehllul
prever on it's life, and adder 10 anu
mocker of its shame, wandering nope
Iesaly and bitterly on, towards It's graves
.of oblivion. That such man Is DANGER
.o,,s ts too mild an expression; he can De-
oon,o az Needless to all that other men
49, and cherish OF nobility and appre-
ntation "a the mad-dog becomes 10 all
,ha instincts OF master loving, chase
an+ovina or fellowship. He can reach
tho no,nt where Milton shows US SATAN |
wben he says, Farewell hope; ana WIN
hope farewell fear.
Now II is plain that there are as man
,,,nds ~ tramps and degrees or tramp
lam as there are condluohs Oh huna
hearts and hopes between the day thaL
,hts man left home seeking work, ana
,hot ,n which ne disappears IN paupers
s,raye vOe all know. and must never Tor
%, srha disease IS progressive. and So
49,, must deal with IL az such. You
hmm IL and treat 1t wholesale.
:. a. neace work. most delicate. tender
- work needing ofttimes the best
l,oa.o. ana most skllful trained nurse, III
49, &c 20 be recovery. and society IL 10
her child restored and glad and
be1nfui and true TO her highest iie.
,sinL this view of the case. II II is true
<and true II does seem 20 bel, shows US
y. once that while 'Shockoe creek may
- sort OF pen for the extreme cases
- a, 10 Mace for your brother ana my
y .,ar seeking with dying hope yet 10
! nan and 10 stand In mans place,
- -, sac with his fellowmen, and 90
S'. oayt ana bear his burdens ana those
OF his loved ones.
- rn u,e AJAX why there are so many
,r.n,s9 who are theyf What makes