The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-07
1MpRovIDENcE OF THE poor.
Their DiscOuraging Inability to spend
Money to Advantage.

New York Tribune.
The general improvidence of the poor and
their inability to make the most of the lit
tie money upon which they must live are
constantly being impressed by rev illustra-
philanthropic workers People who are liV-
ing in the utmost Wretchedness, suffering
oftentimes from both hunger and cold, Will
unless a careful watch be kept over their
movements frequently spend the first
money which comes into their possession
for some entirely superfiuous and useless
article. 1t is the Old story of being able TO
get on without the necessities of life but
not without it's luxuries. A case in point
recently came up before the Society for
the Relief of Poor Widows with Small
Children" This is one of the Oldest char
liable organizations of the city, having re-
Gently celebrated it's hundredth anniversary
It's object is to assist widows who have as
many as two children under twelve years
old, the help being given, as a rule. in the
form of food, clothing. etc, instead of in
money. The woman in the instance re-
ferred to has six children. the youngest Of
whom is now twelve Although this prop
erly excludes her from the benefits of the
society the officers have been interested in
her struggles to maintain her large family
and have continued their aid at their own
private expense. In spite of this and the
fact that two or three of the older children
are earning money the mother complained
recently to one Of the settlements, where
she is known. that she was much behind
in her rent, and did not see how she could
set along. visitor called at her house and
noticed. us soon as she entered two new
folding bed and chest of drawers. Upon
inquiry she learned that the woman had
bought these short time before and was
paying for them by installments. 80 meet
the last payment she had pawned a new suit
belonging to her fifteen-year-old son The
rent WAS three months overdue
When demonstrated with for this piece of
extravaganza the widow said that when
She bought the things she did not see any
reason why she could not. pay for them,
because her son was receiving good wages
1t was some time before she could be made
to see the foolishness of the purchase and
ii is not probable that the lesson will be
of any use when different occasion for
spending presents itself.
Another extremely poor widow to whom
the society pays s. q month, allowing her
was found to have bought from this
amount at department store where the
society has an account, a yard and a half
of velvet.
A third woman. who is unable to work
is visited by the workers of one of the
settlements. and also receives s. a month
from private person who is interested in
her. Her rent until lately has been 81 a
month for two rooms Helped as she was
il was possible for her to raise the remain-
ing 81 to make up the rent. The other day.
however. the settlement visitor was as
founded to find that the woman had hired
another room thereby increasing her rent
to so a month.
why did you do such thing as that?"
she was asked
WELL she answered. Il thought maybe
| might be able to let it out again and
then III make something out of it
But there was tenant in view and up
to the present the speculation has produced
outlay and revenue