The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-07-09
THE HELPING HAND.
Something II Lost Where Charity
Work Is Delegated to Others.

New York Mail and Express.
1t is easy. no doubt, to give money, II
one has 1t to give. and is inclined that way.
Not that we would write a truism. What
a man wants to do and can do, it is his
pleasure to do. If he finds his incllnations
running in particular direction with sym
pathy, certainly he but gratifies himself in
complying with the pecuniary demands the
case makes 1t is, however, no small trouble
the cause by personal investigation. having
fatigued ones self by the search for facts;
this is, without dispute, far more meritor-
ious than the pestowal OF an easily written
check.
1t is a rather unexpected complication OF
these busy times that men have no leisure
TO give thought 10 charity. Five years ago,
business being dull, men had no money TO
give. Now that they have the money, in
these prosperous times, they have no time
to show their faces on the various boards
where charities are managed. Directors of
asylums and hospitals are also directors or
banks and trust companies. The business or
a continual complaint. Kindness there is
without lack of money but the kindness
that also thinks for misfortune is being
trustee has no time to attend meetings. The
college, the school and the club all COM
plain. A handful Of men who do take the
time for the business OF benevolent thought
are constantly met with the demand from
their absentee associates, well, how much
do you want from me? Just let me know.
/ had to stay down town last night"
Rich patrons, who have the money ma king
genius and the benevolent impulse. or con-
science. are employing paid almoners whose
business 1t is to bestow what silver and gold
the rich man will give but the rich man is
mot TO be personally bothered" He gets
the reputation of being philanthropist, but
he only half deserves IT, me oarsfS saI
than half the phianthropist Of that combi-
nation. On him falls the fret of the thank
less and undeserying beneficiary. on him the the
heart the burden OF prayer for guidance and
the search for wisdom May il not also be
said that on thls paid agents hcb nea cco ne
panies the providence of God? Certainly he
has the warm and thrilling pressure of the
poor mans grateful hand. the dew of tears
the worthy breathe with signs of relief. 1t Is
not possible wholly to repress the refiec-
tons which earnest and engrossed men ex-
press for the absentees. Men who can make
bread out OF stones, whose hours are as
priceless as those of any other men, yet who
give the thought. the counseling, the per
sonal coefficient to the equation of how this
work should be carried on. often feel con-
tempt for those who fling money in the
basket without thought. Women who
could take up the whole load OF charity
themselves, yet who strive hard to induce
interest on the part of other women, and
are met with neglect-all Of these will ap-
There Is SO much that money cannot do;
no, not II Ii be poured out like water There
is so much that sympathy can do with ever
basis OF charity. The specie payment wis
dom of commerce laid down a gold coin as
the security of currency. The eternal law
demands something more fundamental yet
in true charity. and that is love. The secu-
larity OF the age is not working profitably.
The money does not go far because the
givers are not willing TO go far
The love OF ease. of out-of-door sports on
Sunday, Of more recreation after business
hours threaten 10 enasculate a world of
philanthropy as these causes have weak
ened worship. 1t will soon appear that we
are powerless in charity. IL we cannot mix
in with the money the blood and soul of liv-
ing men and women who take an interest
In these things enough 10 give themselves
"a. hon