New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-04
OTHER HALF" OF NEWPORT.
Criticism of Rich Peoples Indiscriminate
Charity.

Miss Harriet Z. Thomas writes in the current
issre CT Charities OF old woman in Newport
VINO TOD her that she belonged 10 the Newport
Poor Fund and the Townsend Aid for the Aged"
ana asked If there were Lot some other societies
that she could Join so as 10 get something more as
she was born ana brought up in Newport and
had right 10 all thc-e was going
Miss Thomas writes on How the Other Half
Lives in Newport" from the point Of view OF the
Charity Organization Society of which she is sec
brilliant spectacle Of social Newport. Miss Thomas
snlfms that the general Impression that charity
soIk IN Newport is like carrying Goals to New
sesle IS mistake. Lack Of work in winter senti-
mental charity, charitable requests and IN sum
mer visitors have produced a condition OF &C.
tesIuehcy which feels no stigma at a strong man
ied and clothed from public funds 4 geOgraphicai
a SS o. vitality and Ngor. and until the Charity
W. V5sanl-auon Society took hold one family in
W. receiving public outdoor relief-city aims
.o manufacturing interests have tried TO gain a
eoS-s, she says; but have failed 10 find en-
Ssersgement 10 authorize a beginning or having
orr. reo, have succumbed To spirit 81 petty Jeal-
ss o@s ena prejudice independent workrlen. there
sS,s are largely confined to mechanics teamsters
t"osners and fishermen. For all OF them winter
o, Wealthy persons respond generously TO the cry
nor ihen IN winter that they have neither work
sorgy, make no attempt 10 find work. An elderly
fact rs. ~ Hyeo alone had frugal habits. and the
gays ~ ne wife worked out by the day at times
f6e me me Impression that they were very poor.
his .or s ss III and 10 the great mortificsion of
of an s ano nc surprise OF the neighboThood, help
owned kknos was showered on the family. He
cle.ia. s-tee SOuseS ana Rnen INDIVIDUALS ana
his Ie his door TO leave money and cainties
uSoe N issts stared The things were fairly forced
Va. S.ehn, and although he objected. the lesson
s.p, ~ lost On his less thrifty neiRhbors.
vhaian The advent OF the summer visitors the
conn., atmosphere even 10 the narrowest alley, be-
sss one one OF reckless use OF money. The wealthy
stor. ps4Slfe or a diversion In giving Of their
gorv go me poor accept II with alacrity. The
nsn ~ one household Will serve a type The
on "a, ms wife and five children lived comfortably
.i,o..s wages and what the wife earned odd
was an. me children grew larger TO ind that il
o. vel 70 secure money by the mere asking IL
nd IN sha
her ou ou,er Followed their example. Even keeping
90 ,n6 mouse clean was soon more than she could
.sNa tth!oy all the pleasures OF the summer
honsa Doss learned the attractions OF the opera
trreg,...a 10 only worked bilpOsters other
soe ttc ar employees OF H. The father found DAYS
eT.rS,haroo' became a drinker. and finally gave up
Whe, except an occasional days fishing.
renero, e.s summer throng went there more
led 70 people who saw 20 IL that the poor were
riesui-u Nicfe was heavy snow and work at street
o. ,bis 10 one thought OF asking the young men
lars tshlly 70 do II in their high hats and col
could -. was city fund for the poor. They
- - tood in that way. and they did