Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-26
JUST A PLAIN CITIZEN
Mr.. W. F. Downey's Good
Works Called to Attention.
PR ESD EN- rs PRAISE
BRINGS TO THE FORE A GREAT
CHARITABLE WORK.
Good Samaritan Home for Fallen and
PR ESD EN- rs PRAISE
Good Samaritan Home for Fallen and
Helpless People-Liveryman Talks
Modestly Of Efforts.

President Roosevelt in introducing PAS
tor" Charles Wagner the Alsatian divine
and author of THE Simple Life" to a
representative Washington audience at a
local theater last Tuesday afternoon,
brought into prominence the erstwhile mod
est and unpretentious philanthropic work
in this community of an unassuming cili-
zen Mr.. William F. Downey. The Presi-'
dent cited the humane efforts of this earn
est individual IAN example of what can
be done and should be done, by the indi-
vidual citizen. and said other compliment
ary things about a man who is known in
charitable circles in the District as a mod
ern good Samaritan.
The utterances of President Roosevelt were
published in The Star and have attracted
widespread attention and comment especial
~ the incident connected with the colored
Baptist church. which is located next to
Mr.. Downey's livery stable. on L street be-
tween 10Th and 17th streets Ever since
the President mentioned him so prominent
~ and referred so feelingly to his labor of
love, as he terms 1t. In behalf of humanity,
Mr. Downey has been the recipient of many
complimentary communications from people
who We're hitherto unaware of his humane
eAertonS.
MIR. Downey was reticent concerning the
good work he has accomplished for 1.-The
other half" and said IL there was any
credit attached to 1t 1t should be given ito
things we'll" His modest demeanor was
in sharp contrast with the evidence on
every hand of his unceasing labor for his
less fortunate fellow man. Across the street
from his business place is his Good SamarI-
tan Home. A modest two-story building,
formerly club house. serves as the refuge
from the storms of nature and of life for
nearly one hundred outcasts of society.
Inside the warmth was genial and In pleas
ant contrast with the chilling north wind
which prevailed without, while a savory
odor from the long cook range told that
p&latable and substantial food was also
provided for the hungry. When it was sug-
gested that the Presidents ardent reference
10 his self-imposed task had made him
famous, Mr.. Downey gave a little sigh and
E id.
All, after all. 1 am but trying. in my
humble and feeble way, to accomplish q
little of the great work the good Lord would
have us all engaged in-the uplifting of fall
en-. despairing humanity. l am certainly
eratefgul and thankful to our beloved Presi-
dent for the kindly words he spoke about
my small work in a great cause and now
that the cause has been taken up by our
distinguished President and many Of our
best citizens and the press, I hope to see
a change for the better in prevailing condi-
lions before long. But let all our efforts
be in the name of the Lord and we will
succeed. With Him there is no such word
fail.
dOOQ samaritan Home.
The simple trustfuness of this man in the
divine power was evidenced by the plac-
ards and figures the walls inside the
Good Samaritan Home. There was a statue
in the miniature of st Anthony's Bread "
p:cturlng the saint dispensing food to the
hungry multitudes: a placard God Bless
Our Home. and other Inscriptions Of SINH
lar purport. The cots for the weary, foot
sore wayfarers were neat and cleanly the
floor white from
the stoves and range polished In fact the
entire interior was spick and span as the
homely old adage expresses it. The inmates
OF the home were smiling and happy and
bore the appearance of men who were try
Ing to lead better and more useful lives than
had been their wont. While the reporter
was inspecting the premises hard-featured
man, with torn and soiled garments came
In and addressing Mr.. Downey informed
him that he had but recently been released
from prison and was DESTROYS of entering
upon a new and better life. The released
prisoner said he wanted new coat and
pair of shoes. Turning to the cook, Mr..
Downey said
Give this poor fellow his dinner" Then
addressing the newcomer he added I'm a
fathcrly manner, You have been going to
prison for years. Now make a final EFFORT
and do right. You can yet become a useful
citizen. Ask the good God to help Won He
will do il. / will get you the coat and shoes
you ask for and you may stay here until
you can find some honest employment"
This is but single incident in a long
chain OF similar ones. but II serves to illus
trate In small measure the kind and quail
ny OF the work that is being accomplished
py Good Samaritan Downey and the re-
formed men who are his assistants In
brief the primary object of the League of
the Good Samaritan. as the workers are
termed. is stated to be THE relief of the
destitute, suppression OF vice and the re-
formation OF the hayward" Those who
lind the blessings of Christian charity ready
Tor the asking at the home have been clas-
sifed as the aged. infirm and weak-mind-
ed. the convalescents from the hospitals
the habitual drunkard. the discharged pris-
oners the maynard youth away from home
and friends and the unemployed and destI-
tute workmen."
Mr.. Downey's Remedy
in your extensive and varied experience
in dealing with unfortunate humanity. Mr.
Downey,' asked the reporter. what par
ticular remedy have you found to be the
most efficacious In restoring the outcasts.
so called. to good citizenship"
Il am glad you asked me that question:"