The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-06-22

There were many stays present.
HOW TO TREAT
The CITY'S POOR.
Superintendent George B. Davis,
Of This City, Reads Admirable
Paper in Portland.
az .Associated press.l


PORTLAND, ME-, June 2l.--At TO-
nights session OF the National Confer
ance OF Charities and Correction Super
gintendent George b. Davis. OF the Aims
house Richmond. spoke on&'How Should
Inmates of Almshouses be Treated?" He
said In part:
OF minds gifted III originality and suggestions.
on my subject have been heard. and tho
roughly discussed, In our conferences, can
hardly hope 10 interest or advance anything
now.
However. beg your kind Indulgence. and
vii! enGpaYor to give sou my views on this
important subject.
thousands are born in this world in AFFECT
poverty and vicious homes. Many OF Christian
cliversties and conditions are as varied as tho
plants OF the field or the trees OF the forest
Some are taught only VICE and crime. Some
are graded in flower beds OF love and
parental affection. tltair very beings Hunt
mated by mothers smiles: and their first Inn
pressions are seeing father and mother upon
In Home, Sweet Home Hence the ad-
vantages and disadvantages OF child HE.
clearly indicate aud largely forecast J. their fu-
turc lives. The environments and strong In
fuences for veal or woe mould their future.
Civilization and Christianity. with Its golden
si.nheaIls iueei them In the great pathway
OF lie and endeavo- to lead them into the
sne et atmosphere Of morality. and point them
heavenward while the allurements and Sc
reach out their strong arms 10 capture them
to worship al the shrine OF vice and sin.
IL 1t any wonder when age. decrepttude and
deep Poverty comes, ,htt the larger percentage
OF these born in vicious homes. who were
destitute Of moral training. and who largely
Inherited tho traits q their parents
But the personnel of all almshouses represents
the other classes, but proportionately less.
Of life as a prelude TO- my subject, How
should Inmates OF almshouses be treated 2"
Cleanliness. sanitation. good food, pure air.
when necessary. are essential to their well
fare, and should always be regarded as re-
qliisites to their being properly treated
mellow and tender. and genuine sympathy
ought to be manifested to them. Iron clad
Laws and military tactics. have their places
In the world. but do not belong in alulshouses.
Charity should reign supreme. and the atmos-
phere should be fragrant with kindness and
tender solGitnde for ne aged si,. and nfirn,
starving for sympathy. Endeavor to make
them feel satisfied and remember. some OF
good viii Open the doors wide, and welcome
any ecort that will throw sunshine among
them. Help them to know that somebody
that they are being punished for their sins;
that 1t is not what they have done but what
they may do. even In their told age. Let US
use every means In our power to brighten
their lives, Extend a hearty and cordia! well
come to all sects and creeds. that VIII help
them In their spiritual llle.A Let eacn oIHceFH
and employe contribute his best efforts to
dispel the gloom by speaking gently. and
by manifesting desire to make them feel
at home we are never to forget that love is
the fulcr,m that moves Gods universe, Inn
press upon the aged that they are not in
prison. On the contrary, endeavor to make for
them a home. Get them interested to s,;ch an
extent that each may contribute his or her
aid to make everything congenal to all. Par
TALLY and prejudice should never be enter
tanned or manifested Be quick to recognize
any act of merit, but always cultivate and
exhibit conservative spirit"