Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-29

was a discussion of almsgiving in its most
helpful sense by eminent speakers. Inter-
est principally conferred in the remarks of
Commissioner Macfarland and Cardinal
Gibbons, their addresses evoking hearty
applause. Rev. DR.. Stafford. pastor of St.
Patricks Catholic Church, was heard in a
short address. and the reception accorded
Mr.. Downey was of the heartiest character.
Blessing of the Rooms.
Cardinal Gibbons arrived at the home
shortly after 3 o'clock and proceeded to
the fifth floor OF the building. where, in
company with a number of clergymen he
proceeded with the blessing OF the rooms.
Mr.. Downey conducted the cardinal and
clergymen. and each room was visited in
turn. This ceremony concluded, the Wis
itors entered the hall and took seats on
the platform. The exercises opened with
the singing of a favorite Catholic hymn,
Holy God" rendered by a choir of boys
from st. Josephs Orphan Asylum, on H
street northwest. Miss Kate Lackey was
the accompanist. Other hymns. including
America" were sung during the after
noon.
Rev. Dr. Stafford was the first speaker
He described how the work carried ON by
the home had been originated in the ST.
Vincent de Paul Society of Washington,
and paid tribute to its founder and pro-
moter, who, he said, has become known all
over the country through his good works.
While the home is aided by the members
of the st. Vincent de Paul Society, said
the speaker. 1t does not depend entirely on
this organization. but has won the SYM
pathy of non-Catholic brethren.
President Roosevelt's Regrets
An interesting feature in the discourse
OF DIR. Stafford which was heartily APP
plauded. was the reading of letter from
Mr.. William Loeb. jr.. secretary to Presi-
dent Roosevelt. expressing the chief execu-
dedication, and voicing well wishes for the
success and prosperity of the home.
Mr.. William f. Downey made stirring
address that commended itself to the earn
est attention of the audience. He charac-
terized the dedication of the new home as
the happiest day In his life Mr.. Downey
summarized its development from begin
ming, eleven years ago, during the most
fearful blizzard weather that Washington
has ever witnessed, at which time, when
the home was thrown open. at its old loca-
ton over the blacksmith shop across from
Mr.. Downeys place of business. many of
the inmates had almost persisted of cold
and hunger.
Decentralization has no place In this
institution declared Mr.. Downey. 1T
makes no difference what religion an APP
plicant practices. provided his wants be
real, and If the occasion should ever arise
when there are two applicants for the one
coat, and one happens to be Catholic, 1
non-Catholic, as we can much easier put
aside our own until later.
1.-THE Good Samaritan Home Is essentially
place for men without money or.
friends, and no distinctions will be observed
at any time" said Mr.. Downey. in conclu-
sion "And after my old bones are laid
away this work. with Gods help, shall con-
tinue and this building dedicated today will
remain as haven for the derelicts of life.
The building is entirely free from debt, for
whatever obligations have incurred In its
completion have been saddled on other prop
erty OF which I am possessed"
Cardinal Gibbons Address.
When the applause had subsidized Cardinal
Gibbons arose and began his remarks with
a happily phrased compliment to Mr.. Dow
ney and his discourse. which latter he de-
clared to be the best lay sermon he had
heard for a long time. He applauded the
name selected for the institution as one ap-
pealing with especial force to mankind.
SIT carries US back to the gospel of Luke,
where 1t Is told that a certain man went
down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell
among robbers who stripped him and left
him half dead. And Ii CHANGED that GER
tain priest went down the same way and,
seeing him, passed by. But certain Sa-
marian, being on his Journey, was moved
with compassion. and, after binding up his
wounds, pouring Oil and administering wine
and setting him upon his beast, brought him
to hotel and took care Of him. Thus does
this home essay to take in the footsore and
needy from the highway.
II wish to commend the work that Mr.
Downey Is doing. and agree with his prac-
tice of supplying the needs OF the inner
man first Some say that Mr.. Downey Is
imposed on, but do not admire the perspi-
cacity of people In this regard. There are
many hypercritical and too scientific princi-
pies of charity giving nowadays would
rather be deceived one hundred times than
to turn one needy applicant away"
The cardinal closed his address with a
quotation from the Gospel according to
st. Matthew. Come We blessed of my
Father. possess you the kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world;
for was hungry and you gave me to eat;
I was thirsty. and you gave me to drink: I