The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21

many. The writer told of the lands all
being in use. She wrote of the hand
some and well developed rruit, vegetables
and flowers, because of the care and
work given them. One of her remarks
especially impressed me;
Just imagine, If you can, one beau
tlful garden of flowers, fruit, and
vegetables. all the way from Memphis to
birmingham.
Now, really, does 1t not seem sad that
we have these rich lands in idleness-say,
in and around Birminsham-when We
have men, women and children who are
hungry, and men and women walking
the streets begging for work? l suggest
further that should farms be established
the Associated Charities serve as the
clearing house, keeping In touch with
the various needs of the farm and a
record of the individuals, etc, so that
when these perplexing beings and eondi-
tons present themselves the Associated
Charities could at least know where and
how to give them work and homes. The
association could also keep list of
those who wish work outside and as
jobs are found, give these men and
women a chance to earn their own money
and support.
There are no greater hearts ON earth
than Birmingham people have, indivldu-
ally and collectively. Nearly everyone is
interested in some kind of benevolence.
Yet the demand is not met, though most
people have taxed themselves fully.
Salaries are not poor here, but 1t seems
the burden falls largely on those who
work and those who manage judiciously. L
have often had occasion 10 report cases
to the Associated Charities, and it Is
/ really wonderful the amount OF good they
do with their limited ways and means.
| l have written, hoping that some little
| suggestions may be called that would be
, of service in solving this grave and diff
| ficult problem.
Ere elose. let me plead for the moth
ers and children who are destitute, that
they might be kept together. 1t is toe
often found that they must part, that
| the child may be reared by someone who
can give 1t a home food, clothing and an
| education, as the mother is not physically
| able to support herself and child, or chill
dren. When this separation comes, pun
ishment is inflicted on the mother and
cbild-a punishment that neither deserves
nor is responsible for, therefore breaking
the ties that God has made. No one can
give love, patience or sympathy as a real
mother can. 1t is only in rare exceptions
| that mothers fall short of this, even when
they are trifling or can't do much. II
a mother has home under right eondi-
tions and her children near, she can be
taught to work for their sakes, for she
loves them.
While talking to the matron in charge
of the Salvation Army Rescue Home, SHIT
| told me that 1t is rare that one of theii
girls will go wrong again. If she is allowed
to keep her baby. when she loves it.
| whereas IL the baby dies, or is taker
away, the mother often returns to hel
old way of living, because she has moth
ing to love. How heart-rending 1t is wher
a good woman overtaken by misfortune
is parted from her children, even though
she might see them occasionally. Ther'
is nothing to a child like mothers love
1t pines and grieves as no one can know
except its mother 1t is impossible fol
those who are not mothers, or have no
been mothers. to know what severe pun
ishment separation brings.
l believe if we had farms with work
shops too, much sorrow, crime and pow
erty could be overcome.