The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-08-07
NUNS OF THE POOR

Posted up on the dining room door
of the Grand Hotel at Ixe-les Gaines
was a notice that could not fail to
catch the passer's eye. AS the stream
of visitors drew near they paused,
single or in groups, to read what was
written on the door; and then passed
on, commenting each in his own way
upon what he or she had read.
1.-The Sisters in charge of the home
for the aged will make collection
during dinner today"
1t was a recognized institution and
the habitues of the place accepted it
as such; but some of the newcomers
began grumbling at the continued
calls that seemed to be made upon
their purses.
What bad luck!" said one lady,
turning to her neighbor ''If only
that stupid collection had been just
day later I should have escaped it.
my cure ends tomorrow
"Then, on the contrary, think you
are lucky, even in spite of the collec-
tion," was the reply. 81 know I wish
/ were leaving this week. I've never
tknown such place for making money
| fly. This hotel is iniquitously dear,
consider. And, then, there are the
baths and the doctor, and tips ex-
pected by everyone. The shops, too,
are so tempting. One never goes out
without buying something; and, no
matter what one spends on ones
clothes before coming, one has always
to be getting new things here"
Its enough to ruin Croesus!
groaned third
"And on top of it all" chimed in the
first speaker again, I'VE are expected
to contribute to their local charities.
The last straw, call it.
"My dear lady, I agree with you
there" said a stout, prosperous look
ing man, who up to this had no
chance of joining in the conversation.
Il know these institutions are neces-
sary and very excellent, I dare say,
: and subscribe regularly once year
: to more than one in my own neigh
: borhood. But, beyond that l draw a
line"
"Yes, yes" agreed several others;
''help those at home certainly. But
> it is really rather too much to expect
us, who are only birds of passage, tC
support their poor for them in place
) like this"
: 81 call it an abuse" went on the
fat man.
THAT is just what it is" came the
= chorus of agreement. "This promis
: cuous begging certainly is an abuse
= Especially when one would 81
much prefer keeping ones money il
= one q own pocket" added a youni
q Italian officer, dryly.
e Il am so glad you agree with me,
= said the first speaker, turning quick
ly to the officer, whose favor she hat
sought for assiduously, but in vain
= quite oblivious of the sarcasm Of hi
!, remark.
/ There was, however, more than f;
"a touch of contempt in the smile wit
h which he answered her.
: 81 am afraid | was merely voicin
10 the general thought, not giving m
own opinion" he explained politely.
'"Then what is your opinion" sh
~ asked in a tone of surprise.
80 81 think that one should give wha
20 one can whenever one is asked for
of deserving charity such as this home,
q. he replied
of "a bad system, sir; most perm
i. cious doctrine!" exclaimed the ia
no man, who again managed to get
n. hearing. "Why are the old peopl
these Sisters are begging for in
home at all? Why are they not sci
Of supporting citizens, like ourselves
10 Because they have been improviden
y. idle, extravagant. Through their ow
no fault, sir, l say-through their ow
10 fault"
m "Vice is the forerunner~ of misery
To- another man announced, sententfou
st ly.
of THAT l grant you" rejoined til
officer, addressing the last two spea
ers at once. But it is equally tru
on that there are also many who, aft'
as working all their lives, find theT
or selves destitute in their old ag
of through no fault of their own. B
70. sides, there are many who could NJ
10. get work; or who, getting it, could nj
he do it from i'll health or for other re
an sons"
at I'You are a believer in luck,
IN gather" said his neighbor, who hs
not yet taken part in the discussio
ITO a certain extent / am" a
of swered the officer. And you, sir
III what do you think about this collie
We tion?"
Ier You ask my opinion, do you?" r
to peated the professor-for professor
nv was, writ large on every line of h
ch shrivelled sallow face. 'My opinic
is that those who are determined
get on do so, sooner or later, no ms
ed ter what obstacles may arise in the
rs. paths. As for so called charitable
Oh situations, / consider them superb
1a- Gus and undesirable. They are me
of harbors for imposters, beginning wi
MT those who undertake the manag
he ment."
re- Before the officer had time to d.
ept sociate himself from sentiments
MT. contrary to his own, priest, who I
we to this had sat in silence, bent fc
ward and addressed the profess
with quiet courtesy.
An Let us hope, professor he sal