Valley Spirit
Border Claims
Give to the Poor
Full Text of Article
From many sources, information reaches us that a large number of persons in this Borough are in very needy circumstances. The destitution that exists has not been equaled during any previous winter within the memory of the oldest inhabitant. Families have been visited which were found so destitute as to be without a sufficient quantity of food for one meal, without fuel to keep a single fire going, and without sufficient clothing to hide the nakedness of the children. This ought not to be--this must not be.
The cry for relief does not come alone from such as are too lazy to work when work is offered. It does not come alone from those who squander their earnings in dissipation. Owing to the dullness of the times and the difficulty of obtaining employment, some of our most industrious day-laborers and mechanics are unable to procure the necessaries of life.
In order to adopt some mode of meeting the pressing necessities of such persons, a meeting of citizens was held in the Central Presbyterian Church on Monday afternoon, and after consultation, an Executive Committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. D. O. Gehr, H. B. Davison, Wm. D. Guthrie, John Jeffries and James L. Black, who will receive contributions of provisions, clothing, fuel and anything that will be of use. We hope that our people will respond liberally to this call.
And we would appeal to our friends in the country to help in this good work. In the rural districts, people do not see the penury and consequent wretchedness that exist in the large towns. They can aid these poor people without much inconvenience to themselves. Let them bring in loads of wood--let them hunt through their houses for old clothing--let them contribute of the products of their farms. This is an excellent committee, and our country friends can rest assured that anything placed in their hands, will be promptly and cheerfully put to the proper place. The poor we have with us. The wants of the undeserving, as well as the deserving, must be met. It would be a blistering shame upon our civilization and Christianity to let any human being starve or freeze to death in the midst of us. The greatest activity should be exhibited in this matter by those who can spare anything, so that when they lay their heads upon their pillows at night, they can enjoy the consolation of knowing that they have relieved the urgent wants of some wretched sufferers who, otherwise, might have perished. This will be a soul-satisfying reward. Try it.