CHARITY:
"INTO THE STREETS AND LANES"
The increasingly industrialized, urbanized America of the late 19th century
elicited a growing feeling of compassion and responsibility among an
influential segment of the nation's religious community. While this increased
sense of religious duty arose as well within Jewish and Catholic circles, the
primary reform movement that emanated from it occurred in mainstream Protestant
denominations - Baptists, Methodists, Congregationalists - and among Unitarians
and Episcopalians. An awakening belief that religion involved a social
consciousness requiring positive acts of charity to relieve the condition of
society's indigents characterized the 1870s and 1880s. By the 'nineties
middle-class Christians and Jews recognized that church and synagogue had a
mission to not only relieve individual suffering, which was an already accepted
role, but in addition were obligated to use their influence to change the
social order through pressure upon government and business. Walter
Rauschenbusch would call it "Christianizing the social order."
Despite its great distance from the industrial heartland of America, Los
Angeles quickly felt the impact of this new movement. The great surge in
population during the 1880s presented the city with a problem not particularly
noticeable before that decade: a significant number of impoverished men, women
and children, neither Hispanic nor Indian, whose condition caused concern
within the compassionate middle-class religious establishment. To further
complicate the problem Southern California had become a mecca for a great many
invalids who were both ill and impoverished and for others who were healthy but
in need of aid because of the chaotic nature of the economy. Thus, though its
population was considerably smaller than the nation's urban centers and its
industry far less developed, Los Angeles faced problems similar to those of its
Eastern and Midwestern counterparts.
A) CHARITY FOR WHOM?
Throughout the 'eighties the letters column served as a forum for
commentary on what kind of charity, if any, Angelenos should undertake. In the
ensuing debate class lines were not always clear, nor were the remedies. The
appeal made by the ladies of the Benevolent Society, led by socially prominent
Mrs. Charles Ducommun and Mrs. H. G. Bath, did not bother with the
philosophical or practical questions inherent in either the letter from "W. H.
G." or the editorial reply it elicited. Ducommun and Bath simply assumed that
their request for aid would receive an enthusiastic response as a matter of
course.
A few days before the Times printed "W. H. G.'s" letter Eliza Otis had
written in her column, The Saunterer, about a brief encounter she had with "the
little, crippled newsboy," who, when asked his age, said he was "Six years,
going on seven." While The Saunterer used the incident to show how compassion
for their little friend softened the actions of older street urchins, "W. H.
G." saw little difference between the newsboy and other beggars, and raised
doubts about how compassionate the city really was.
{Times, Jan. 13, 1887, p.3}
CAST-OFF CLOTHING WANTED.
Los Angeles, Jan. 12.--[To the Editor of The Times.]
The ladies of the Benevolent Society are greatly in need of
clothing for the suffering poor now on their hands. The cold
weather has greatly increased the number of sufferers, and
also intensified their necessities, and in our city there
must be many who have garments that they will no longer use.
Will they not gladly contribute them for the immediate relief
of pressing needs? Packages may be sent to 438 Hope street,
on every Friday afternoon, or Mrs. Ducommun, 28 Ducommun
street, will send for them if informed where they are. The
ladies of the Benevolent Society are also greatly in need of
an invalid chair on rollers. Will not some kind-hearted,
generous person take pleasure in supplying this pressing
necessity either as a loan or donation? The condition of a
suffering, dying man now on our hands, and similar cases
continually occurring, make such a chair a matter of primary
importance in carrying on our work.
MRS. DUCOMMUN AND MRS. BATH.
{Times, May 11, 1886, p. 2}
Harsh Charity.
To the Editor of the Times--Sir: The little, crippled
newsboy has twice been mentioned in your columns. It occurs
to me to ask if it is praiseworthy to give money to such as
he, as it was said "he did not go away penniless" after one
lady had spoken to him. Is not that just what is expected,
and is not some crafty and unfeeling person reaping a harvest
from the child's deformity? Where is the Humane Society when
it allows such an unfortunate child to be made to earn his
own, and doubtless some other persons', living?
Why are whining, professional beggars allowed at our
church doors to obtain money from well-meaning, but
uninformed people?
Where is the wisdom of sending a boy of 15, or so, to
jail with hardened criminals for taking a loaf of bread when
hungry and out of work? This is a thing which has been done
here; not long ago, either.
Where is the humanity, civilization or christianity of a
city when its prisoners are allowed no chairs nor proper
beds?
These are some conundrums that more than one person
would like answered.
W. H. G.
[We cannot admire the sentiments expressed above, nor
think them creditable to their author's humanity. We do not
know the ins and outs, the details, the lights and shadows of
the young life of the little newsboy who is thus brutally
"bounced" by this correspondent; and we do not care to know
them. It is sufficient to know that the crippled boy is an
unfortunate; that he is very young, very poor, very little,
and very lame. With these credentials, it seems to us that
he might safely be braced up a little with the sympathy and
money of the generous and the good, without any serious
detriment to society or the Republic. Selah!--Ed. Times.]
The letter from "A. V.," coming as it did from one of the city's leading
trade unionists {Arthur Vinette} who would soon be a force in the emerging
socialist movement, must have puzzled many readers who failed to catch the
satirical nature of his response to the soup-house proposal. While Vinette did
not identify the public-spirited citizen referred to in his opening sentence,
the soup-kitchen was apparently related, as the Times put it, to "the tramps
and beggars who now infest the city." An 1883 city ordinance declared that any
physically able person, California Indians excepted, who had no visible means
of support and did not seek employment within ten days could be sentenced to
perform labor on the city chain gang for as long as ninety days. On Feb. 15,
1885, under the headline "WHO ARE VAGRANTS? And Shall They be Permitted to Take
Possession of the Town?" Otis called for its enforcement. On another page the
Times reported that the supervisors had adopted a county ordinance requiring
all male prisoners in the jail, convicted of misdemeanors, to work on the city
chain gang. Vinette's letter appeared a few days later.
{Times, Feb. 19, 1885, p. 4}
The Soup-house Question.
To the Editor of the Times--Sir: A citizen whose bowels
of compassion are in active motion, has announced himself
ready to contribute towards the support of a soup-house. To
visitors who examine our social, climatic and other
advantages, this must appear commendable, showing the true
Christian spirit of largesse which animates the well-bred
Angeleno. This being the jumping-off place, it has occurred
to many that visitors who arrive here via the brake-beam
route, with stomachs like a yawning cavern, should not be
called upon to labor in our vineyards before the sacred
duties of hospitality have been given full exercise, nor
urged to use their return tickets without substantial repairs
to their inside lining, whilst the free ozone was ridding
them of malaria and a sun-bath on the Courthouse steps was
scattering their rheumatism into boundless space.
As our guests at the Hotel de Ville threaten to make a
serious inroad on the tax levy, and for the sake of les
miserables on whom the supervisors have imposed irksome
duties in the nature of a freeze-out, it certainly behooves
our citizens to give this matter consideration. It is
annoying that men, with no visible means of support, will
thrust themselves upon a community. Instances are
multiplying of individuals who meander through highways and
byways, offering wares which are a drug on the market, having
been led to believe that such commodities were always in
demand. Not wanted! * * * * Here are Princes of the Blood,
the children of a King, with nothing to render but wage-
service, the demand for which, with ware-houses replete, must
be limited. It is no wonder they arrive at the conclusion
that the authorities should be paternal and provide work for
all, a heresy which should be discountenanced by all true
followers of Malthus; and our Supervisors have committed an
error in providing work for future visitors, for it may prove
an entering wedge for a hetorodox doctrine of government.
The soup-house plan, unless under rigid surveillance, might
propogate this schism. For should the subscribers generously
provide work for their convives, it is obvious that this
would impair the status of society, which is based on the
immutable law of supply and demand, not to speak of the
natural disputes as to the amount of muscular exertion to be
required as the equivalent of a bowl of soup, with interest
added plus the wages of superintendence.
Possibly some one might wish to establish in connection
with the soup-house a free employment bureau, thereby doing
harm to a legitimate business, or a free bureau of exchange
in real estate, and just think of the results! However as
this sort of philanthropy must find a vent, it were as well
perhaps to let it expend itself on a soup-house, lest, by
stifling the early symptoms, the result be more dangerous.
Still, forewarned is forearmed, and citizens can easily keep
this epidemic of charity within bounds by using a part of it
for a society of prevention of something which shall not
disturb the equilibrium of society for the law of self-
preservation is paramount. Though duly convinced that the
laisser-faire policy cannot solve the problems of hard times,
I will not withhold praise for the before-mentioned citizen,
who shows a great aptitude for expedient statesmanship--which
is alike applicable to the powers that reign, the people, by
a big majority.
Charity forsooth! Under thy name, indeed, is covered a
multitude of shortcomings and wilfull neglects, and thy
devotees are led blindfolded to the shrine of a veiled idol
called expediency.
A. V.
This unsigned call for an association of charities, published on the day
that the association held its organizational meeting, sought to bring Los
Angeles in line with cities elsewhere where the proliferation of charitable
organizations resulted in institutionalizing and professionalizing relief
measures. Did such an association stem from and further the religious impulse
to do good or was it but an application of current business management
techniques for the purpose of efficiency?
{Times, Jan. 23, 1888, p. 3}
Associated Charities.
Los Angeles, Jan. 20.--[To the Editor of The Times.] In
answer to a request, may I make a few statements in your
paper concerning two of the stumbling blocks that presented
themselves to some minds at the meeting to organize the
Associated Charities of the city of Los Angeles.
The system--a well-known one--London, Germantown,
Boston, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Washington, D. C., and other
cities having worked upon this plan for years in dispensing
their charities, opposes random giving, consequent waste of
the gift and discouragement of the giver. The main object of
the central association is to inquire into the condition of
the applicants, to see whether their need comes from
illness--here the physicians find their line of cooperation;
whether from idleness--here the woodyard and the muddy
streets become the test; the city authorities cooperating,
and the city treasury testifying to the results, whether from
shiftlessness, caused in too many cases by lack of early
training to do work of any kind, and well and faithfully.
Here the ladies, with their patience in showing the women and
children how to sew and do other work, cooperate; or, if from
misfortune, which at times may come to all of us, the case is
turned to one of the "spokes" of the wheel, and to such a one
as has shown itself best fitted to help that particular form
of misfortune. This investigation leads to the detection of
fraud, and the consequent withdrawal of undeserved charity.
Let me quote from the report of the associated charities of
Boston for 1882. Out of 3218 cases known to the Associated
Charities only one-third needed help, one-half needed work
rather than relief, one-sixth were idle, vicious or
impostors, who needed to have all relief sharply cut off, so
that they should be forced to support themselves by honest
work. Yet these last are the artful beggars who deceive us
into giving alms unless we protect ourselves by association.
As the hub of the wheel is merely the medium of support
for the spokes and outlying rim, so should this central
office be looked upon, not with jealousy or distrust, but
simply as a means of holding together the many valuable
societies; to work in unison, neither duplicating the work of
the other, neither jealous, lest its own reputation for
successful work be marred by comparison or contact with other
societies. Union is strength, is not less true in
combinations for charitable work than for those in any other
department. A few earnest people, too well known as having
kind hearts and willing hands to have their motives
questioned, propose to associate themselves for intelligent
action in the lines of charities. They will "compel no
society to join them whether willing or not;" they will only
invite to friendly talk till some may wish to join, none
being asked to do so until seems best to them. A community
of educated people, as we certainly call this, should not
take fright at a plan because it is new. Are not the new
things the only proofs of growth? Fifty years ago in any of
our cities would we have found "Christian associations,"
"Christian temperance unions," "woman's clubs," "woman's
homes?" Each and all probably had their bitter opponents;
each and all of these. and many more in every city, have
grown--have proved their right to be, and the Associated
Charities when understood--and all unselfish minds do seek to
understand the good points of new projects--will be looked
upon with friendly eyes. The other cities have proved this.
"City Relief" and other names of societies do not embrace
what this does; they have a colder, harder sound, and may
give the idea of being more a city work than the {illegible}
joining of all societies for noble work under the name of
Associated Charities implies.
The central office in Boston was run by one noble
gentleman of wealth, who gave his whole time to the work out
of love of humanity. A young lady gave her time at a minimal
salary, and she proved a genius in her work for the women. A
small room answered for the work at first; two small rooms
when the other charities joined and part of the work was
carried on in other districts thus relieving the central
district. Here the president and officers have always kept
up the weekly conferences, all interested being welcome to
attend. This was but slight expense, membership fees, $1 a
year, life memberships, donations, legacies, etc., added to
the vast saving to the city treasury, all together helped on
the fund, which with the wiser disbursement, did a greater
share of good. Let me mention one fact. At the close of the
first year of the working of this association in Buffalo, the
report of the City Treasurer mentioned that an immense saving
had been caused by the investigation of cases of applicants
for help. Vastly over $30,000 was quoted as the sum. So the
"expensive machinery" referred to at the meeting was kept
running partly by wise economy, as well as by contributions.
"One Who Knows" offered yet another view on the question of need, a view
that would be at home in the debate over welfare reform a century later. The
immediate issue was the rape of eleven-year-old Maggie Switzer by an adult
friend, Tom Gormley, a crime that was front page news in Los Angeles. While
Marshal Virgil Earp of Colton {formerly of Tombstone} led the manhunt for the
fugitive Gormley, "One Who Knows" raised serious questions about charitable
gifts offered to Switzer's widowed mother. Gormley was later captured and
convicted.
{Times, Aug. 3, 1887, p. 11}
An Unworthy Mother.
SHOULD LITTLE MAGGIE SWITZER BE TAKEN FROM HER?
Los Angeles, July 30.--[To the Editor of the Times.] I
see that Gormlee's wife was arrested and tried for being
accessory to the crime her husband committed. Maggie Switzer
testified in court that she said Gormlee was a drunkard; that
her mother knew he was drunk. And still that mother let her
girl go with a drunken man. If the truth were known she
might have been as drunk as he. Now I ask in all honesty if
the authorities would not do well to arrest her for letting
her little girl go with a drunken man? The mother told me
this week that the child had not a pair of shoes, not a pair
of drawers, neither stockings nor much in the shape of a
dress, only what had been sent in since the child was sick.
In the name of common sense what has that mother been doing
that the child was not comfortably clothed? The mother can
get from $1 up to $2 by the day if she will work. Is there
any reason for poverty and starvation? I say no. I offered
her all the plain sewing she could do, but she would not do
it. Does not this account for her poverty? I went to a
druggist here on her behalf and he offered to fill her
perscriptions free of charge, then I went to a grocery and he
gave her all the groceries she asked me for, and at the same
time $4 was given to her in money. A day or two after she
was brought here, and she told me then that the child had had
quite a little sum of money given to her. I went again in a
week and the child was as above described, and in the mean
time a purse of $17 had been sent in. Where is it? Yes,
where is it? I then sent her another bill of groceries--all
she asked for, and dresses, shoes, stockings and cotton for
the child. I did all this and more, supposing the mother was
a worthy woman, but I found on authority that cannot be
disputed, that it would not be safe to give her the money as
it would be spent for something stronger, and so I sent goods
as stated.
Now, it is a plain case that the mother is not a fit
person to have the custody of the child, and I suggest that
Maggie be sent to the Girls' Home here, or somewhere else,
and let the mother support herself or starve. She ought not
to be able to trade on the sympathy of people for her child.
Is she a natural mother that would let her little girl
go with a man she did not know much of, a drunken man, a man
that was drunk at the time she let her go? No, there is not
a mother in Los Angeles that has any respect for herself, or
her girl that God had given her who would do it. This ought
to be looked into by proper authority.
As for the fiend in human shape that betrayed that
child's innocence, the severest punishment would be
justifiable. May God forgive him for no mortal on earth can.
ONE WHO KNOWS.
B) HOMES FOR ABANDONED BOYS, STRAY GIRLS AND FALLEN WOMEN
Especially disturbing was the problem of homeless boys and girls, who began
to appear on the streets in distressingly large numbers in the 'eighties.
Principal among those involved in the task of providing housing for them was
Mrs. Helen A. Watson, whom both Harris Newmark and Boyle Workman cited as the
city's first jail matron. After the city council had failed by one vote on
July 30, 1888, to appoint Watson to the post, the Police Commission hired her
two days later, over Chief Cuddy's objection, as matron at $60 a month. An
outspoken advocate of the reform philosophy emerging toward the end of the
century, Watson was a forerunner of the modern social worker, concentrating on
child welfare.
In the turmoil of the boom years reformers struggled to raise funds to
provide homes for the wayward. Since the state did not provide such facilities
the burden fell upon private charity. With the experience of San Francisco and
other large cities that had faced the problem long before Los Angeles to guide
them, charitable organizations launched fund raising campaigns for construction
of the needed housing. While an Orphans' Home opened early in the 'eighties,
the other shelters came into existence gradually throughout the decade. John
Pelton was an architect.
{Times, Jan. 16, 1887, p. 6}
THE BOYS' HOME.
Los Angeles, Jan. 15.--[To the Editor of The Times.]
Some time since your readers will remember a letter from
Messrs. Mills and Bixby, and the proffer by them of a lot
suitable for the erection upon it of a building for a "Boys'
Home."
I trust you will excuse me for my intrusion upon time
and space, but having superintended the construction of the
original building for the Boys and Girls' Aid Society of San
Francisco, the object of which is the same, and through this
being somewhat familiar with its purpose, growth and success
I cannot but feel interested.
Mr. Mills has suggested that I explain something of the
plan which I have prepared and the purpose and uses of the
building.
The lot is situated on the southeast corner of Fourth
and Wall, only two squares from Main street, and has a
frontage of 66 feet on Fourth by 100 on Wall. The main
entrance is placed on the Wall-street side near the front.
From a small lobby we pass into a spacious, well-lighted and
inviting hall. This room is to be used as a sitting-room,
reading-room, for games, etc., etc.; in fact, this is the
room of the house. I have endeavored to break away from the
idea of an "institution" and the institution look, which
seems to mark every feature of such buildings as usually
built. It is proposed that this be a home, and this has been
my aim.
From the main room opens an assembly hall, 38x50 feet.
This occupies this part of the building, and is to be used
for evening classes, prayers, entertainments, etc., etc. The
dining-room, 27x57, opens from the main room to the rear, and
the stairs to the dormitories on the second floor start from
it, also the stairs to the lavatories and gymnasium in the
basement.
The manager's desk is placed in the further end of this
room, from which he commands, almost at a glance, the
movements of the boys throughout the building. The size of
this main room is made 20x57.
There are two dormitories, one over assembly room,
38x50, and one over middle and rear portion, 48x57.
Storerooms for linen and wardrobes for changes of clothing
are provided on second floor.
The kitchen department, larder, scullery, etc., is in a
separate building, in size 11x30, disconnected from the main
building, back of the dining-room.
There are in all large cities many abandoned boys from 7
to 13 years of age, who float naturally into crime, for whom
the first thought is given when they are brought up as
candidates for a reformatory institution. In this movement,
an "ounce of prevention is worth ten pounds of cure."
The proportion of these boys in Los Angeles is large, on
account of the evenness of the climate--in their exposed
condition, an important consideration.
It is intended to bring in these boys, surround them
with bright and pleasant influences, which many have never
had, give them a good, wholesome bath, a plain meal, and a
clean bed, and keep them until homes can be found them, or
their better nature leads them to seek positions--the house
always being open to them.
As a source of attraction, a gymnasium is provided, and
books and reading matter. The entertainments, classes,
maintenance and management are questions to be decided by
those interested in the object; but that the real good of the
thing will assure that others like Messrs. Mills and Bixby
will give it a strong start and steady support, there should
be no doubt.
I may say that under the good influences of the Aid
Society of San Francisco are seldom less than 50 to 80 boys
and girls.
JOHN C. PELTON, JR.
{Times, April 21, 1887, p. 6}
A Home for Friendless Girls.
Los Angeles, April 19.--[To the Editor of The Times.]
Trusting you will allow this a place in the columns of your
paper, I take the liberty to address a line to the public,
stating the necessities of the hour and the urgency that
demands immediate action. I commenced a work here especially
for children, having obtained permission to forward to the
Boys and Girls' Aid Society, San Francisco, those for which
we have no provision here. I am receiving applications from
parents and guardians (also girls who are strangers here and
in need of protection and help) to take charge of a class for
which there is no home; every door is closed against them.
Where shall the young girl go? To whom can she appeal for
aid to assist her to rise above a life of shame? With all
the avenues of sin and death that wait to ensnare her and
lead her down, there is not one place in our city where
welcome is written over the door to one who would turn from a
life worse than death. Cast out from society, friendless,
what is left for poor, fallen woman? Last week I received
notice that two young girls must be looked after or they
would be lost. Yesterday three more such cases were reported
to me. I appeal to the Christian public to assist in a work
that demands immediate attention.
The officers, policemen and judges are doing all in
their power, but, as one of them said to me: "You have no
home for them. Shall we search them out and rescue them only
to send them adrift again." My answer is no, it shall not
be. The city, famous for its unbounded charity, will surely
respond to an appeal for help for this class. They will not
"weary in well-doing" till a home is provided where every
returning wanderer will receive a hearty welcome. Very
truly,
MRS. H. A. WATSON.
Like the ladies of the Benevolent Society, those on the Flower Festival
Board made no effort to debate the societal causes of conditions that created
the need for the Woman's Home that they were erecting. The Festival, which was
a major social event in the city during the 1880s and 1890s, originated as a
means of financing charitable projects of the Woman's Club. {See chapter on
"Women."} H. W. Mills, who generously contributed to the Boys' Home, was their
benefactor as well, setting an example that made it unnecessary to resort to
sociological theory. Mrs. Watson, in her brief letter, was somewhat more open
about why a home for girls, the one to whom it was suggested that Maggie
Switzer be sent, was necessary. The Woman's Home, supported by the Flower
Festival, opened on Fourth Street early in 1887. Mrs. Watson's home for "stray
girls" began operation later that year.
"A Woman's" letter, most likely written by Mrs. E. C. Stillman as
indicated by both the phrasing and the sentiments expressed in an earlier
letter not included here, was directly to the point. The Times article
referred to by Stillman, "Shame and Remorse," reported a suicide attempt by a
"fallen woman" and carried the theme, resurrected by conservatives a century
later, that shame was an important factor in ending the debauchery of an errant
one. "Mac" was the 1880s equivalent of "pimp."
{Times, Dec. 10, 1886. p. 4}
A TIMELY GIFT.
Los Angeles, Dec. 9.--[To the Editor of The Times.] The
Flower Festival Society has been the recipient of many
pleasant surprises, and the hearts of the ladies engaged in
this woman's work have been gladdened by donations of lots
and of money--by the hearty cooperation of hundreds in the
great work of carrying on our annual festivals. And now Mr.
H. W. Mills has added another link to our lengthening chain
of blessings.
You are doubtless aware that our society is erecting our
Woman's Home, commodious and complete in all of its
departments, on Fourth, between Main and Los Angeles streets.
A most happy thought suggested itself to Mr. Mills, which he
carried out by offering to furnish (more than comfortably)
one of the sleeping-rooms of this home, and in addition to
this, he put into our treasurer's hands the sum of $100, to
be used where most needed.
Certainly this example of Mr. Mills is worthy of
imitation, and this thought comes to us: Are there not many
ladies and gentlemen in our favored city who would render
assistance in this department? We feel sure that the giving
would not impoverish, and that in blessing others they
themselves would be blessed. Respectfully,
LADIES' FLOWER FESTIVAL BOARD.
{Times, May 9, 1887, p. 3}
The Girls' Home.
Los Angeles, May 8.--[To the Editor of The Times.] I
have received many inquiries in regard to the Stray Girl's
Home, as it is called, and if you will allow this explanation
a place in the columns of your paper you will greatly oblige
me.
PLAN AND OBJECT OF THE HOME.
The home we are about to establish, especially for young
girls, will be an unsectarian, Christian home, intended to
reach all classes that need help--those that are penniless
and friendless, and need assistance--and the refractory and
unmanageable that may be committed from the courts, giving us
legal power to hold them under restraint till we can bind
them with cords of love to a better life. Also a class of
young girls that today are unwilling prisoners in our houses
of ill fame, asking God to help them break the chains that
bind them, and find, as they look out on this beautiful
earth, "no hope" written over everything.
The citizens of Southern California who, by their
generous contributions, have said such a home shall be
established here, will rear a monument that shall reach from
earth to heaven. The first round of the ladder will be, "Go
and sin no more;" the last one, "Come, ye blessed of My
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you." Yours truly,
MRS. H. A. WATRON. {WATSON}
{Times, Nov. 4, 1888, p. 12}
Pity for the Fallen.
Los Angeles, Oct. 25.--[To the Editor of the Times.]
When I read in a late number of The Times under the heading,
"Shame and Remorse," my heart was filled with sadness and
pity for the "unfortunate" ones, who, "when the full
realization of their degradation so grows upon them that they
are driven to despair, and seek relief from the fangs of
conscience in the oblivion of the grave." Is not the
condition of these fallen ones most sad? Betrayed into one
false step, and they are forever shut out from hope and shut
up to despair. Is it any wonder they go down until they
reach the lowest depths of sin? Bitter tears of repentance
will not, in the eyes of the world, wash away the stain. The
virtuous, with scorn and loathing, pass by on the other side.
None to take them by the hand and lead them to the gracious
Saviour who would say to the sinful but repenting one,
"Neither do I condemn thee, go in peace and sin no more." We
can not know the force with which the dark temptation came in
some unguarded hour. We can not know the remorse, we can not
see the bitter, scalding tears, as the lost one realizes her
condition and "thinks of the woman she might have been."
Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. In Him there
is hope for her, and His command to His servants is: "Go out
into the streets and lanes of the city and compel them to
come that my house may be full." Who will obey this command?
Do not say "It is useless; they will not reform." Go with a
heart full of love and pity; tell them of a Savior's love and
lead them back to virtue and to hope. But to do anything for
them public sentiment must be reformed. The resolution
passed at the ladies' meeting at the Fort-street M. E. Church
points to a change in the right direction. While we feel how
great the sin is into which these women have fallen, it must
come to be understood that it is as great in men, and that
society so regards it. Then the fallen must be made to feel
that they will be helped, if a sincere desire to reform and
henceforth lead a virtuous life is manifested, and that they
will not be forever branded as vile.
But it is useless to preach reform unless they can be
removed from these dens of infamy and from access of
temptation. A home must be provided where they can be cared
for and make full proof of their sincerity, and be trained to
some business by which they can support themselves and become
independent.
To the people of Los Angeles the appeal is made. Who
will give of their means to provide such a home? Who will
organize such a society to carry out such a plan? If you
have read Dr. Talmage's sermon in The Times of October 8th, I
am sure your heart will be moved with pity, and you will do
all in your power to rescue and save some fallen one.
Who would not be glad as he closes his eyes on this
world to hear the angels who keep the 12 gates of heaven
united in crying to your ascending spirit "Come in at any of
the 12 gates you choose! Come in and welcome, for it has
been told all over these celestial neighborhoods that you
saved a man--saved a woman!"
Drive out the "macs" if they will not cease their vile
business. Close the dens of infamy, but as the inmates go
out point them to the way of life; draw them to paths of
virtue and to God. It is not for this world only. Think of
the immortal soul and hasten to the rescue.
"'Tis not all of life to live, nor all of death to die."
A WOMAN.