Viewing page 159 of 257

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Supplying the "Indigent."
Within the past few days, the brick building, adjoining our office, has been thronged with white people and negroes, at all hours in the day, for the purpose of drawing "rations," which the Government has placed there for distribution to the destitute.

Whilst the object is a laudable one, (being nothing else than an honest intention to relieve such persons as are bound down by the fetters of extreme poverty,) we are nevertheless persuaded, that in many instances, the officers are imposed upon by misrepresentations, and have given assistance, in cases, that do not merit it. To some extent, such imposition is inevitable, even with the greatest amount of care on the part of [[illegible]]. We greatly fear that the benevolence of the government will prove a curse to many, instead of a blessing. The danger is that through this instrumentality, the indolent who are abundantly able to take care of themselves, may be induced to desist from their labor, and come here to draw "rations" to feed themselves and families. Numbers of negroes will be apt to form a distaste for work, if they think they can "draw upon their good friend," the Government, for assistance. In many stances, the negro who can have given to him plenty to eat and drink, wants nothing more - the measure of his highest ambition filling to overflowing. None but the many destitute should consider themselves entitled to draw, and the greatest caution should be exercised that no others shall do so. 

We subjoin the following paragraph, from the Indianapolis Herald, which furnishes an example worthy of being followed by many who may think themselves entitled to public aid:

A FEMALE WOODCUTTER - Mrs. Ellen Judd, a widow woman, who lives near schoolhouse No. 12, on the Hannah gravel road, north of the city, has, for the last eighteen months supported herself and several children, by cutting wood, at $1 per cord. Mrs. Judd is a medium sized and robust woman, but one who is determined not to be a charge to the county as long as the good Lord gives her strength to wield an axe. She walks two miles to the forest, and cuts a cord a day. There are some more male paupers who should follow the example of Mrs. Judd. If they want relief let them "axe" for it.

Transcription Notes:
The previous page said the other side was from "The Tuscaloosa Observer". Feb. 1866