Union Benevolent Society.
--The annual report of this Society shows that the labors of the Visitors have been arduous, and that they have performed them in the most satisfactory manner, thereby ameliorating the condition of the poor of the city and of the suburbs.--The Visitors, while administering to the temporal wants of the poor, pay some attention to their spiritual welfare, and labor zealously to improve their morals.
To effect this object, they distribute a large number of religions tracts, and by persuasion and kindness, induce indigent children to attend the various Sabbath Schools and churches.
During the past year the Society received donations of fuel to the amount of 550 bushels of coal and eighteen cords of wood — in addition to which they purchased eight thousand two hundred and twelve and a half bushels of coal, and sixty-three cords of wood, at a cost of $1,597.50.
In consequence of the mildness of the past winter, and the prudent management of the Board, the funds in the treasury were not entirely exhausted; but as the number of needy has very much increased, the Society will need liberal aid from the public, this winter, to alleviate all the suffering in our midst.
We see by the report, that during the past winter two hundred and fifty persons received assistance every month, and there is very little doubt that the number will be increased at least thirty per cent, this season.
Last winter the donations received from all quarters, including $1,000 appropriated by the City Council, and $245 left in hand from the previous season, amounted to $2,698.35, and the disbursements to $2,447.15--leaving a balance of $251.20. To be prepared to carry on the good work in which they are engaged, the Society have appointed collectors, to call upon our citizens, and it is to be hoped that every one will be prepared to give something.
Let the rich and the middle classes give according to their means — let all feel it to be a religious duty to give something — and the needy will have reason to rejoice that their lots are cast among the truly charitable.
