|
This
institution, established in 1839, under the auspices of several
charitable and enterprising individuals of our faith, celebrated its
fourth anniversary on the 15th Nov., by a public dinner given
at the Washington Hotel, in that city. Numerous invitations were
extended to gentlemen of the Christian faith, as well as our own, and
probably a hundred sat down to a sumptuous banquet, prepared with great
skill and particular regard to our religious rules. A choice band of
music enlivened the company during the festive scene. The Rev. Mr. Lyons
pronounced the usual blessings before, and the grace after meals in his
usual impressive manner. The regular toasts were then given by the
chair, and responded to with great spirit by the company. The President
of the Society, Benj. Nathan, Esq., then addressed the company,
describing the rise and progress of the Society, the situation of its
funds, its purposes, &c., &c., closing with an earnest appeal to
the hearts of all present to aid the Society in their good work of
relieving the distressed and unfortunate. Park Benjamin, Esq., a
Christian gentleman of celebrity as a writer, (well, known as the editor
of the New World,) being presented to the assemblage, made a very
eloquent and affecting appeal in behalf of the Jewish poor, dwelling
with peculiar force on their strong moral principles, particularly of
the female portion. His remarks were most liberal towards the Jewish
people. Dr. Mott, another guest, also furnished the evidence of his not
meeting in the hospitals or poor houses a member of our faith throughout
the range of his long and extensive practice as a physician and surgeon.
Many very excellent volunteer toasts were also given throughout the
evening, and donations to the amount of rising $1500 were received,
several of which were sent by absentees, including one of $100
anonymously, and several from ladies. The evening passed off very
pleasantly and harmoniously, and what lent an additional and peculiar
spirit to the enjoyment of the feast was, the concealed presence of
several ladies, the relatives of some of the Managers and Committee of
Arrangements, who, desirous of witnessing this very interesting meeting,
had been admitted into the gallery usually occupied by the orchestra,
but on this occasion vacated for their accommodation; a neat curtain,
being placed as a screen, left them a full view, whilst their faces were
only partially exposed. Some very gallant; yet perfectly delicate
expressions of pleasure, were manifested by the gentlemen in their
toasts, sufficient to evidence that the presence of the fair was felt
fully although but partially developed. The company retired at an early
hour, with great satisfaction to all parties, and particularly to the
advantage of those whom it was intended to relieve.
This
Society dispenses charity to all poor Israelites, resident and
transient,— expending all the funds it can command. The amount
disbursed within the year preceding the dinner being $1495, and since its establishment, rising $6000. It
has no cumulative fund, although holding as a temporary investment the
sum of $1250, the greater part of a legacy from the late Washington
Hendricks, the immediate relatives of whom are among its most liberal
patrons. |
