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Riis, Jacob A., 1849-1914

"The Making of an American"


There are too many sad little eyes in the crowded tenements, where
the summer sunshine means disease and death, not play or vacation,
that will close without ever having looked upon a field of daisies.
"If we cannot give them the fields, why not the flowers? If every
man, woman, or child coming in should, on the way to the depot,
gather an armful of wild flowers to distribute in the tenements,
a mission work would be set on foot with which all the alms-giving
of this wealthy city could not be compared.
"Then why not do it? Ask your readers to try. The pleasure of
giving the flowers to the urchins who will dog their steps in the
street, crying with hungry voices and hungry hearts for a 'posy'
will more than pay for the trouble. It will brighten the office,
the store, or the schoolroom all through the day. Let them have
no fear that their gift will not be appreciated because it costs
nothing. Not alms, but the golden rule, is what is needed in the
tenements of the poor.
"If those who have not the time or opportunity themselves will send
their flowers to 303 Mulberry Street, opposite Police Headquarters,
it will be done for them.


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