ABSTRACT
In our impression of the 23rd inst. we pointed out the miserable condition of the wives and children of our soldiers serving in the East, and briefly alluded to a Society which had been formed for the purpose of alleviating the miseries attendant upon their unprotected and helpless condition; we then stated that a sum of 40,000l. had been subscribed towards this benevolent purpose, and at the present time the amount received by the Society can be but little short of 55,000l. It will thus be seen, that the appeal in behalf of these poor women, has not been made in vain. A leading Journal recently very sagely remarked, “that as the generosity of the public may be relied upon for supplying the requisite funds, care should be taken that efforts so benevolent are not prejudiced by the absence of proper management.” What may be the actual meaning of this somewhat ambiguous sentence we are at a loss to conjecture, unless they think with ourselves, namely, that the “cause” of the destitute soldiers’ wives and children, may be prejudiced, by relying or depending too-much upon the promiscuous flow of public or private benevolence. The existence of this Society, it is necessary to remember, is simply “pro-tem,” and can only exist under uncertain circumstances; neither is it to be reasonably supposed that the unremitting and unpaid exertions of its chivalric projectors can remain a permanency; certainly not! They have well and nobly done their work, and it now remains for the all-powerful voice of public sympathy and opinion, to convert that which has hitherto been ephemeral, into a permanent good. Why should not a social elevation and natural protection be extended to the wives of the soldiers? Especially when it is remembered that the permission to marry in the army is extended only to those most deserving, as a reward, or recognition of good conduct. How comes it, that in the “East India service” facilities are afforded to the men for the support of their wives and families, that are not extended to Government troops? Is it just? If not, because it has existed, is that a reason why the unfeeling and unnatural abuse should continue longer? No! the embryo germ at present existing in the form of a public subscription relief fund must ultimately merge into a permanent Institution, which will be the means of securing to the soldier, the safety and protection of his wife and children, whenever the exigency should arrive, which should tear him from them. This is what is wanted—this is what is required—no matter how it is accomplished, and if the cooperation of the executive or war-office cannot be obtained, then let it become the arrangement of the soldier himself, let him (the married) subscribe a half-penny or penny per week to a fund, for the purpose proposed; there are plenty of noble and generous hearts to be found among his officers (as the managing committee of the Pro-tem Society clearly indicates) who will advise and assist him in framing and placing it upon a lasting basis; he will then find himself many degrees advanced in the social scale of manhood;—knowing that those dearest and nearest to him, are not dependent upon the continuance of uncertain benevolence, he will at once become a happier, and we hesitate not to say a braver man. Until such regulation or provision be matured and carried out, it is to be hoped the stream of public benevolence will continue to swell and flow; for well we know, that many a brave fellow’s heart has rejoiced and overflowed with gratitude when he has perused the “pages” of subscriptions collected and subscribed, which must have had the effect of assuring him that his absence from his country and his home, in the cause of liberty and duty, had not been forgotten by his thoughtful countrymen.
