The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1866.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 5, 9 March 1866, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1866.

In all settled communities ifc becomes a quesI tion how to obtain means for the support of | those whom age, sickness, or bereavement have rendered unable to provide for their own wants. In old countries there are generally large establishments, endowed by munificent charitable bequests, which have accumulated through long ages, and which are frequently largely supplemented by Government assistance. Here we have, as yet, no institution of this nature. This is a question that interests us all. No man can tell what may be his future fate. Who can say in the morning, when he leaves his home, rejoicing iv his strength, but that before night some accident may befall him which will deprive him for ever after of the use of those members by which he earns his ' daily bread ? Who can tell but that the tide of prosperity which is setting in upon him may some day take a turn, and leave him destitute iv his old age? How' many husbands and fathers have been suddenly taken away, leaving helpless widows and children in poverty, dependent among strangers? The battle of life is sometimes too hard to win — the fight is not always with the strong,' nor the race with the swift — all alike are liable ; to be brought to the ground. ■, We think that some movement might be : made to establish a permanent fund for the : purpose of relieving distresses such as wo : have indicated, and to provide an asylum for those whom age or calamity have rendered helpless and destitute. We believe that, happily, there are but few now who would need such assistance, but, as population increases, we may expect their numbers to increase also. Now, therefore, is the time to take the matter in hand. We are well aware of the charitable nature of the Nelson public, aud feel confident, therefore, that the matter needs only to be properly inaugurated to be eminently successful in the end. We notice the comments upon our "appearance," in the Colonist this morning. The Evening Mail does not pretend to be a political journal — a journal specially devoted to political objects. It does not, however, purpose to abstain altogether from political discussion; while carefully abstaining from party warfare, it will zealously watch over the permanent interests of this city and colony. We thank our contemporary for its good wishes.