TELESCOPIC PHILANTHROPY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 826, 14 February 1877, Page 3

TELESCOPIC PHILANTHROPY.

There were a score or more women gathered together at Mr J ohnson’s house. Mr Johnson is a good hearted man and a respectable citizen, though he is rather sceptical about some things. The women had just organised “The Foreign Benevolent Society” when Mr Johnson entered the room. He was at once appealed to to denote a few shillings as a foundation to work on, and Mrs Graham added—“ It would be so pleasant in after years for you to remember that you gave this society its first shilling and the first kind word.” He opened his wallet, drew out a £1 note, and, as the ladies smacked their lips and clapped their hands, he asked, “ Is this society in aid of the poor of foreign countries?” “Yes, yes, yes!” theychorused. “Audit wants money!” “Yes, yes!” “Well now,” said Johnson, as he folded the note in a tempting shape, ‘ ‘there are twenty married women here; if there are fifteen of you who can make oath that you have combed your children’s hair this morning, washed the dishes, blacked the cook-stove, and made the beds, I’ll donate this £1 note.” “I have,” answered two of the crowd, and the rest said, “ Why, now, Mr Johnson ! ” “If fifteen of you can make oath that your husbands are not wearing socks with holes in the heels this money is yours,” continued the wretch. “Just hear him!” they exclaimed, each one looking at the other. “If ten of you have boys without holes in the knees of their pants this note goes to to the society,” said Johnson. “Such a man ! ” they whispered. “If there are five pairs of stockings in this room that don’t need darning I’ll hand over the money,” he went on. “Mr Johnson,” said Mrs Graham, with great dignity, “the rules of this society declare that no money shall be contributed except by members, and, as you are not a member, I beg that you will withdraw, and let iis proceed with the routine business.”