The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1003, March 18, 1899Various
General
The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1003, March 18, 1899
Various
Children's literature -- Periodicals
I saw this noble and dignified life come to a close amidst those she
had saved and blessed. “They say of her that she was ever doing, ever
thoughtful and silent. In aspect she was grave, earnest, and resolute.
I beheld her as they describe her, a serious and beneficent apparition.
A plain cap, a white kerchief across her bosom, and a brown robe
constituted the attire of the foundress of the Rosinas. She imposed no
tie upon her people. They can leave their abode and marry if they wish,
but they rarely do so.
“I saw, in a later vision of the Rosinas, they are still prosperous
and happy. They are admitted from thirteen to twenty. They must be
wholly destitute, healthy, active, and both able and willing to work.
The old and infirm are supported by their younger companions.[2] To
preserve the spirit of the modest and retired life which Rosa wished
her daughters to lead, no commercial matters are transacted save at the
establishment in Turin, which governs the other houses.
“The labours of the Rosinas are varied and complete. Whatever they
manufacture they do with their own hands from beginning to end. They
buy the cocoons in spring, and perform every one of the delicate
operations which silk undergoes before it is finally woven into gros
de Naples, levantines, and ribands. Their silks are of the best
quality, but plain, in order to avoid the expense and inconvenience of
changing their looms with every caprice of fashion. They also fabricate
linen, but only a limited number of Rosinas can undergo the fatigue
of weaving. In order not to interfere with the silk establishment at
Turin, the manufacture of woollen stuffs is now carried on at Chieri.
Government buys all the cloth of the army from the Rosinas. They even
manufacture all the necessary ornaments, and make up the uniforms, with
one cut out for them by tailors. Gold lace and the rich vestments of
priests are likewise produced by these industrious women ... who are
renowned for their skill in embroidery.
“There is a large magazine at Turin where the produce of their labours
is gathered and sold by trustworthy persons, and is patronised by
Government and by the population, for their goods are excellent in
quality and fair in price, and there is a general preference for
the work of these pure and innocent women. The house in Turin alone
spends eighty thousand francs a year. It holds three hundred women,
and is governed by six mistresses and one director, a woman, and an
ecclesiastic administers and directs it; and it is frequently visited
by the Queen, who grants it a special protection and interest.”
And this was the work of one poor and obscure workwoman, inspired by
love of her orphan and helpless sisters, and in her devotion to her God.
(_To be concluded._)
FOOTNOTES:
[2] From _Women of Christianity_, by Julia Kavanagh, p. 326.
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
MEDICAL.
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