The Dangerous Classes of New York, and Twenty Years' Work Among Them
CHAPTER XXXII.
HOW BEST TO GIVE ALMS--"TAKE, NOT GIVE."
Reply of the missionary in East London--The Evil of Alms-giving--Experience of the English--Everything given but Education--Charity Expenses of London--Good Fortune of this Country--Degrading Influence of Alms--Able-bodied Paupers in New York--Transmitted Pauperism--Terrible Instance in an Alms-house in Western New York--Outdoor Relief very Dangerous--Ought to be Limited in this City--Private Alms Better--Abuse of Private Benefactions--Great Number of Deserving Poor in the City--Policy of the Children's Aid Society--They Desire to Prevent the Demand for Alms--Our Lodging-houses Cultivate Independence--Boys Obliged to Pay--The "Howland Fund"--Distribution of Gifts on Christmas--Objection to the "Bootblack Brigade"--Our Industrial Schools Reformatories of Pauperism--Garments given as Rewards for Good Conduct--Begging Discouraged--Parents Induced to Save--Principle of this Society to give Education rather than Alms........................................................pp. 388-397