ms of benefaction, not a
penny is bestowed which does not bear in its influence on character. We
do not desire so much to give alms as to prevent the demand for alms. In
every branch of our work we seek to destroy the growth of pauperism.

Nothing in appearance is so touching to the feelings of the humane as a
ragged and homeless boy. The first impulse is to clothe and shelter him
free of cost. But experience soon shows that if you put a comfortable
coat on the first idle and ragged lad who applies, you will have fifty
half-clad lads, many of whom possess hidden away a comfortable outfit,
leaving their business next day, "to get jackets for nothing."

You soon discover, too, that the houseless boy is not so utterly
helpless as he looks. He has a thousand means of supporting himself
honestly in the streets, if he will. Perhaps all that he needs is a
small loan to start his street-trade with, or a shelter for a few
nights, for which he can give his "promise to pay," or some counsel and
instruction, or a few weeks' schooling.

Our Lodging-house-keepers soon learn that the best humanity towards the
boys is "to take, not give." Each lad pays for his lodging, and then
feels independent; if he is too poor to do this, he is taken in "on
trust," and pays his bill when business is successful. He is not clothed
at once, unless under some peculiar and unfortunate circumstances, but
is induced to save some pennies every day until he have enough to buy
his own clothing. If he has not enough to start a street-trade with, the
superintendent loans him a small sum to begin business.

The following is the experience in this matter of Mr. O'Connor, the
superintendent of the Newsboys' Lodging-house:--

"The Howland Fund, noticed in previous reports as having been
established by B. J. Howland, Esq., one of our Trustees, continues to be
the means of doing good. We have loaned from it during the nine months
one hundred and twenty-three dollars and sixty cents, on which the
borrowers have realized three hundred and seven dollars and thirty-nine
cents. They have thus made the handsome profit of two hundred and fifty
per cent. on the amount borrowed. It has in many cases been returned in
a few hours. We have loaned it in sums of five cents and upward; we have
had but few defaulters. Of the seventeen dollars and fifty-five cents
due last year, six dollars and fifty cents has been returned, leaving at
this time standing out eleven dollars and f