The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-09-28
FRIENDS AID SOCIETY OF THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA.

we nave Deen requested Dy the AuQltOrS TO
publish the report for the quarter ending July
9th, but for want of room we can give only a
synopsis. We cordially commend this most
benevolent enterprise to the favor of the pub
lie. A high aHd solemn duty has been neglect
ed by this community, in failing to provide
refuge for unfortunate and abandoned fe-
msles, and their offspring. Think of the horri-
Bile fate Of child reared up in the midst of
prostitution In such cases, the Individual
would seem to lose his moral responsibility,
and the consequences of the life of crime which
was his heritage are devolved upon the heart
less society which permits such things. Tho
report says
A work of reform was commenced in this
CITY last fall, with the approval of many of the
clergy, laity, and other good citizens, and a
house was opened for Sunday and evening
schools and religious worship in December,
another in April, a third in May, and arrange
taents were made in June for the fourth. Care
is taken to avoid interference with other Sun
day schools ours being held at a different time
in the day. This affords an opportunity to at
tend twice day and we urge the children
whom we gather in to attend the other schools
also, and invite the children of other schools to
attend ours We believe that good has been
done, and the prospects are encouraging.
There are calls for schools on this plan in
other parts Of the District, and we shall cheer
fully respond to such calls as fast as teachers
and houses can be obtained.
In our second department, Also considerable
progress has been made The favorable ex-
preston of more than six hundred Of our citi-
aens os standing and responsibility, and many
Of the members Of both Houses of Congress, in
Guiding their Committees On this District, as
we'll as some favorable action in the Senate,
and a conviction resting on the minds of some
of those whose reform is sought that an asy-
lum is the only medium by which they can
hope for rescue from their present danger
and degradation, may surely be set down as
an advance: Some of them have children, and
are fsvorably affected by efforts to educate, ele-
vaie, and save them from seeming impending
fate.
1t is gratifying to find that Christians gener-
ally understand that both of those works of
reform are emphatically common ground, where
efficiency depends much on united effort
amongst those of different denominations
Our third department Of labor is like the
others in an important respect, the persons re-
! Touring aid being, like the others, unable to
1. help themselves The honest Industrious and
respectable, but unfortunate poor, who some
/ times suffer much rather than incur the odium
among friends who take pleasure in admins
tering relief to the suffering, and among whom
| they can feel that they are not burdensome.
Our financial concerns have been thus far
| quite limited Moderate salaries were fixed
for the missionary, matron, and teachers OF day
and evening schools; but the missionary has
| presented no claim, and the others have not
entered upon the field, no buildings for the asy-
| lum or the school houses having been obtained.
The funds have been given chiefly unsolicited
| by benevolent persons who cav that some were
required. The donations were small, but ade-
ouate to the demand and we see no reason to
doubt that donations will increase with the in
creased demand. The cash donations amount
to $1S72 The disbursements amount to
$lS.75 The donations other than cash amount
TO S27.23. Donors are referred to the accounts
in the hands of the auditors.
To all who have aided the cause, our most
hearty thanks are rendered. Publishers out OF
the city who may aid US BY copying our report
or giving an outline will receive our thanks, Il
they send copies to the Corresponding Sccreta
~ of the Friends Aid Society, Washington
DC
And now, desiring to extend our operations
we appeal to generous public for extended
liberality. Ladies and gentlemen of the city
of Washington, and all others who have an in
terest in the metropolis of this great nation
this is y9ur cause as well as ours; and we
trust you will not expect us to come before yor
in the character of beggars for your charities
The peace, happiness, and honor of your beau
tiful city, all present high motives for united
and efficient effort. Did we deem these mo
tives insufficient, we would refer you to the
happiness afforded by consciousness of hav
| ing done good to the fact that T" it is more
blessed to give than to receive" to an exalted
happiness, far above all pecuniary considera
tons, of being instrumental in reforming ant
elevating the vicious and degraded, and ma
king glad the hearts of many who shall ris'
up and call you blessed"
N. B. NoRTHRoP, Financial Agent.