Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-30
Washingtan geutinfl.
Report of the Friends Aid Society of the
District of Columbia. for the quarter end
Ing July 27. 1884.


Ing July 81, 1854.
Ia conformity with rule Of the society," requir-
ing SHE accounts 10 be audited quarterly, and
published with such other matter as the public
may be Interested in" the financial agent submits
10 the board of auditors, and through the board to
the public, the following report.
The work was commenced last fall, with the
appreciation Of q large number of the clergy and
lai,y of different denominations Of Christians and
other good citizens and house was opened IL
December, corner Of Virginia avenue and First
street west for Sunday and evening schools ano
religious worship. The prospects are encour-
aging
Al the earnest solicitation of several persons
who had visited those schools, and others whoeli
a deep interest in the work. Sunday and evening
schools, with religious worship, We're opened N
April, at The Point, with the approval OF the Meth
odist brethren, who have Sunday school there
Theirs is in the morning, and ours in the after
noon; affording an opportunity to attend both.
Some OF the parents have become impressed IL
a good degree with the benefits Of Sunday schoo
instruction, and when all in that locality become
sufficiently 10 come in with their children and
aid al least by their presence, in maintaining
proper restraint great amount OF good VIII doubt
less be accomplished. Ii Is confidently believed
that with persevering and untring effort, most II
not all Of those who seem 30 hopeless may be
greatly improved; ard in view of prospects a.
well responsibilities, duty is plain.
A Sunday school commenced in May at
the Park with the appreciation of the English
Lutheran brethren, who commenced one there
lasI year. and had discontinued it; the house
which they occupied having been purchased by
person unfavorable 10 the cause. This school
although increasing, is yet small bat when the
boys who visit the Park Hotel on the Sabbath, as
a resort for vain amusements OF an immoral len
dency, and other youths and children in that
locality, shall be persuaded TO turn iHto the Sun
day school, as by faithful and untiring effort they
doubtless may be- with few or no exceptions, ii
will be increased 10 respectable size. The pros.
poets, both in regard 10 the school and religious
worship, are encouraging.
Arrangements have been made for Sunday
school and religious worship near the Navy Yard.
to begin as soon as suitable room can be OBJ
tanned They are much needed there on Sabbath
afternoon, and strong hope is INDUCED that they
will divert many boys from resorting TO the Con-
gressional Burying Ground as place for Sunday
recreation, made attractive TO them by boys 81
Largtr grofcfh, who have made great progress IN
the various arts of leading the young astray.
Schools on this plan are called for IN other paris
of the Distrlct and ii will afford the society much
happiness TO respond 10 such calls, as fast as la
borers and houses can be obtained.
IN our second department OF labor we have
been restricted by the want of suitable building
for an asylum for reformed females and III cir chill
dren. A great advance has, however beenr made.
The favorable expression Of more than 600 OF our
citizens of standing and responsibility, and OF
many of the senators and representatives IN Con-
gress, including their committees on this District
as we'll as some favorable action in The Senate
with an assurance of early attention al the next
session. afford very fair guaranty in regard 10 the
result. Aud some OF those whose reform s sought,
have become convinced that the only medium
through which they can hope Tor rescue from
their present danger and degradation is an asy-
lnm, where, by their good conduct and industrious
habits, they can obtain the good opinion OF ma
tron worthy of public confidence, and be BY her
recommended after sufficient probation, 10 re-
spectacle families being faithful and trust
wOHhy. Some OF these have children, for whom
they feel at times deep solcltude, and are IA
voraby affected by efforts 10 educate, elevate, and
save them from what has hitherto seemed 10 be
an impending fate-demonsirating that even hsg
have not become so much hardened as 10 be be
yond the influence OF the great law OF kindness.
IL is highly gratifying 10 the society TO ind that
Christians generally understand that both OF these
works Of reform are emphaically common ground
where efficiency depends much on united effori
amons ST those of different denominations Such
united effort is an argument that caviers can
neither galusay nor resist.
Our third department OF labor, although OF less
promise IN its moral aspects than The others. Is
nevertheless, prompted by the same principles
and is very closely allied TO them in a very i'm
poriant respect the persons requiring aid havlnl
The same claim on the synpalhes and aid of III,
humane, the benevolent the phianihroplc, an,
ali who profess 10 be Christians, as the others
being unable, like them. 10 help themselves
Whist the poor-house is generally regarded a
"good enough for the reckless, the idle, the dissi
pated. aud the vicious poor those who are honest
industrious, and respect able, but unfortunate
and are sometimes brought into Strengthened Gil
cumsiauces, suffering much rather than incur IN
odium Of public pauperism, surely deserve HON
among friends who take pleasure IN adminlsterin
relief TO the suffering. and among whom they ca
feel that they are not burdensome. Some OF thes
would require OILY temporary relief and 70
others, homes might be obtained in benevoier
families, where by care and various little services
remuneration in part, or perhaps IN full, would b
made.
The financial concerns Of the society have bee
thus far very limited A moderate compensate
was fixed, when the society was organized, f.
the services Of the missionary, matron, an
teachers OF day and evening schools; but the fund
have been barely sufficient TO meet other demand
The missionary has presented no claim. and Ia
others have not entered the field, no Buildings fo
the asylum or the school-houses having been oil
tanned. The funds which have been raised wer
given, chiefly, by unsolicited persons who say
that some expense was incident 10 the work. Tn
contributions, though small were adequate 10 th
demend and great confidence Is entertained tbs
donations will increase with the increased d,
mand The cash donations amount 10 SIS :
The disbursements amount 10 SIS IS. The dom
lions other than casb, amount To S21 % Dono
are referred TO the accounts in the hands OF q
ture.
To all who have aided the cause, our mo
hearty thanks are rendered. Publishers out
the city, who may be disposed TO aid us by cop
ing report, giving an outline, with the
own comments, will also receive our thanks,
they send copies TO the corresponding secrcta
ofthe Friends Aid Society. Washington, d. c.
And now, desiring 10 extend our operations, v
appeal TO generous public for extended lberai'
Ladies and gentlemen. OF the city Of Washngto
and all others who have an interest in the m
tropolis Of this great nation, this is your cause
well as ours; and we trust you will not expect
10 come before you in the character Of beggars
your charities. The peace, happiness, and hon
Of your beautiful city all present high motives
united and efficient effort. Did We deem the
motives insufficient, we would refer you TO {
happiness afforded bya consciousness OF hayi
done good--to the fact that cit is more blessed
give than TO receive'--to an exalted happlnt
far above all pecuniary considerations, OF bel
instrumental in reforming and elevating the yicio
and degraded and making glad the hearts
many who shall rise up and call you blessed"
N. b. NORTHRoP,