POOR RELIEF IN THE UNITED STATES 169 



offenses were registered, in 1897 but two were noted. It is 

 remarkable that offenses which no reform school or prison was 

 able to uproot have here disappeared. 



The work of the children includes every thing; necessary to 

 be done. The girls perform household work, such as washing, 

 ironing, sewing, cleaning, cooking, etc., in which they receive 

 instruction. The other work falls to the boys, as building, 

 carpentering, shoemaking, bookbinding, barbering, etc., under 

 the direction of craftsmen ; the agricultural labors are directed 

 by farmers in the neighborhood. The citizens are required to 

 attend school until they are sixteen years of age, daily — Satur- 

 day and Sunday excepted — from 10 to 12 and 1 to 3. For 

 attendance each one receives weekly $1.75, but only when they 

 work for their support. Besides school and work there is 

 provided plentiful recreation and mental occupation. Com- 

 munication of the children with their relatives during their 

 stay in the republic is materially restricted. At first frequent 

 correspondence is kept up, since they are usually homesick, but 

 gradually it is neglected. They soon discover that their new 

 views no longer correspond to those of their former companions. 

 As they learn to despise their former sinful life, they can no 

 longer value its environment. The conduct of their parents 

 and old friends seems now to be objectionable, and if they con- 

 tinue in contact with the home, it loses its influence over them. 

 When the children grow up they are placed at trades or are 

 otherwise instructed; but Mr and Mrs. George keep them in 

 mind and correspond with them. If the employer complains 

 of the conduct of his apprentice, the latter is given earnest 

 advice, and, if necessity arises, is brought back to the republic. 

 Of late, in Auburn, a society of former junior republicans has 

 been formed and holds together with fidelity and in close rela- 

 tionship with Mr. George. 



Such poor children may be developed into capable and 

 good citizens, not merely by punishment and by a temporarily 

 forced change of conduct, but by the pressure of surroimdings, 

 voluntary choice, and better insight. 



Of particular methods of caring for children may be men- 

 tioned, in conclusion, the sunmier colonies, to which great 

 attention is given. 



