XXXV111 AFPENDIX. 



ment to industry and economy, in order to attain that sum; and 

 when the object was reached, it is reasonable to suppose they 

 would make great exertions, and submit to some denials, to pre- 

 vent its being broken in upon. The common labouring class 

 of mankind, although generally an improvident set, yet often 

 contains persons who do more than provide for their daily wants, 

 and with commendable foresight endeavour to lay up against 

 the wants of futurity; whose spirits revolt at the thought of 

 seeking aid from public charity, and who would rejoice in the 

 opportunity of securing and deriving interest from their surplus 

 earnings. With others, the ambition of having a bank ac- 

 count, and the pride they will feel in having the fact known, 

 and the gratification derived from occasionally referring to 

 their book to see or show the gradual increase of their capital, 

 will powerfully act: while the stimulus of example will ope- 

 rate on some who may at first be indifferent to the adoption of 

 the measure. 



The most common day labourers in Philadelphia can earn a 

 dollar per day throughout the year; and yet they are commonly 

 in rags, and without a dollar in store. Many spGcies of me- 

 chanics earn from two to four dollars per day; but they lay up 

 nothing in a general way. Cotton spinners earn ten dollars 

 per week — glass blowers, Si 20, or more, per month. 



On the whole, " the scheme of Saving Banks is calculated 

 to secure independence without inducing pride; ip lead to tem- 

 perance, and the restraint of all the disorderly passions which a 

 wasteful expenditure of money nourishes; and to produce sobriety 

 of mind and steadiness of conduct, which afford the best foun- 

 dation for the domestic virtues in humble life. The effects of 

 such an institution as this upon the character of the people, 

 were it to become universal, would be almost inappreciable."* 



Since the above remarks were written, Saving Banks have 

 been established in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, the 



* Third Report of the Society at Edinburgh, for suppressing beggars, 

 relief of occasional distress, and encouragement of industry among the 

 poor. 1814. 



