, religious
instruction, we know to have been most happy. Some have acknowledged it,
living, and have shown better lives. Others have spoken of it in the
hospitals and on their death-beds, or have written their gratitude from
the battle field."

The officers of the Lodging House use their influence to induce the boys,
who are the most notoriously improvident creatures in the city, to save
their earnings. They have met with considerable success. There is now a
Newsboys' Savings Bank, which began in this way: A former superintendent,
Mr. Tracy, caused a large table to be provided and placed in the Lodging
House. This table contained "a drawer divided into separate
compartments, each with a slit in the lid, into which the boys dropped
their pennies, each box being numbered and reserved for a depositor. The
drawer was carefully locked, and, after an experience of one or two
forays on it from petty thieves who crept in with the others, it was
fastened to the floor, and the under part lined with tin. The
Superintendent called the lads together, told them the object of the
Bank, which was to make them save their money, and put it to vote how
long it should be kept locked. They voted for two months, and thus, for
all this time, the depositors could not get at their savings. Some
repented, and wanted their money, but the rule was rigid. At the end of
the period, the Bank was opened in the presence of all the lodgers, with
much ceremony, and the separate deposits were made known, amid an immense
deal of 'chaffing' from one another. The depositors were amazed at the
amount of their savings; the increase seemed to awaken in them the
instinct of property, and they at once determined to deposit the amounts
in the city savings banks, or to buy clothes with them. Very little was
spent foolishly. This simple contrivance has done more to break up the
gambling and extravagant habits of the class than any other one
influence. The Superintendent now pays a large interest on deposits, and
the Trustees have offered prizes to the lads who save the most." The
deposits of the boys now foot up an aggregate of about $1800.

The boys are assisted to earn their own support. Says Mr. Brace, writing
in 1870:

"Through the liberality of one of our warmest friends, and generous
trustee, B. J. Howland, Esq., a fund, which we call the 'Howland Fund,'
was established. He contributed $10, to which other patrons added their
contributions