lishment is an official, whose
duty it is to furnish any information desired by the emigrants, and to
advise them as to the boarding houses of the city which are worthy of
their patronage. The keepers of these houses are held to a strict
account of their treatment of their guests.

The majority of the emigrants go West in a few days after their arrival.
Some have already decided on their place of future abode before leaving
Europe, and others are influenced by the information they receive after
reaching this country. Should they desire to remain in this city, they
are frequently able to obtain employment, through the Labor Exchange
connected with the Landing Depot, and by the same means many obtain work
in other parts of the country--the Commissioners taking care that the
contracts thus made are lawful and fair to both parties.

As we have said, the greater number of the emigrants arriving here have
money when they come. Others, who have been able to raise only enough to
reach this, to them, "land of promise," or who have been swindled out of
their funds by sharpers in European ports, arrive here in the most
destitute condition. These are a burden to the city and State at first,
and are at once sent to the Emigrant Refuge and Hospital.

[Picture: EMIGRANT HOSPITAL.]

This establishment is located on Ward's Island, in the Harlem River, and
consists of several large buildings for hospitals, nurseries, and other
purposes. It has a farm of one hundred and six acres attached to it.
The destitute emigrants are sent to this establishment, as soon as their
condition is ascertained, and cared for until they either obtain
employment, or are provided for by their friends in this country, or are
sent to their original destinations in the West at the expense of the
Commissioners. Medical attendance is provided at the Landing Depot, and
is free to all needing it. Serious cases are sent to the hospital on
Ward's Island, where good medical skill and attendance are furnished.

The number of emigrants at the Refuge sometimes amounts to several
hundred of all nationalities. The Irish and German elements predominate,
and these being bitterly hostile to each other, the authorities are
frequently compelled to adopt severe measures to prevent an open
collision between them. In the winter of 1867-68, the Irish and German
residents on the island came to blows, and a bloody riot immediately
began between them,