the sailors are surrounded by a set of
miscreants, who are called "runners," and are taken by them to houses
of the lowest description.... Instances innumerable might be stated of
the horrible state of the dens to which seamen are obliged to resort
for want of more respectable residences; robberies are of frequent
occurrence; and in one, I fear not a solitary case, murder was
committed.'

Our object in giving those extracts is, to shew the vital necessity
for the formation of Homes at all our leading ports. At Liverpool, for
instance, the crimps are so active and speculative in driving their
abominable traffic, that no sooner do they hear of a man-of-war being
paid off at Portsmouth, or any other naval port, than they send their
agents to entice the sailors down to Liverpool. Let us quote one
solitary example of the way in which Poor Jack is plundered. 'When Her
Majesty's ship _Raleigh_ was paid off at Portsmouth, many of the men
were so plundered, that they were obliged to apply to the magistrates
for redress. It appears from the notes of the evidence taken before
them, that seven of these men were charged L.102 for three days'
entertainment at a low public-house, one item being L.6, 2s. for two
hours' ride in an omnibus; and a messmate, who came to breakfast with
them, was compelled to pay 17s. 4d. for two eggs, some salt beef, and
a cup of coffee. It is gratifying to state, at the same time, that
nineteen men of this ship were received into the Sailors' Home,
Wells Street, London, taking with them L.222, besides their
remittance-bills.'

We will make one more extract from Mr Gore's interesting brochure:
'Every seaport has a direct interest in the improvement of the
character of the seamen who frequent it, and whose example must
exercise considerable influence on the rest of the community. To the
ship-owners, as well as to their men, the Homes cannot fail of proving
in the highest degree advantageous. Their ships are now often manned
by men upon whom, when at foreign ports, little or no dependence can
be placed. They care little about the ship in which they sail; they
are heedless as to what port they shall return; but the establishment
of Homes will induce those who have experienced their advantages, to
be desirous of returning to them. It will render the seamen better men
and better citizens, and it will cause them to continue with their
masters.' We cordially endorse these opinions.

One great obstacle to the