le
and natural principles, the Society has succeeded, because very earnest
men and women have labored in it, and because its organization has been
remarkably complete.

The _employes_ have entered into its labors principally from love of its
objects, and then have been retained by a just and liberal treatment on
the part of the Trustees, and by each being made responsible for his
department, and gaining in the community something of the honor which
attends successful work.

A strict system of accountability has been maintained, step by step,
from the lowest to the highest executive officer. Of many engaged in the
labors of this Association, it can be truly said, that no business or
commercial house was ever more faithfully and earnestly served, than
this charity has been by them. Indeed, some of them have poured forth
for it more vitality and energy than they would ever have done for their
personal interests. They have toiled day and night, week-days and
Sundays, and have been best rewarded by the fruit they have beheld. The
aim of the writer, as executive officer, has been to select just the
right man for his place, and to make him feel that that is his
profession and life-calling. Amid many hundreds thus selected, during
twenty years, he can recall but two or three mistaken choices, while
many have become almost identified with their labors and position, and
have accomplished good not to be measured. His principle has been to
show the utmost respect and confidence, but to hold to the strictest
accountability. Not a single _employe_, so far as he is aware, in all
this time, during his service, has ever wronged the Society or betrayed
his trust. One million of dollars has passed through the hands of the
officers of this Association during this period, and it has been
publicly testified [See testimony before the Committee on Charities of
the Senate of New York, 1871.] by the Treasurer, Mr. J. E. Williams,
President of the Metropolitan Bank, that not a dollar, to his knowledge,
has ever been misappropriated or squandered.

A most important element of the success of this Charity have been, of
course, the character and influence of its Board of Trustees.

It is difficult to speak of these gentlemen without seeming to use the
language of compliment; but, in making known to other cities the
peculiar organization which has been so successful in this, it must
always be remembered what the character of trustees should be, wh