The second annual report of the managers of the Society for the Prevention of Pauperism, in the City of New-York : read and accepted, December 29, 1819. To which is added, an appendix, on the subject of pauperism.

  • Society for the Prevention of Pauperism in the City of New York.
Date:
1820
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The second annual report of the managers of the Society for the Prevention of Pauperism, in the City of New-York : read and accepted, December 29, 1819. To which is added, an appendix, on the subject of pauperism. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    5. CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.—Duringthc past year, an attempt has been made to ascertain the number of charitable institutions in our city, together with their annual funds, their gross permanent funds, and their yearly expenditures. The tendency of these benevolent associations, has also claimed the attention of the managers. Much has been said, and much has been written, as to the evil consequences of extending charitable relief to paupers. There is a line of distinction, however, which reason and religion point out. When charitable aid encourages indolence, and diminishes or destroys responsibility to be industrious and frugal, its tendency is obviously pernicious; but where it only relieves the distresses of the infirm and impotent, who are unable to resort to labor, or provides the means of being in- dustrious, to those who are constitutionally able to sus~ tain themselves by corporal exertions, we cannot see that it offers any incitement to idleness and vice. 6. THE PURCHASE OF A LIBRARY.—To pro- mote the great objects of the society, the managers have deemed it advisable to lay the foundation of a library for the use of the institution. It is essential in all human associations, for the improvement of our con- dition, to walk in the light, and under the guidance of the most useful knowledge. The managers therefore have deemed it expedient to adopt a plan for the pru- dent and gradual collection of such works, essays and tracts, as shall enlarge our views of national economy; of the best plans for the education and employment of the poor; of the most effectual and happy systems of police; of the most expedient management of prisons, and the most wholesome punishment and prevention