can be fairly set aside, and its incorrectness satisfactorily shown, (which, they think, has not yet been done) they will be highly gratified to find, that the evil is less enormous than a careful attention to the subject has led them to believe.

It has been further objected to the report, that the language is in some instances indelicate, and the details too minute. We are not disposed to deny that there may be some foundation for such a censure; and yet it must be obvious to every one that it is extremely difficult to speak of an offensive and disgusting subject, in chaste and pleasing language. It is almost as if one should attempt to throw dust with unsoiled hands, or to pass through a slough with unspotted garments. To this let it be added, that in the course of their investigations the committee had become in some measure familiar with the loathsome details,—and it surely cannot appear susprising, that when they came to speak upon the subject, they should use a degree of freedom unpleasant to those to whom the whole was entirely new. Their only object in making so full a development of facts, was that the extent of the evil might be fully apprehended, by those on whom the provison of a remedy must devolve.

Respecting the charges of willful and libellous misrepresentations, the board have only to remark, that they cannot but regard them as, in general, the offspring of excited feeling. In some instances it seems necessary to suppose that it has arisen from hostility to the cause itself. For it is not credible, that any candid man should soberly believe, that the committee have combined to traduce the character of our city, when themselves equally with their fellow-citizens, are interested in its reputation. The thing is so palpably unreasonable, that we need not dwell upon it for a moment.

With these remarks we leave the report to the candid construction of an intelligent community. We have not the slightest wish to attempt to vindicate it so far as it may be reprehensible. For we feel assured that no truly benevolent man, can wish to frustrate a philanthropic undertaking, on account of any incidental impropriety in the manner of laying its claims before the public. And we most anxiously desire, that no mistakes of ours in the choice of measures, or in the mode of execution, may ever be identified with the unexceptionable and benevolent enterprise which it is our ambition as far as possible to carry forward. Let the cause be sustained-and we shall rest entirely satisfied. We ask not to be the almoners of the charity of the public. If those who profess themselves friends of the design, while they censure the course pursued, will come forward and undertake the work, we will gladly give up the field to more judicious men, and think ourselves happy in being thus excused from labors, the arduous and self-denying nature of which can be known only by experience. That we do not overrate the importance of the object, we hope to make apparent in the remarks which follow-and we are anxious that the subject may be impartially and attentively considered by the enlighted and benevolent of our fellow-citizens.

First, then, we would observe, that the evil, some of the miseries of which it is the object of the Magdalen institution to alleviate, is one of tremendous magnitude. Reduce its dimensions as you will

-circumaèribe it by as narrow limits as any intelligent man would dare assign-and still will its extent be fearful. It is generally admitted, that there are in the city, at the lowest estimate, several thousands of females given up to unrestrained licentiousness; and, as a necessary consequence, plunged into the lowest depths of misery. Now let any one seriously contemplate the picture; let him figure to himself so large a number of his fellow-beings, without a homewithout a character-without a friend-in many instances the victims of disease and want, and often subject to the most brutal treatment; -and to this let him add, that conscience is ever torturing the soul with her reproaches, and remorse with the fangs of a viper perpetually gnawing at the heart, and if he has the feelings of a man, he will weep over these dark and melancholy shades of wretchedness. Is it said that all this suffering is self-inflicted? That it is the necessary result of voluntary vice? This indeed is undeniable. Far be it from us to become the apologists of guilt. The vice to which they have become addicted, even when it puts on the garb of respectability, is unquestionably one of the foulest blots on human nature, in the view both of God and man. Yet is the misery no less real on this account, nor are those who are willing, if a way be opened, to leave their life of infamy, less the object of compassion.

But the evil is by no means confined to the wretched subjects of prostitution. Were this the fact it would be immeasurably less than it is at present. Society feels its polluting and destroying influence. It forms a vortex which swallows up some of the fairest portions of the community. Youth, unwary and inconsiderate, in thousands of instances are drawn into its fatal current, and hurried into debasement, and mortal ruin. While therefore the condition of those who are thus lost to virtue calls aloud for sympathy, it ought at the same time, as a matter of personal concern, to come home to the heart of every virtuous citizen, and to give sober interest to the inquiry, of what remedy will the case admit?

And this leads us to remark again, that to open a way of escape to those who are disposed to forsake the paths of infamy, and to facilitate their return to virtue and respectability, is nearly all that in the present state of society can be done. Vigilant efforts on the part of magistrates and others, might unquestionably diminish the evil; but to expect its entire eradication, appalling as it is, while circumstances remain the same, would be chimerical. While there are so many of the lower classes crowded together in our cities who come under no favorable moral influence, and while those are so numerous, who under the guise of external respectability, conceal the base designs and dark soul of the seducer, multitudes will probably continue to be immolated on the altar of the destroying demon of debauchery. But that there are many, very many, who would gladly be rescued from the fatal stream that is hurrying them to ruin, and that the plan of the Magdalen institution for affording them deliverance is at once practicable and efficient, are points whieh admit of the most satisfactory demonstration, viz. the demonstration of multitudes of facts, of long and fair experiment. Institutions of this description are said to have existed at a remote period on various parts of the continent

of Europe. However this may be, so early as 1758 the Magdalen charity, at the head of which were the Earl of Hertford, Lord Romney, and others of distinguished rank, was instituted, and commenced its operations in the city of London. And although it then labored under the disadvantage of being somewhat novel, yet within the first forty-four years of its existence, it rescued from debasement, as appears from its report, 2,238 who were reconciled to their friends, or placed out at service. Since that period, such institutions have been greatly multiplied, and have fully answered the most sanguine expectations of their projectors. Whether, therefore, voluntary inmates of these asylums can be found, and whether their restoration to virtue and respectability is practicable, is no longer problematical. For more than seventy years the experiment on an extensive scale, has been going forward with entire success. But here the inquiry may be made, if the persons in question are thus willing to reform, why do they not abandon their vicious habits without the interference of others in their behalf?

To this it may be replied, that to those who once have fallen, a return is nearly or quite impossible, except through the medium of such a retreat as the Magdalen Institution furnishes. Many of the wretched inmates of the brothel are, as it were, born to an inheritance of shame, and trained up to vice from their very childhood. Such of course constitute the most hopeless class. But there are multitudes whose case is widely different; whose unhappy story would be something like the following ;-that they listened to the syren voice and specious promises of the destroyer-were deluded-ruined and forsaken. Then, overwhelmed with shame, the claims of friendship forfeated, and the ties of kindred broken-with a blot upon their character which closed against them all honorable employment, they were turned out in disgrace upon the world, to die with want, or live by prostitution. Now, however desirous they may be to retrieve their fall, the door is shut against them. Relatives will no longer own them,-society will not receive them,-almshouses and workhouses are intended for a different class of persons, -and if they are ever to be rescued from utter degradation, benevolence must take them as guilty, yet deserving pity, and place them where, secluded from temptation, they may by good behavior evince the sincerity of their contrition for the past, and acquire a character which will place an honest livelihood again within their reach. This it is our design, as far as possible, to do, and it is in the execution of this design that we ask the countenance and aid of our fellow-citizens. The policy of our institution is already before the public, and need not be recited here. Suffice it to say, that those who enjoy its privileges are required to be regular and industrious in their habits, and decorous in their manners and conversation ;-that they are supplied with books and with moral and religious instruction, and after satisfactory trial, are aided in effecting a reconciliation with their friends, or in obtaining some reputable employment.

Such, in a general view, is the character and object of the enterprise to which the committee have taken the liberty to call the attention of their fellow-citizens. They are anxious that the whole

matter should be fully understood. If any are desirous of additional information, they are at liberty, and are invited, to examine the policy and conduct of the institution for themselves. This indeed is almost indispensable to a perfect apprehension of the case. For it

is manifestly the easiest thing imaginable for evil-minded persons to circulate false and injurious reports which will greatly mislead the public mind, unless those who wish to form correct opinions will entirely disregard them, and base their judgment on personal observation, or unquestionable evidence. Let such a course be taken, and we have no fear of the result.

If, then, it be the fact, that the evil, which it is our object as far as possible to alleviate, is enormous, even at the lowest calculation, -that the plan of opening a way of escape to those who will voluntarily forsake their vices, is almost the only palliative that benevolence can in the present state of things administer, and that the practicability of this is established by long experiment-and if it be true that without the benefit of such a provision, the door of hope is shut forever upon a degraded, yet pitiable class of beings, may we not with confidence make our appeal to an intelligent and virtuous community, in behalf of our design? We put it to their candor, Is NOT THE ENTERPRISE A GOOD ONE ? OUGHT IT NOT TO BE SUSTAINED? Shall our Institution, after having been commenced by private charity and individual effort, and sustained till it is well established, and in successful operation,―shall it now be suffered to decline and die, or act in a limited and embarrassed manner? Is it not a matter in which the whole community are interested? Does it not claim the attention of our authorities and of those who direct our public establishments for the relief and correction of wretchedness and vice?

We appeal to the well-wishers of society—to those whose delight it is to see all around them industrious, virtuous, and happy; and we ask them if they will not co-operate with us in attempting to rescue a numerous class from idleness, vice, and misery. Will they not aid us in checking, if we may not heal, a foul disease which is invading the social system with its baneful influence, and corrupting and destroying multitudes of its useful members. So unheeded has been its progress hitherto, that its ravages already are appalling. Can any, who are interested in the welfare of the community, sit down inactive and indifferent spectators?

We appeal to the benevolent and philanthropic,-to those who know the happiness of winning the abandoned back to virtue,—of restoring peace to the bosoms of the wretched;-and to them we say, here is an ample field for your benevolent labors. Here is a picture over which humanity, when she beholds it, cannot but pour her tears. And will not you assist in doing all that may be done to soften its disgusting features, and change its ugly shades to loveliness. Who-oh! who are objects of pity and relief, if not those, who, endowed by nature with the keenest sensibilities, and the most ardent feelings, and fitted to sustain the most important and interesting relations, are plunged by their own folly, and the wiles of others, into ruin which is irretrievable, unless something be done for No. I.-JAN. 1832.

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their deliverance. Shall they, when they feel themselves undone, and with shame and deep contrition, look around for help, see no refuge whither they can flee, no avenue by which they can escape? Surely if there is any cause which can awake generous feeling, it is this.

We appeal to Christians-to those who are required by the mild and tender spirit of religion, and by the high command of Heaven, to promote by every proper means the good of others. And we say to them-remember that the unfortunate, though guilty beings, in whose behalf we now address you, are not only sacrificing all their social interests, and involving themselves in wretchedness which must be lasting as their life, but that they are degrading a rational and immortal nature, making shipwreck of the noblest hopes that can inspire the human bosom-and preparing for themselves anguish which shall come over their hearts like desolation through everlasting ages. Remember-that in a very few years, a whole generation of this miserable class are hurried away by the tide of ruin to meet the retributions of eternity; and that the religion you profess demands, that like its benignant author, you "seek and save the lost;"—and say-oh! say-will you not put forth your efforts in this work of heavenly mercy?

Finally, we call on all, of every class who are the friends of virtue and of human happiness, to give the subject we have been urging, the attention it deserves. Let our magistrates think with what mischiefs to society the vice of which we speak is fraught, and let them put forth an arm to check, if possible, its ravages. Let our aged men look at the youth whom it yearly ensnares to their destruction, and let them lend their aid to oppose its devastations. Let the father look on the daughter of his hopes, and the mother on the pride of her heart, and say, should she fall a prey to seductive wiles, whether that would not seem an angel's hand which should lead her back to virtue, and restore her to their arms. And though the unprincipled may sneer, and the profligate revile, let it be made apparent, that the interests of society, the interests of virtue and humanity, ARE NEITHER MISAPPREHENDED Nor neglectED BY AN

ENLIGHTENED AND BENEVOLET COMMUNITY.

By order of the Board,

JOHN P. HAVEN, Secretary.

No. 35.

The following address to the public appeared in the Genius of Temperance, Dec. 7, 1831.

The New York Magdalen Society have, by a vote of the Board of Managers, ceased their operations for the present, with an understanding that at some future day they will resume greater responsibilities, and build a house for the accommodation and reformation of all females who have deviated from the paths of virtue, and are desirous to return.

They have transferred to Mr. Elijah Pierson the houses on Bowery Hill, with all their effects, inmates, &c., to be conducted by him, and those whom he may choose as his associates or helpers, on his or their own responsibility.