The million-peopled city
Garwood, John
1853
Voluntary Effort, and that by the Masses, rather than Government Aid, to be especially rested on.
The foregoing calculation of the comparative expenses of schools and prisons, makes no reference to the amount of loss to the more respectable portion of the community by the plunder of these juvenile thieves. That is a most consider- able item to add. It would be good political economy for the national funds to be appropriated to Reformatory Schools rather than to prisons. Less national money would be expended, and the end desired would be far more effectually promoted. The day may probably arrive when this will be seen and acted on, as it is already by those undergoing sentences of imprisonment in the , near . | |
But it is important for Christian persons not to lean too much on governing powers. Their hands are ordinarily very full, and there is very general disappointment ex- perienced in hopes resting on legislative bodies. The great dependance of the should be on her own exertions. These will suffice, at all events, for such an object as this, if she is only alive to her responsibilities. And what is needed to be done, is likely to be done with far more effect when it is done by voluntary effort, and from affection to the work. This kindly feeling, exercised by teachers, towards those who have only been accustomed to harshness and severity, has, indeed, under God, been a main cause of the success of the effort. The hearts of the poor | |
84 | outcasts have first been won to the teachers, and then to God. |
Nor is it desirable to depend too much on the volun- tary aid of the higher classes. To interest the great masses of the population, and especially of the Christian population, is by far the more important. This was illus- trated in a striking manner in Aberdeen, where the work- ing men of the city were so desirous that schools for the destitute class should be set up, that they subscribed 2501. in one sum, and presented it to the for that purpose. | |