Chapter XIII
Reading edition
GERMAN RAG-PICKERS.
Their Quarters on the Eastern Side—Number in the Eleventh Ward—Formation of an Association for their Benefit—Its Moving Spirit—Social Influences in the School—Its Effect on the Rag-pickers—Aid from the German Merchants—A Devoted Teacher—Dutch Hill and the Swill-gatherers—Description of the Squatters' Village—Character of the People—Drunkenness—Faith of the Children—Personal Efforts—Discouraging Features of the Work—Influence of Roman Catholicism—Difficulties of a Protestant—Influence of the Priests—Formation of an Association of Ladies on Murray Hill—Foundation of East River Industrial School—Mrs. Hurley—Her Devoted Labors for Seventeen Years—Attachment of Children to Her—Reform among the Children—Influence of Volunteer Teachers—Incidents among the Poor—A Heroic Girl—Happy Changes of Fortune—Remarkable Success among Two Thousand Children—"Our Failures"—The Beggar's Family…………………………pp. 147-164