Chapter XXVI
Reading edition
THE NINETEENTH-STREET GANG OF RUFFIANS—"A MORAL DISINFECTANT."
History of the Formation of the Nineteenth-street Gang—Our Efforts to Reform it—Mr. Slater's Labors—Improvement of Vagabond Boys—Reform of Petty Thieves—Good Fortune of a Homeless Lad—Warning, in 1854, from the Danger of these Lads—Their Extraordinary Crimes—Murder of Mr. Swanton—Murder of Mr. Rogers—Failure at that time of our Reformatory Efforts—Renewed In 1865—Lodging-house Founded in Eighteenth Street—The Superintendent—His Characteristics—The Assistance of a Benevolent Gentleman—His Influence over the Boys—Mr. Gourley's Economy—A Test of his Patience—The Ingratitude of Two Boys—Their Improvement—The Reformatory Effects of the Lodging-house—Its Tabular Statement……………………………………………pp. 316-329