factory reference. In cases of children where adoption or apprenticeship is proposed, final action on the application must be referred to the Executive Committee, or a sub-committee, duly appointed. A stated correspondence shall be held with all persons to whom the children may be given or apprenticed. The Managers of the institution shall act as the guardians of such children as are committed to their care, not only when under their direct supervision, but also in the case of death of foster-parents or of the unfaithfulness of any who may have them in their charge. Application may be made at the Home-Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 2 to 5 o'clock P.M. A donation to the Society of $20 entitles the donor to a life-membership, and to a copy of the Advocate (the organ of the Society) for life. SUGGESTIONS RELATIVE TO APPLICATIONS FOR CHILDREN AS ASSISTANTS, OR MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY CIRCLE. In a majority of cases these applications are made either by those, or through those who, being subscribers to the Advocate, are acquainted with the principles of our Society, and actuated by the pure desire to benefit those whom they would receive into their families. But this is not always the case. Occasionally we receive applications from persons with whom the benefit of the child is quite a minor consideration. This kind of application has of late seemed to be on the increase, and perhaps it may not be inappropriate again to state what are the views of the Board on this point. 1st. They desire to secure for those whom they transfer to the guardianship of others, good religious, moral, and domestic influences. 2d. A kind, firm, judicious, and uniform treatment. 3d. Suitable instruction in the various departments of housewifery; on which account they greatly prefer to place such young girls as are not adopted with ladies who keep few or no domestics, and themselves take an active part in their own family arrangements. 4th. For the same class they desire such school advantages as are needful for persons in the ordinary ranks of life." 5th. Persons applying for children must bring testimonials as to character, circumstances, &c.; and here the Society suggests the importance of procuring such testimonials-not from a man's mere business acquaintance, but from persons whose knowledge extends to his wife and family circle, and his social characteristics. These are main points of inquiry; and it is hoped those who recommend persons as fit to be intrusted with children will consider the serious responsibility which such a recommend. ation involves. 6th. Persons applying for children by letter, will save both parties much time and trouble, by at once stating particulars-the number and circumstances of their family, their proximity to church and Sabbathschool, the intellectual, moral, and social characteristics preferred in a child, the kind of work likely to be required, the amount of schooling likely to be received, &c., &c. 7th. In families where apprentices or young men are employed, a more vigilant oversight will be expected. 8th. Guardians and children will be allowed three months' trial, at the expiration of which, the child may be either indentured or returned to the Home. 9th. The Society will, in all cases, expect to hear respecting a child's welfare and conduct within six weeks after its transfer to a guardian's family. The non-compliance with this requirement causes them much anxiety, and the Secretary much unnecessary labor. 10th. For children under nine years of age, the Board would gladly accept good homes in either city or country; but those over nine, they seldom place in any but a country home. BY-LAWS RELATING TO APPLICANTS FOR CHILDREN. Persons applying for children must be regular attendants at a Protestant place of worship, and recommended by their Pastor. The children must live in the family, and regularly attend church on the Sabbath, and, when not too inconvenient, Sunday school. Only those approved by the Board or Executive Committee may select children. If mechanics, or to teach any business, they must have recommendations from at least two respectable persons that they are capable of teaching them the trade. Neither boys nor girls will be permitted to go to tavern or boardinghouse keepers, nor where liquor is sold. Girls may be placed in private families, but where there are apprentice boys or young men employed, a more vigilant oversight must be exercised. Employers and children will be allowed three months' trial; at the expiration of this time, if either be dissatisfied, the child may be returned to the Home. Girls over the age of ten, thus returned, shall be entitled to two dollars per month, or an equivalent in clothing; said wages or clothing to be accounted for to the Indenturing Committee. Persons having children indentured to them, must provide them suitable education and maintenance, inform the Executive Committee of their welfare at least once a year, and, at the expiration of their indenture, give them such sum of money, or its equivalent, as shall be agreed upon by the Indenturing Committee when the children are apprenticed. Should circumstances occur, by death in the family where the child has been apprenticed, or should there be other sufficient reason, the indenture may be transferred to another person, with the consent of the Executive Committee, or the child may be received again at the Home. Those who have children sent out to them will be expected to pay the expense incurred in sending them. |