Page:1883 Annual Report of the German Society of the City of New York.djvu/59

Rh this respect from other countries, and that idlers and those unable to work have even fewer prospects here than in Europe. America should not be looked upon cither as a great reformatory for ne'er-do-wells or as a refuge for paupers; the former generally go to ruin rapidly, and the latter, when found out, are sent back to their homes under protest. Young merchants'clerks, former officials, government employes, etc., many of whom certainly have the best intentions, should above all things understand thoroughly that they cannot expect to follow their vocation here, but must make up their minds to submit to any kind of unaccustomed work, often very difficult at first, if they would lead an honest life in this country. Our pamphlet, "Practical Advice and Information for Emigrants" (single copies of which we will send, on request, as heretofore, to all applicants, free of charge), relieves us of the usual task of giving in our Annual Report, practical hints and advice. Nevertheless, we will enumerate briefly, in the following, the most essential points:
 * 1) No one should allow himself to be induced to emigrate by exaggerated reports of the favorable conditions and the facility of earning money in this country. The resolve should be taken only after due consideration.
 * 2) Passage agents are, as a rule, unreliable advisers; they have generally ouly their own interest in view.
 * 3) The uncle who emigrated to America ten or twenty years ago, and who is said to be doing very well, but whose address is not known, because he has never written, generally exists only in the imagination. As a rule, he is not to be found, or he does not wish to have anything to do with his unwelcome relatives; frequently the alleged "hotel-keeper" turns out to be a waiter, the "merchant" a porter, and the "owner of a thriving farm" a day-laborer.
 * 4) Those who emigrate to America on a venture should do so in the months of March to October, during which time labor is generally in great demand, while during the winter months the emigrant often vainly seeks employment in Castle Garden for weeks, and suffers want and privation.