Page:1883 Annual Report of the German Society of the City of New York.djvu/61

Rh    advisers. Many have bitterly repented—when too late—of the confidence thoughtlessly bestowed. American money should never be bought at the seaport or on board the ship, as there is much counterfeit and worthless money in circulation, which is palmed off upon emigrants. In Castle Garden, at the licensed office, everyone can change his money for United States Currency at the full value. No one should lend his money to strangers on bills of exchange or other papers of this kind, or buy them. In general such papers are of no value, or they are protested, because available only for the person in whose name they are made out. On reaching Castle Garden, every one should be on the watch to hear his name called, in case there should be letters or other intelligence awaiting him. Altogether, it is always best to inquire for anything of the kind, as it often happens that some information is waiting, even though not expected. Every emigrant may remain in Castle Garden until he leaves the city. Those who prefer to go to a hotel should previously consult their purses, and see whether they will admit of their doing so, for the stay at a hotel here is very expensive, in comparison with the German standard, and the landlord is entitled to retain the baggage in pledge until the bill is paid. There is no lending of money or charging of accounts, and however attentive and obliging the landlord may be at first, he can make himself very disagreeable when the emigrant's pockets are empty. No one should run in debt on the expectation of money to be sent by relatives in the interior, for travelling expenses. In general that money is only sufficient for the payment of railroad tickets, and frequently it is not forthcoming at all. Those in search of work should, immediately on their arrival, apply at the free intelligence office in Castle Garden, where, at a favorable season, they will be reasonably sure to obtain employment soon. They should be on 