Page:1883 Annual Report of the German Society of the City of New York.djvu/62

Rh   their guard against intelligence offices combined with night quarters, such as are found in the basement saloons of Greenwich Street and the neighborhood of Castle Garden. They should also read in the German newspapers the advertisements under the head of "Wanted;" but in this case likewise they should be cautious, as the papers of course are not informed of the character of advertisers, and assume no responsibility. Advertisements in which a cash deposit is required as security should under no circumstances be noticed, as all such advertisements, though generally very tempting, and promising ample pay for easy work, are shameless frauds. As soon as the security is paid, the business disappears, and with it the brilliant prospects and the deposit paid. Farmers who come to America with some property should not be too hasty in the purchase of real estate, as they may easily acquire land which is worthless, or the title of which is defective. In order to become acquainted with the land itself, with the climate, and with the markets, it is preferable that such persons should first look about thoroughly, hire themselves out as laborers, and become practically acquainted with the field labor in this country, which is very different from that in Germany. In the meantime they may deposit their capital in some savings-bank for safe keeping. Emigrants newly arrived, who intend to have their families follow them, should not allow themselves to be induced to buy passage tickets to be paid for by instalments. In the most favorable case, the passage ticket would not be forwarded until the full price for it had been paid; and usually the unfortunate victim discovers, after months of vain waiting, that his hardly-earned money is lost. All who need advice and information, protection, or aid, should apply to the official of the German Society, who is at all times to be found in Castle Garden.