Mr. Eddy

in this charity from its origin to his death, than in any
of the others of which we were members. Though there were
many who participated with him in this humane enterprise, yet
I do not think it is going too far to say that its foundation and
success was in a great measure owing to him; at least it may
be questioned whether, without his indefatigable exertions, this
important measure for the prevention of crimes, would have been
adopted so soon. He devoted so much of his time to this esta-
blishment, and occupied himself so much with its concerns for
several years, that he seemed to have no business of a public or
private nature which he thought so important, or so deserving
his attention, It may be worthy of remark, that though there
had been penitentiaries or asylums for infant criminals in Europe,
previously to the establishment of the House of Refuge, yet
there had not been any institution for the reformation of juvenile
delinquents. This differed from all others that before existed in
this important feature. That the laws subjected to its discipline
persons under age, previously to their having committed any
crime, when they are without parents, or abandoned by them,
and are left without guardian or protection, and are found pur-
suing vicious courses, they may be committed to the House of
Refuge, where they are withdrawn from the power of their
parents even, till such provisions is made for them as the law
prescribes. The idea of giving this very enlarged power to
magistrates and managers of the House of Refuge, I believe,
originated with Mr. Eddy. If the society for the reformation of
juvenile delinquents was deprived of this power, it would lose the
greater part of its usefulness. Another of our most important
and benevolent institutions, owes its origin to the members of the
society for the prevention of pauperism; I refer to the Savings
Bank. To this Mr. Eddy devoted himself with his usual zeal
and energy, and remained one of its most efficient and active
managers while he lived.

To this list of the numerous benevolent societies of which Mr.
Eddy

was a member, I must add another establishment, of which
he was a founder, and continued a manager, until he thought
its successful operation was secured. This was a society to pro-
vide fuel for the poor. Those who had not the means of laying
up a store, were to deposit their money with the society; who