The Dangerous Classes of New York, and Twenty Years' Work Among Them

A vivid portrait of New York’s most vulnerable street‑children emerges from two decades of hands‑on reform work. The author argues that crime and social decay are best halted not by punishment but by early education, disciplined guidance, and compassionate outreach. Drawing on contemporary statistics and personal anecdotes, the narrative lays out the grim conditions that push these youths toward crime and how faith‑based initiatives began to change their trajectories.

The book moves through detailed chapters that trace the historical roots of child neglect, compare New York’s plight with that of other great cities, and describe the practical programs—shelters, schools, and moral instruction—that were erected to rescue them. Readers will encounter stories of abandoned boys, the daily challenges faced by reformers, and the modest successes that hinted at a broader solution. It offers a thoughtful mix of social analysis and hopeful advocacy, inviting modern listeners to reflect on how early intervention can still shape a safer, more compassionate urban life.