For nearly twenty years we have been engaged in this work, and we have
now more confidence in the means employed than at any other period.
Situated, as we are, in the midst of a great city, with a Christian
sympathy constantly active and co-operating with us, no one can remain
in the institution without being the recipient of beneficial
influences, the effect of which is salutary in the extreme. I am fully
satisfied that the 'Washingtonian Home' is greatly indebted to these
moral agencies for its success."

The following letter, received by us, from Otis Clapp, who has been for
sixteen years president of the "Washingtonian Home," will give the
reader a still clearer impression of the workings of that institution.
It is in answer to one we wrote, asking for information about the
institution in which he had been interested for so many years:

"BOSTON, August 9th, 1877.

"DEAR SIR:--Your letter is received, and I am glad to learn that
your mind is directed to the subject of the curse and cure of
drunkenness. This is one of the largest of human fields to work in.
The 'Washingtonian Home' was commenced in a very humble way, in
November, 1857. An act of incorporation was obtained from the
State, March 26th, 1859.

"The institution has, therefore, been in existence nearly twenty
years. My connection with it has been for eighteen years--sixteen
years as president. During the period of its existence the whole
number of patients has been five thousand three hundred and
forty-eight. Of this number, the superintendent, Dr. Day, estimates
the cured at one-half. Of the remainder, it is estimated that