In order to make it possible to print and distribute the Annual Report in time to conform to the by-laws, the results of the operations of the Banking Department could only be estimated, and are stated as follows:
- Gross profits for the year 1883. . . $9,741 15
- Expenses:
- Half of office rent. . . $916 06
- Salaries. . . 4,250 00
- Advertising. . . 844 80
- Office expenses, printing, stationery, etc. 494 85
- Postage, etc. . . 234 84 6,741 15
- Net profits for 1883. . . $3,000 00
This amount brings the Reserve Fund of the Banking Department to a total of $46,000.00, the interest of which is placed at the disposal of the Charity Committee for the relief of needy Germans, according to the by-laws of the Society.
EMIGRATION.
Emigration at this port having reached, in 1881 and 1882, its highest point, viz., 455,681 and 476,086 persons, it fell off during the past year to 405,909, and a further decrease is to be expected during the present year. Among the masses who have reached this port during late years, there could not fail to be many who, coming with exaggerated expectations, or entirely unfitted for the conditions existing in this country, returned to their homes sadly disappointed, or sent back discouraging reports of their unfortunate experiences, which are frequently quite as unwarranted as the brilliant representations which induced them to emigrate. Healthy, vigorous persons, in their best years, particularly farmers, mechanics, and daylaborers, will not want for employment, if they arrive here at the right season, and will have no difficulty in making their living, if they do not demand too much, and if they remember that every beginning is difficult. Old or weak persons, however, and individuals who shirked work at home, and who hoped to find better facilities here for leading an easy life, will discover, at their cost, that America does not differ much in
