thing set over against it. As the traveller upon the prairie saves himself from the approaching fire by starting a fire to meet it, so may the fiery influences of rum and whiskey, which would consume body and soul, be stayed and quenched by supplies of other beverages and wholesome food.

It is claimed by many that stimulating drinks are necessary. Without disputing this point, it is proposed to accept and act upon it by providing beverages that shall be stimulating but not intoxicating.

To this end, a nearly simultaneous effort has been made within a few years in Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and elsewhere, in the establishment of "Holly-Tree" and "Friendly Inns," "Temperance Restaurants," and "Coffee-Houses." The results, differing somewhat according to local circumstances, have on the whole been highly satisfactory, proving beyond any doubt that under proper administration these institutions can do a great work, not only in rescuing drunkards from their evil habits, and in keeping the young men from temptation, but in encouraging thrift and sobriety among all classes, very much decreasing the sale of intoxicants, and changing the character of neighborhoods.

The writer of this article having had very little opportunity for observing the working of these establishments except in Philadelphia, it must not be considered any disparagement of those located elsewhere if his further remarks should be confined to a description of those situated in the city last-named.

"The Workingman's Coffee-Houses" of Philadelphia may be said to have originated in a desire to accommodate the demand for smulants of which we have already spoken-a demand difficult to eradicate, but possible to direct and control, by providing an acceptable substitute. Some ideas which seemed indispensable were acted upon at the outset :

First: As to location. If we wish to catch fish, we must go where the fish are. Upon one of the chief business thoroughfares, where men are already accustomed to congre

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gate at the usual lunch hour, there was believed to be the place to spread the net.

Second: The liquor-saloons are made attractive, they are brilliantly lighted, and comfortably warmed. The coffee-houses must not be behind in these respects.

Third: If we ask men to abandon their beer and whiskey, we must furnish them a substitute every way better. It was determined, therefore, that the coffee as well as every other article offered for sale should be of the best quality, prepared in the most skilful manner, and served under circumstances as attractive as possible.

Fourth: The price, too, must not be higher than would just cover the cost, that, while satisfying the palate of the most fastidious, it should accommodate the pocket of the poorest.

The experiment was begun in October, 1874. In the very centre of the city, at the intersection of Fifteenth and Market Streets, a small store was secured and suitably fitted up. On one side the new public buildings were in course of erection, employing some five hundred men, and on the other about the same number of men, teamsters, draymen, etc., came daily to the Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Depot. "The Workingman's Central CoffeeHouse" was the title adopted.

It commenced in a very modest way, with only a few pounds of coffee and sugar, a few dozen rolls, a small cook-stove, and a woman acting the double part of cook and waitress. In a few days the services of an assistant were required, and from day to day the business increased, so that it became necessary to secure additional help and enlarged accommodations. Soon a complete kitchen had to be built in the basement, then the adjoining store was added, and, within a year, the third store, till now the premises occupied by "The Central" are about six times the size of the room in which it was opened! It now furnishes lunch daily to about 1,400 persons.

Encouraged by this success, a second coffee-house was opened under the same management December, 1874. This was located in the centre of the wholesale trade of the

city (No. 31 South Fourth Street), and was called "The Model."

From the first it was crowded even to an uncomfortable extent. The demands of its patrons soon rendered larger quarters a necessity. A new building was erected specially adapted to the purpose, many novel features being introduced which a twelvemonth's experience had suggested.

The new "Model" opened June 1 of this year. Many persons thought it was too large, and that it would never be filled. But it was thronged on the day of opening, and on every day since the demands upon it have been fully up to its capacity. The number lunching here daily is about 2,600.

In the establishment of the Coffee-Houses there were, of course, many mistakes, the results of inexperience. Many things had to be unlearned as well as many learned. But mistakes were promptly corrected. With the growth of the work, ability to provide for it seemed to keep pace, and modifications in the management were adopted as necessity dictated.

Not much was anticipated at the commencement beyond furnishing a mug of coffee and a roll of bread, but it soon became apparent that something more than this was needed. Many of the beer and whiskey saloons display the invitation-"Free Lunch.' Enticed by this bait, scores of young men enter the trap. At the further end of the saloon a table may be found containing a dish of stewed meat and vegetables, very highly seasoned. Of this any one is allowed to eat without charge, but few can do so without stopping to slake their thirst at the bar as they pass out. The lunch indeed is free, but not so the drink. Hundreds of young men in our stores, counting-houses, and workshops have thus been lured into habits of intemperance and final ruin.

To meet this necessity, the Coffee-House bill-of-fare was greatly extended, and now quite a variety of nutritious and substantial dishes are provided, and each at the uniform price of five cents. The main feature-the coffee-is, however, preserved. A full pint mug of the best Java (equal to