Magnificent self-reliance is continually exhibited, and self-denial of no mean order is the rule.
The prattle of little children and the voice of maternal love make sweet music in its doleful streets, and glorious devotion dignifies and illumines the poorest homes.
But out of the purlieus of this netherworld strange beings issue when the shades of evening fall.
Men whose hands are against every man come forth to deeds of crime, like beasts to seek their prey! Women, fearsome creatures, whose steps lead down to hell, to seek their male companions.
Let us stand and watch! Here comes a poor, smitten, wretched old man; see how he hugs the rags of his respectability; his old frayed frock-coat is buttoned tightly around him, and his outstretched hands tell that he is eager for the least boon that pity can bestow.

He has found that the way of the transgressor is hard; he has kissed the bloom of pleasure's painted lips, he has found them pale as death! But others follow, and hurry by.

And a motley lot they are; figure and speech, complexion and dress all combine to create dismay; but they have all one common characteristic.

They want money! and are not particular about the means of getting it.

Now issue forth an innumerable band who during the day have been sleeping off the effects of last night's debauch.