As it is the object of that society to clear the streets of beggars, it would be well if they would put a stop to those juvenile beggars, many of whom are children of respectable parents, who assemble together to build what they call a GROTTO; to the great annoyance of all passengers in the street.

However desirous persons may be of encouraging ingenuity in children, I think it is doing them much harm to give them money when they ask for it in this way.

Indeed it would appear, that some of the children have learned the art of begging so well, that they are able to vie with the most experienced mendicants.
Ladies in particular are very much annoyed by children getting before them and asking for money; nor will they take the answer given them, but put their hats up to the ladies' faces, saying, "Please, ma'am, remember the grotto;" and when told by the parties that they have no money to give, they will still continue to follow, and be as importunate as any common beggar.

However innocent and trifling this may appear to some, I am inclined to believe that such practices tend to evil, for they teach children to be mean, and may cause some of them to choose begging rather than work.

I think that the best way to stop this species of begging is, never to give them any thing.