At a Stated Meeting of the Board of Education of the "Pennsylvania Society for promoting the Abolition of Slavery, &c., "held 12th mo. 8th, 1853, the Committee appointed to report a plan of collecting Statistics, &c., produced the following, which was accepted.

To the Board of Education.The Committee appointed to consider of, and report to the Board the best method of ascertaining the present state of education among the colored population of our city and districts, in order that those who succeed us in this concern may at future periods, have some data from which they can form an estimate of the progress made by this class of our citizens in school learning, &c.

Recommend, That with the concurrence of the Society, our Visiting Agent be instructed to collect and arrange in tabular form the following and such other items of information as may be thought necessary to represent the present state of education among them, in addition to the duties heretofore assigned him. viz:--

The number over twenty years of age who can read and write and who understand the simple rules of arithmetic.

The number over twenty years of age who can read and write legibly,do.do.who can read only,do.do.Slave born,do. do.born free in Slave States,do. do.who cannot read or write,do.of Libraries, date of organization, number of volumes,&c.,do.of Libraries Societies, date of organization, &c.,do.of children attending schools, and whether Public orPrivate Schools,do.of children over eight years old, not attending School.

Your Committee further recommend that the Agent be directed to ascertain the number employed as teachers, the number of artizans, the number who have learned trades, the number who work at their trades, and the number employed in the higher departments of labor, such as clerkships, &c. &c., so that our successors may also be enabled to note their progress in these respects.POWELL STACKHOUSE,BENJAMIN COATES,BENJAMIN C. BACON,Committee.SIMEON COLLINS,Philadelphia 12th mo. 8th, 1853.In accordance with the recommendation of the Report, BENJAMIN C. BACON was appointed, in Fourth Month, 1854, to perform the service therein named; and at the stated meeting of the Board in First Month, 1856, DILLWYN PARRISH, JOSHUA T. JEANES, and BENJAMIN COATES were appointed to assist the agent in its revision and publication.DILLWYN PARRISH,Chairman of the Board of Education.T. ELLWOOD CHAPMAN, Secretary.

PREFATORY NOTE.Those friends of the Colored people of this city, who have visited their Week-day and First-day Schools for a number of past years, notice with pleasure their greatly improved condition. Those who have, for a like period, mingled with adults in their Evening Schools, Libraries, Literary Associations and Churches, are much gratified to see how steadily they advance in knowledge and refinement.

The want of well authenticated facts relative to the number, character and condition of their various schools, and the state of education among adults, as they were thirty or forty years ago, has long been seriously felt. By comparing the present with past periods of their history, such information would enable all concerned in vindicating the character and rights of this oppressed people more effectually to repel the slanders of their enemies, and to correct the erroneous impressions of some of their friends, respecting their readiness and capacity to acquire learning.

The facts having been collected by a personal canvass of a member of the Society, in whose ability and integrity they have full confidence, are believed to be correct.Philadelphia, First Month, (January,) 1856.

NOTE TO PRESENT EDITION.The first Edition of these statistics having been exhausted, it was deemed advisable to re-print them, to which we append the letter of W.J. Mullen, the Prison Agent, containing, as it does, valuable and interesting statistics, bearing on the moral condition of the colored people.Philada., 6th month, 1859.

PAGINATIONINCORRECT

STATISTICAL INQUIRY.I.DAY AND EVENING SCHOOLS.In the Springs of 1853, the Board published a report of their School Agent, containing a comparative statement of the condition of these schools for the month of January and February, in the years 1852 and 1853. The following revised edition of that report, contains a sketch of their history for the year 1854:-

1. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. *Grammar Schools, (a) Sixth street above Lombard. Establish in 1822.Boys' school, James M. Bird, Principal, and three female assistants; total 228; average attendance 208. Girls' school, Maria C. Hutton, Principal, three assistants. Total 252; average attendance 193. *The total number and average attendance of these schools, was taken from the Controller's last Report. In consequence of the Consolidation Act, the year was changed from July to January, so that the Report is for one year and a half.(a) Schools thus marked as Libraries.Primary School, in the same building. Established in 1841. Jane Barry, Principal, and two assistants. Boys 105; Girls 98; total 183; average attendance 150.Roberts Vaux Unclassified School, Coat's street near Fifth. Established in 1833. David R. Murrell, Principal, and one female assistant. Boys 112; Girls 24; total 136; average attendance 93.West Philadelphia Unclassified School, Oak Street. Established in 1830. Mary A. Delamater, Principal, and one assistant. Boy 46; Girls 51; average attendance 78.Corn Street Unclassified School. Established in 1849. Sarah L. Peltz, Teacher. Boys 18; Girls 29; total 47; average attendance 32.Frankford Unclassified School. Established in 1839. William Coffee, Teacher. Boys 18; Girls 13; total 31; average attendance 25.Holmesburg Unclassified School. Established in 1854. Maria Shade, Teacher. Boys 13; Girls 12; total 25; average attendance 19.Banneker School, Paschaville. Established in 1841. E. M. Biddle, Teacher. Boys 16; Girls 16; total 32; average attendance 15.

The condition of Colored Public Schools generally, was formerly not as good as that of the Charity schools, but they have improved very much within a few years past. Owing to reminiscence on the part of parents, about twelve years ago the Grammar schools were on the point of being given up. The alarm was given--public meetings were held by the colored people, and an agent of their own appointed to visit from house to house and urge the people to duty. Our Board was also actively engaged in the matter. The schools were saved, and for the last three years have so increased in numbers that one teacher has been added to each school, making the full complement. The school house has recently been remodelled.

Within the past year very marked changes have taken place in West Philadelphia school, and the St. Mary's street Primary school. The former has been removed from the hovel in which it was so long kept, to the basement of the Colored Baptist Church, and has so increased in numbers that the Directors have added another teacher, and are desirous of getting a still larger room. The latter school has been removed from its former location to the basement story of the Grammar schools in Sixth street, which has been fitted up on purpose for its accommodation. Since its removal, the better class of parents do not object to sending their children to it, and the number of scholars has increased so much that extra seats have been introduced.

2. Charity School, **The year of these schools begins about the first of September, and ends with the following summer vacation.Institute For Colored Youth, (a) Lumbered street above Seventh, Establish in 1852. Charles L. Reason, Principal; Grace Mapes, assistant Teacher in the Female department. Males 15; Females 16; total 31: average attendance 26.Raspberry Street Schools, (a) corner of Locust and Raspberry streets. Established in 1770. Boys' School, John W. Strokes, Principal, and one female assistant; total 90; average attendance 64. Girls' School, Martha Cox, Principal, and one assistant; total 79; average attendance 53.Adelphi School, (a) Wager street. The Girls' department established in 1838, the Infant department in 1835. Girls' department, Anna M. Kite, Principal, one assistant; total 70; average attendance 42. infant department, Catharine Shipley, Principal, and one assistant; total 95; average attendance 61.Shepherd School, (a) Randolph street above Parrish. Established. 00066in 1850, Anna Buzby, Principal and one assistant; total 60; average attendance 40.School for the Destitute at the House of Industry, corner of Seventh and Catharine streets. Established in 1848. Sarah Lewis, Principal, and two assistants; total both sexes 100; average attendance 75.School for the Destitute, Lombard street above Seventh. Established in 1851. Sarah Luciana, Teacher; total both sexes 73; average attendance 45.Infant School, corner of South and Clifton streets. Established in 1827. S.C. Swan, Principal, and two assistants; total 150; average attendance 85.

The unpretending title of the "Institute for Colored Youth," does not convey an adequate idea of the relation it sustains to the other schools. It is, in fact, the pioneer High School, and on that account alone cannot be too highly appreciated. But for the liberal spirit of the Trustees of the several funds given for its endowment, there might be nothing to answer the purpose of a High school for many years to come. Having commenced with seven pupils only, the present state of the school is all the more gratifying.

A considerable number of the scholars belonging to both the Raspberry street and Adelphi Girls' schools are so large and backward, that they would be ashamed to enter the Public Primary schools, and would do so reluctantly, if at all. Hence their greater usefulness. Adults are sometimes seen in the two former.

The Sheppard school is a great blessing to the part of the city in which it is located. As it is quite select, and as none but girls attend it, a large portion of those who fill its seats would sooner stay at home than go to Coates' street School.

The two schools for the destitute are objects of increasing interest. The Managers of the one at the House of Industry, introduced the industrial feature in a small way during the late fall and winter. A shoemaker was employed to superintend, and materials furnished for the larger boys to work up into shoes, for the use of the school. The experiment was satisfactory. The one in Lombard street is much better accommodated than formerly. Since the removal to their new location, a successful experiment has been made in a limited way, to introduce the home feature. Twelve of the children have been indentured to the Teacher, with power to bind them out as fast as she finds suitable places for them. The usefulness of both schools would be greatly increase, 00077if the majority of the children who attend them could be controlled in the same manner.

As no public provision is made for the instruction of children too young to attend the Primary schools, the two infant schools are watched with deep interest. They are both in a very satisfactory state.

3. SCHOOLS CONNECTED WITH BENEVOLENT AND REFORMATORY INSTITUTIONS. **The reports of these Institutions are made for each calender year.House of Refuge (a) corner of Poplar and William streets. Established in 1850; supported in part by the State. The Boys' school has a principal and one assistant male teacher. Largest number of inmates at any one time 88; average for the year 75; sessions from 5 to 7 1/2 A.M., and from 5 1/2 to 8 P.M., the evening session on Saturday being omitted.

The Girls' school has one female teacher. Largest number of inmates at any one time 44; average for the year 36; one session from 2 to 5 P.M. Being schools of discipline as well as of instruction, the order is excellent, and the scholars make fair progress in their studies. Their last session in the week is principally devoted to reading the Bible or sacred history. A considerable number of the boys, when not in school, work at some useful trade. The girls are occupied with making garments, mending, washing and other domestic duties out of school.

Orphans' Shelter, in 1822, under the care of an association of women Friends. It has a principal and one assistant female teacher, and is conducted principally upon the infant school plan. Number of inmates at the close of the year 73. There are always a few too small to be in school. Being apprenticed at an early age, there are seldom any over ten years old to attend.

Home for Colored Children, Girard avenue above Ridge Road. Established in 1855. It is under the control of a board of lady managers, assisted by a board of male trustees. It contains at present 19 inmates. Its design is to take the entire control of destitute colored children of both sexes, instruct them mentally and morally, and place them as apprentices in some useful occupation with persons interested in their welfare. It is proposed to incorporate the Institution, procure funds, and erect a building adapted to the purpose, which will accommodate the numerous applicants who seek the protection which such a home affords.

4. PRIVATE SCHOOLSEstablished in No. of Scholars on roll 00088Sarah M. Douglass, InstituteBuilding, Lombard streetabove Seventh,183530Margaretta Forten, 92 Lombardstreet,185010Amelia Bogle, 12th street belowSpruce,184117Adam S. Driver, Barclay Streetabove Sixth,185037Elizabeth Clark, corner Fifth andGaskill streets,185040Emeline Higgins 4, Rasberry street,184030Ada Hinton, 6 Locust street,184920Sarah Gordon, 9 Rodman Street,184930Diana Smith, Prosperous Alley,183615Emeline Curtis, 62 Gaskil street,185012Sarah Ann Gordon, Bonsall streetabove Tenth,185220Ann McCormick, Brown street aboveFourth,185430George W. Johnson, Lombard streetabove Seventh,185440Summary of the Day Schools.Total.Average Attendance.Public Schools,1031821Charity Schools,748491Benevolent and Reformatory Schools,..211Private Schools,331-------2321

S. M. Douglass teaches higher branches than are taught in Public Grammar Schools. The Managers of the Institute, in whose building her school is kept, have made an arrangement with her by which she will at all times have 25 girls preparing for admission into their school.

M. Forten and A. Hinton teach branches similar to those taught in Grammar Schools, the former being the only one that takes boarding scholars All the others teach nothing more than the elementary branches. The proprietors of female schools all teach plain sewing, and most of them add ornamental kneedle work, and knitting.

5. EVENING SCHOOLS.Raspberry Street Schools commence on the first Monday in October and continue five months. Five sessions are held each week.

Men's School, John W. Stokes, Principal, and three male assistants. Total 138; average attendance 50.

Women's School, Mary Roberts, Principal, and four assistants. Total 255; average attendance 63.

Apprentices and Young Men's School at the New Institute commences on the first Monday in November and continues fourth months. Charles L. Reason, Teacher.

The Raspberry Street School were established many years ago, and were formerly conducted by voluntary teachers. They always enjoyed a large share of the public confidence, but since the paid system of 00099teaching was introduced, they have become more efficient than ever before. None are admitted to the Men's Schools under 18 years of age.

The school taught by C. L. Reason happily supplies, the want of apprentices and others who cannot attend Day Schools, but are too young to enter the Raspberry Street School.

GENERAL REMARKSThe teachers of the Institute for Colored Youth, and of all the private schools, are of their own complexion. All the others are white.

No register is kept in any school denoting standard of scholarship, nor is there any system of rewards for exciting emulation.

When the Sheppard Schools was established it was feared by some that the Coat's Streets School would be injured thereby, but the contrary proves to be the fact. So, also, some feared that the Grammar Schools would be injured by the establishment of the Institute for Colored Youth, but the former were never so well attended, or in so prosperous a state as at present.

The irregular attendance of scholars, (unavoidable in a majority of cases) particularly in the larger and more advanced schools, imposes considerable extra labor upon teachers, prevents a thorough classification, and makes the recitations less spirited than they otherwise would be. Of all men and women who labor for no good of others, none are more deserving than the faithful teachers of these schools.

It would be interesting to know the amount of school tax paid by people, but the expense already incurred by the Board is so great that is not practicable to procure the information at present. The census taken by our Society in 1837-8 showed very clearly that they paid something more than their proportion of poor tax, and it is presumed they have not been of late years, if ever, deficient in their proportion of school tax.

The numbers of children over 8 years of age, and under 18, not in school, was found to be 1620. As the canvass was mostly made in the spring and summer, it is quite probable that the number is nearer 2000 during the fall and winter months.

II. SUNDAY SCHOOLS.1. Schools attached to their own congregations and conducted by their own teachers.In school Admitted Dismissed In school Teachers Teachersat theduringor leftat theat theat thebeginning the duringcloseofbeginning closeof theyear.the year. of theof theof theyear.year.year.year. FirstBaptist,cornerEleventh andPearlstreets, 70242921012UnionBaptist,Little Pinestreet aboveSixth,-471406188ShilohBaptist,cornerClifton andSouthstreets, 483217978Oak streetBaptist, Oakstreet, WestPhiladelphia, 441005498 Bethel, Sixthstreet aboveLombard,- - - 52476975033727Brick Wesley,Lombardstreet belowSixth, - - - 11676651271623 Union, Coatesstreet belowYork, Avenue, 671475209720Little Wesley,Hurst streetbelowLombard,- - - 1008187102186Zoar Brownstreet aboveFourth,- - -8055530107Mount Pisgah.Locust st.above Till,West Phila.-391345752Israel,corner Fifthand Gaskillstreets, - - - 78151578107Frankford, - - 57005755Holmesburg, - 235181055Little WesleyMission,Seventh streetbelowDickerson, - - 501006046Allen Chapel,rear 72Christianstreet, - - - 201003055FirstPresbyterian,Seventh streetbelow Shippen, 401005044Second do St.Mary streetabove Sixth, - 25202775Central doLombard streetbelow Ninth, - 663209879St. Thomas,corner FifthAdelphistreets, - - 1831501981111-------------------------------------1677577 3901882185 1812. Schools under the supervision of White Missions and Individuals .St. Andrew'sChurch,Phil. Ins.,Lombardstreet aboveSeventh.MaleDepartment, - 14346341551212Male do -3544Infant School,4011--------------- ----- ----------14346342301717Ladies UnionCity Mission,corner Seventystreet andBradford'sAlley.InfantSchool. - -06506511Young Men'sCity Mission,Bedford streetbelow.Eighth, - - - 303556036Family, ofMorris L,Hallowell, 211Filbertstreet,42024033-------------------------------------215146413952427

The schools connected with the Brick Wesley and Union Methodist Churches were conducted wholly by white teachers from the time they were established till about ten years ago, when they came under their own supervision. Two important objects were gained by this assumption of new duties, viz:--An increased spirit of self reliance in their congregations, and the mental improvement of those employed as teachers.

ADULT EDUCATION.1. Table showing the number who can red, write and cipher, &c.

No. ofRead,ReadReadCannotFree BornSlaveadultswriteandonly.read.in Slavebornover 20andwriteStates.butyears.chiperlegib- manu-in thely.mitted.simplerules.First Ward, 223252347 128 13637 SecondWard,- -349365476 183 15657 Third Ward, 27560486899 11848 FourthWard, - - - 1427 262199273 693 561186 Fifth Ward, 1818 350285310 873 747212 Sixth Ward, 151212534714125 SeventhWard, - - - 1867 431337311 788 708213 Eight Ward, 969 204192199 374 356147 Ninth Ward,76201619212411 Tenth Ward, 208403942876444 EleventhWard, - - -37211 519143 TwelfthWard, - - - 234533542 1027828 ThirteenthWard, - - -6915121527158 FourteenthWard, - - - 233344666876128 FifteenthWard, - - - 157202629824622 SixteenthWard, - - -8217121340257 SeventeenthWard, - - -7013 81135 1610 EighteenthWard, - - -41 1 0210 NineteenthWard, - - - 1146201870 3726 TwentiethWard, - - -9922121550 3311 Twenty-first,Ward, - - -20 0 1102 Twenty-secondWard, - - -367 4 71868 Twenty-thirdWard, - - - 249304348128 7533 Twenty-fourthward, - - - 252413437140 5346------------------- ----------------------9001171014821686 41233371121

The Agent found it difficult in some cases, to determine who could read. When doubts existed upon the subject the question generally was, "Can he read tolerably free, and easily in the New Testament?" If an affirmative answer was given, he was classed as a reader.

To determine who could write was nearly as difficult. In doubtful cases the question was, "Can he write well enough to write letters to his friends?" An affirmative answer was deemed sufficient.

As the number of men who can cypher is considerably greater than that of women, and as the former were not generally at home to answer for themselves, no satisfactory information could be obtained in some cases. In other cases the information obtained lacked clearness. Where doubts existed, and especially if the parties inquired of seemed not to comprehend the meaning of ciphering in the simple rules, the question was asked, "Can he work out sums on a slate through long division?" 001212If that failed to elicit the proper answer, the attempt was then made to ascertain whether he was in the first class in certain schools named; if so, it was taken for granted that he understood the simple rules of arithmetic.

The table may seem dry and uninteresting, but let the reader analyze it a little, and he will find it instructive. The large number who cannot read (4123) may startle him at first, but let him consider that free born persons, in slave States, are so nearly on a level with the slaves, as far as school privileges are concerned, that he may add them to the slave-born, making the number 4583--difference to their credit, 460. Then let him suppose that 140 of those who cannot read were born on our own soil, a very moderate calculation, and he will have 600 as the number who learned to read, at least, since they came from the slave States. He will readily believe, however, that the number is much greater than that, if he will take the trouble to visit the evening schools and Sunday schools where adults are instructed. Such memoranda as the following, taken from the canvassing books of the Agent , will serve to strengthen this belief.

"The wife Sarah has learned to read tolerably well since she was 40 years old-never received any instruction worth mentioning." "Pretty good scholar-went to school only two months--slave-born." "Reads and writes, and is wholly self taught." "Went to school but six weeks--can read write." "Though a slave for 50 years, she began when about 65 years of age, to attend Sunday school, with crutch and staff, (being very lame,) and got so as to read tolerably well in the Bible-is now about 80, and goes to Sunday school and Church, when able." "Can read, write, and cypher, though he never attended school."

2. Libraries and Literary Associations.Public Library and Reading Room in the Institute for Colored Youth. Established in 1853 by the Managers of the Institute. From the 2nd Annual Report of the Librarian, dated 4th mo. 1st, 1855, we learn that there were then about 1,300 volumes belonging to the Library. The number of readers were 450, of whom 233 were males, and and 217 females. New applicants, 127.Number of books loaned out during the year,--4,088"""in the Reading Room, --1,555------Total, --5,642

The interest in the Institution was represented to be steadily increasing 001313and many parents were commended for their exertion to secure the attachment of their offspring to it.

Philadelphia Library Company. Organized in 1833. Incorporated in 1837. Number of volumes in the Library, 200. Weekly lectures upon literary and scientific subjects are given, by the members and others, from the first week in October till the following May in each year. Discussions are held after each lecture.

Unity Library Company. Organized in 1851. Number of volumes 500. It has weekly lectures for three months in winter, by its own members and other persons of their own color, after which discussions are held.

Banneker Institute. Organized in 1854. A library is contemplated. It is composed of younger members than either of the others. It has lectures and discussions in season.

IV. OCCUPATIONS.1. Mechanical Trades.Bakers4Chair Maker1Baker and Brewer1Coach Painter1 Barbers248Confectioners and Pastry Cooks7 Barber and Bootmaker1Coopers9Barbers and Musicians6Cracker Bakers3Basket Makers2Cupper and Leecher, and Dress Blacksmiths22 Maker1 Blacksmith and Calico Stamper1Currier1 Blacksmith and Shoemaker1Dentists5 Bonnet Presser1Distiller2 Book Binder and Basketmaker1Draughtsman, Sign and Ornamental Boot and Shoemakers66Painter1 Boot and Shoemakes and Musicians..2Dress Makers565Boot and Shoemaker, Musician andDress and Shirt Makers50Music Teacher1Dress and Shirt Makers, and Bootmaker, Barber and Tailor1Miliners2 Brass Founder1Dress and Shirt Maker, and Pastry Brick Layers9Cook1 Brick Layers and Plasterers4Dyers9 Brick Makers, (3 branches,Embroiderers9 Moulders, Setters, and Burners,)53Embroiderers and Dressmakers3 Brick Maker and Musician1Embroiderer and Milliner1 Brush Maker1Embroiderers and Shirt Makers2 Cabinet Makers20Embroiderers and Tailoresses2 Cabinet and Chair Maker, HouseEmbroiderers and Dress and Shirt Painter and Glazier1Makers4 Cake Bakers5Forgemen6 Carpenters49Gardeners2 Carver1Garment Cutters2 Carver and Gilder1Glove Maker1 Carver and Turner1Gold and Silver Pencil Finisher1 Caulkers and Gravers3Hatters4 001414Hair Workers5Sand Paper Maker5 Hair Worker and Dressmaker1Sheet Iron Workers4 House and Ship Carpenter1Ship Carpenters5House Painters and Glaziers7Shirt and Dressmakers70 House and Sign Painters andShoemakers46Glaziers3Shoemaker and Musician1 Ink and Blacking Maker1Shoemaker and Carpenter1 Iron Moulder1Sign and Ornamental Painter1 Ladies' Shoemakers4Silver Smith1 Lampblack Maker1Spectacle Maker1 Machinist1Stationary Engineers9 Manufacturing Chemists2Sterotyper Moulder and Caster1 Map Mounters2Stove Finisher1 Mason and Bricklayer1Stove Maker1 Mason and Plasterer1Sugar Refiner1 Masonic and Odd Fellow'sTailors20Regalia Makers2Tailoresses29 Millers4Tailoresses and Dressmakers23 Milliners and Dressmakers45Tailoresses, Shirt and Dressmakers, Millwright1and Embroiderers2 Mineral Water Maker1Tallow Chandler1 Paper Box Makers3Tanners24 Paper Hangers2Tanners and Curriers6 Paper Maker1Tanner and Morocco Dresser1 Pastry Cooks10Tanner and Musician1 Plasterers14Tanners and Stationary Engineers....2 Plumbers2Tanner and Type Caster1 Portrait, Sign and OrnamentalTinsmiths3Painter, Teacher of Phonography,Turners3the Guitar, Singing, andUmbrella Makers2Daguerreotypist1Upholsterers2 Potters2Upholsteresses2 Pressman1Varnish Manufacturer1 Printer1Vest Makers2 Printers' Ink Maker1Weavers16 Rectifier1Weaver and Blacksmith1 Rigger1Weavers and Dressmakers2 Rope Maker1Wharf Builder1 Rope and Brickmaker1Wheelwright1 Rope and Brickmaker andWire Workers2Blacksmith1Wrought Nail Maker1 Saddle and Harness Maker1-------Sand Makers12Total1,637

2. Other Occupations.Artists5Midwife5Assistant in Pencil Factory1Musicians1Captains of Coasting Vessels2Music Teachers2 Clerks5Musicians and Music Teachers5Hat Store1Physicians1Indian Doctor1School Teachers1Livery Stable Keepers2Trimming Store2Lumber Merchants and Proprietors-------of Transportation Lines3Total59

In the year 1838, our Society published a pamphlet entitled "Register of Trades of Colored People in the City of Philadelphia and Districts." 001515The material for the work was collected from the canvassing books of the Agents employed to take the census, published by the Society the same year, and by the further inquiries of the principal one of those Agents among the various trades. The whole number having trades, according to that estimate, was 997. Six trades therein mentioned, are not found in the present trade list, viz.: Black and White Smiths, Chair Bottomers, Fullers Scythe and Sickle Maker, Stone Cutter, and Tobacconists. It makes no mention of Artists, Clerks, Lumber, Merchants,&c.

The material for the present list was obtained by a personal canvass from house to house, and embraces the whole consolidated City. The whole number having trades, exclusive of those mentioned under the head of "Other Occupations," is 1652. Forty-one trades are here mentioned that are not found in the "Register" before mentioned, viz.: Carver, Carver and Gilder, Chair Maker, Coach Painter, Distillers, Draughtsman, Embroiderers, Gardeners, Garment Cutter, Glove Maker, Gold and Silver Pencil Finisher, Ink and Blacking Maker, Iron Moulder, Lamp Black Maker, Machinist, Manufacturing Chemists, Map Mounters, Masonic and Odd Fellows' Regalia Makers, Paper Box Maker Paper Hangers, Printers' Ink Maker, Rectifier, Rigger, Saddle and Harness Maker, Sheet Iron Workers, Shirt Makers, Silver Smith, Spectacle Maker, Stationary Engineers, Stereotype Moulder and Caster, Stove Finishers, Stove Maker, Tallow Chandler, Umbrella Maker, Upholsterers, Varnish Manufacturer, Vest Makers, Wharf Builder, and Wire Workers.

Less than two-thirds of those who have trades follow them. A few of the remainder pursue other avocations from choice, but the greater number are compelled to abandon their trades on account of the unrelenting prejudice against their color.

CONCLUSION.Information relation to property, pauperism, and crime, was not contemplated in this publication, but facts bearing upon either subject are so deeply interesting, that no apology need be made for introducing the following brief statements, contained in a neatly printed pamphlet prepared by a committee of colored citizens of Philadelphia, in 1855, memorializing the Legislature for the restoration of the right of suffrage which they enjoyed for 47 years prior to the adoption of the present constitution in 1838.

We [of Philadelphia] possess $2,685,693 of real land personal estate, 001616and have paid $9,766 42 for taxes during the past year, and $396,782 27 for house, water, and ground rent. We have had incorporated 108 Mutual Beneficial Societies having 9,762 members, with an annual income of $29,600 00, and a permanent invested fund of $28,366 00, which is deposited in various institutions among the whites, who derive a large profit therefrom. One thousand three hundred and eighty-five families were assisted by these Societies to the amount of $10,292 38 during the year 1853. It is evident from the facts that these charitable institutions must materially relieve the distress of families and maintain a large portion of our poor under circumstances which would otherwise throw them upon public charity. Again, as to crimes among us, by a letter of Judge Kelly, written in answer to certain questions put to him, it is shown that for the three years up to 1854 the commitments of colored persons to the Philadelphia County Prison have gradually decreased, while those of the whites for the same period have markedly increased.

The New York Independent published, a few years since, a series of six letters from a Philadelphia correspondent, over the signature of A. H. B. They are written in a very friendly spirit, and contain much valuable information respecting the colored population of our city. The last one is devoted in part to the subject of education. The concluding paragraph is so just and so hopeful in its tone, that we give it entire. "There is one idea that has often suggested itself to my mind in contemplating the condition and progress of these people, which may, perhaps, seem strange in such a connection. It is the nobility of human nature, in itself considered. I have often, it is true, been struck with the same idea from other sources. It is a natural thought to any one who looks at what mankind have done, and especially what the great men of the world have done. When we think of Shakespeare and Gibbon, of Kant and Neander, in the world of books; when we remember the Reformation and the American Revolution, and the names of Luther and Washington, we cannot fail to be impressed at once with a feeling of awe and gratification at what man, as man, is, and what he can do. But when I see a people pinioned by so many discouragements, and bruised under such a complicated and heavy mass of difficulties as the colored people, steadily and surely elevating themselves above their circumstances; when I behold the immense mountain of prejudice that rests upon them, tottering and almost rising bodily from its base, I am struck with a degree of admiration and amazement that I seldom feel on any other occasion, at the intrinsic strength and infinite tendencies of humanity." 001717The following letter FROM that indefatigable friend of humanity, Wm. J. Mullen, is so encouraging to the friends of the colored man that it, together with the additional information obtained from him, is here appended. Philadelphia, 12th of March, 1859.

RESPECTED FRIEND,--Your letter of the 11th inst., has been received. You desire to know whether I "can furnish any statistics, drawn from the commitments to our prisons, showing the improved condition of our colored population." In reply, I am happy to say that I can, and I think the best mode of meeting your wishes will be to furnish a list of the number of colored persons who were tried, convicted and sentenced each year to labor in the Philadelphia County Prison, from October 19th, 1835, the date of its commencement, till December 31st, 1858.

What is true of this one prison, it seems altogether likely would prove true of the others, when judged by the same rule.

With these preliminary remarks I subjoin a catalogue of those sentenced to prison, after trial and conviction, carefully drawn from official sources.YearCol'd Males.Col'd Females.Total.1835 *53237618369241133 18379238130 18388436120 1839 10541146 18407640116 18417827105 18427738115 1843591372 1844521264 1845681886 1846561874 1847582078 1848461864 184967 875 1850351045 1851541569 1852711384 1853571774 1854491160 1855532073 185644 953 1857431861 1858611980

The population of our country is found to double itself every 25 001818years. We may conclude then that growing cities, like Philadelphia and New York, double their number not less often at least.

The above list covers 23 years and something over. The colored, moreover, multiply quite as fast as the white. Now the schedule shows that on neither one of the last ten years has the sum of colored persons sentenced been so large as that of 1836, when the city population was not even half of what now is, and that the sentenced of 1857 fell short by 15 if those of 1835 (less than 3 months.)

To myself it seems that above list shows the condition, moral and civil, of the colored race, to have greatly improved within the last 23 years, and to be far higher at this moment than it was at the commencement of that period. Trusting that these statistics may be satisfactory to yourself and the noble Society represented by you,

I remain, my dear sir,Very respectfully yours,WM. J MULLEN, Prison Agent.In this letter we have the number of colored persons compared together for a succession of years; we now present a comparison of the convicts both white and colored for the same period.

WHITE.COLORED.TOTAL Males.Females.Total.Males.Females. Total.Both Colors. 1835*701080532376156 *183615022 1729241 133305 183713618 1549238 130284 1838120 8 1288436 120248 18399915 11410541 146260 18407511867640 116202 18419120 1117827 105216 18429115 1067738 115221 18439210 102591372174 184479 988521264152 184595 8 103681886189 184695 9 104561874178 1847861197582078175 1848831396461864160 18498813 10167 875176 18509910 109351045154 185115720 177541569246 185221221 233711384317 185317128 199571774273 185418125 206491160266 185513323 156532073229 185614629 17544 953228 185717137 208431861269 185823033 263611980343 ------------------------------------------------------------2950418336815305232053 5421 ------------------------------------------------------------

If we compare the aggregate number of colored persons convicted in each three years, we will find a gradual decrease amounting to near one-half in twenty years, whilst on the side of the whites, as will be seen from the above list, there has been a considerable increase.

Colored persons convicted in 1835, 36, 37, (21/4 years),- 339" " "1838, 39, 40,- - - - - -382" " "1841, 42, 43,- - - - - -292" " "1844, 45, 46,- - - - - -224" " "1847, 48, 49,- -- - - -217" " "1850, 51, 52,- -- - - -198" " "1853, 54, 55,- -- - - -207" " "1856, 57, 58,- -- - - -194

If the year 1836, with its 133 colored convicts, be contrasted with 1856, having 53 convicts; 1837 and its 130 colored prisoners, with 1857 with 61, or 1839 numbering 146 convicts to 1858 with only 80, the improvement will be more strikingly manifest.

In the years 1836, 37 and 38, the total number of convicts was 837, of whom the colored formed 45 76/100 per cent., whilst in 1856, 57 and 58, we find 840 convicts, (about the same number,) of whom the colored portion amounts to 23 9/100 per cent.

The following table exhibits the character of the crimes of which the colored people are convicted, embracing a period of 11 years, ending 12th month 31st, 1858. It will be found that the crimes of larceny, burglary, horse-stealing and receiving stolen goods, together amount to 92 16/100 per cent. of the whole, leaving 7 84/100 per cent. for all other crimes, and that larceny alone constitutes 88 78/100 per cent.

CRIMES OF THE COLORED CONVICTS IN MOYAMENSING PRISON.Tot-1848.1849. 1850.1851. 1852.1853. 1854.1855. 1856.1857. 1858. al.CRIMESM F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F AssaultandBattery,withintentto kill. 21314121218 Bigamy..1 1PassingCounter-feitMoney... 11 114 Larceny.43 16 58 8 27 10 49 11 62 13 52 12 41 10 47 17 40 8 41 17 56 19 657Malici-ousMischief112 Arson..11 Burglary 7321 2 116 Misdem-eanor.. 24 2 4133 1 121 Riot...1 214 Carry-ing Con-cealedWeapons.1113 Mayhem..11 Receiv-ingStolenGoods..312118 Adult-ery..11 HorseSteal-ing..11-------------------------------------------------------------------46 18 67 8 35 10 54 15 71 13 57 17 49 11 53 20 44 8 43 18 61 19 738

The degree of the crimes may be judged from the following statement of the terms of sentences of these colored persons:TERM OF SENTENCES MALES FEMALESTOTALPERCENTUnder Six Months, .2606832844.32 Over Six Months, . .1184115921.49 One Year and over, .1534319626.46 Two Years and over .325375. Three Years and over171182.43 Murder, . .22 .27__________________ ______582158740100.

EASTERN PENITENTIARY.By reports of the Inspectors of the Eastern Penitentiary, we find that the numbers admitted therein during the several years since 1835, are as stated in the following table:

Whites ColoredTotalMales.Females.Total.Males. Females.Total.both colors. 1836813 8451859143 1827100110158260161 1838109611555863178 1839963 99651580179 1840862 8846551139 1841821 8337643126 18429931024040142 1843111211338543156 184499710627532138 1845109611522628143 1846873 9023427117 1847851 8633538124 1848862 8830333121 1849101210323225128 185011151162953415 18511101212219625147 1852109411312113126 1853101510610111117 185499210120323124 18551151112619120146 1856118912717219146 1857191819931738237 1858172317529332207

From this table we have the following comparison between periods 10 years apart:In this year 1836, '37 and '38, number of colored convicts,182Bearing to the whole number the percentage, - - - - - - - 37.76 002121In 1846, '47 and '48, numbered of colored convicts, - -98Per centage of whole number, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27.07 In 1856, '57 and '58, number of colored convicts, - - - - - -89 Percentage of whole, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15.08

We here see that in 20 years the number of convicts has decreased one-half, whilst the per centage is nearly two-thirds less. This includes the convicts from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. We now present the number of convicts from Philadelphia County during the last five years ending 12th mo. 31st, 1858.

White ConvictsColored ConvictsTotalMen. Women. Total. Per cent. Men. Women.Total. Percent. both colors 1854 4614777.051131422.9561 1855 6256783.751211316.2580 1856 5666287.32 72 912.6871 1857 7478176.402142523.60 1061858 4624890.57 41 59.4353---- ------- ------------------ -----------2842130582.2155116617.79 371

It will be noticed that whilst the number of colored offenders has evidently decreased the whites have increased, so that the comparative percentage of the two colors are, in 1854, 77.05 to 22.95, whilst in 1858 it is 90.56 to 9.44.

This relative change will be more apparent when we compare it with the years 1848, '49 and '50.

White ConvictsColored ConvictsTotalMales. Females. Total. PerMales. Females. Total. PerBothcent. cent.colors. 1848343485. 6615.40 184932 23477.27821022.7344 185034 43864.411742135.5959------------- ------- ----------------- ----10674.13 3725.87143

The whites in these three years were 74.13 per cent.colored """"25.87"In the three years 1856, 57, and 58"""the whites were83.04""""colored "16.96"

Thus showing a manifest improvement compared with the whites in the last eleven years.

If we add together the Philadelphia convicts, both in the Penitentiary and Moyamensing prison, we have the following result:White.Colored.0022221848,49, and 50, Moyamensing,-307184""Penitentiary-10637----- ------413221Being 65.09 per cent. for whites, 34.91 per cent. for colored, whilst 1856, 57 and 58 gives:White.Colored. Moyamensing-646194 Penitentiary-19139-------------833233Which gives 78.22 per cent. for whites, 21.78 for colored.The crimes of which the colored convicts in the Penitentiary were convicted, during the last five years, are given below.Year. Lar- Ars- Attem- High- Burg- Burg- Man-Assault Mis- Rob- To-ceny on. pt to waylary. laryslaugh- and Bat- deme- bery.tal.pois- Rob-ander.teryanor.on.bery. Lar-withceny.intent tokill.185441113211141855 11213 185651111 9 1857 2112 125 185811125---- --- ----------- ------------------ ---- ----4231192321266

We have find Larceny, Burglary, Highway Robbery, and Robbery constitutes 84.84 per cent. of the whole criminal, not quite so large a portion as that shown by Moyamensing Prison, which was 92.16 per cent.

The table below gives the sentences of colored prisoners from Philadelphia for five years.;YEARS. 9114151618 22621/2 23/4 331/2 45 To- mo- ye- mo- mo- mo- mo- ye- mo- ye- ye-ye- ye-ye- ye-talnths ar nths nths nths nts ars nths ars arsars arsars ars 185436 3214 1855162 2 1113 18565 121 9 1857913141121225 185812115*--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---- --- --- --- --- 1211527 11121811 466

Of these 66 prisoners, 38 were convicted for the first time, 18 for the second time, and the remaining 10 three or more times. Their general habits are classified thus:Abstainers 8Moderate drinkers.28Sometimes intoxicated 21Often intoxicated : 9which would justify us in asserting that 88 per cent of the crimes committed by them are the result, directly or indirectly, of the use of intoxicating drinks. That this is rather below than above the true figures may well be inferred, when we consider the large number of taverns and grog shops many of which are unlicensed, to be found in those sections which are largely inhabited by colored persons. It is stated that in the Third and Fourth Wards alone there are 374 places where liquor is sold, and allowing an addition for part of Fifth and Seventh Wards, we may safely conclude there are 450 to 500 liquor venders in that section of the city. It would be unreasonable to expect that a portion of the community against whom there exists such an unrelenting prejudice, and who are deprived of it the civil and social privileges accorded to other classes, should be free from the commission of crimes which are inseparable from the evil associations by which they are surrounded.

The percentage of those who abstained from intoxicating drinks in the Penitentiary at the close of the years 1856, 1857 and 1858 respectively, was 3.02, 1.50 and 2.23 per cent. of the whole number of prisoners, which goes to confirm our belief that the percentage above given is less than the actual state of the case.

Regarding the natives of these 66 prisoners, we find that 37 were born in Pennsylvania, 8 in other Free States, 19 in Southern States, and 2 in the West Indies.

HOUSE OF REFUGEThis Institution is intended rather to prevent than a punish crime, ye yet since some are committed to its care who otherwise would be lodged in prison, it would seem proper to notice it here, although the colored department having so recently been organized, a comparison with the white inmates can hardly be instituted.

During the last five years there were received into it, exclusive of those returned after escape or indenture, 1955 youths of whom 417 were colored, which gives us 21.33 per cent. for the colored against 78.67 per cent. for the whites. 002424Of this number there were received from Philadelphia 1768,--1385 of whom were white and 383 colored, giving the percentage 78.34 for white and 21.66 per cent. for colored. Of the commitments 100 were made by the courts of Philadelphia, 72 being whites and 28 colored. The commitments of whites by court, are to the whole number from Philadelphia 4.07 per cent., whilst those of the colored are 1.58 per cent.

The number of commitments to the white department has increased from 534 in the five years from 1836 to 1840, to 1955, in the five years ending 1858.

Of the colored youth received during the past five years, the nativities of 303 were ascertained, of whom 41 or 13.20 per cent. were born in the southern States and West Indies.