3S 



POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



dustry was equipped for spinning and weaving cloth. A series of 

 halls was fitted up for clothiers, dyers, saddlers, knitters, etc. The 

 military workshop besides giving labor to the soldiers at good wages 

 had also paid a revenue to the government. The House of Industry 

 for the poor proved equally successful. 



Thompson says, " The beggars not only infested all the streets and 

 public places, but they even made a practise of going into private 

 houses, where they never failed to steal whatever fell in their way. 

 These detestable vermin swarmed everywhere, and they had recourse to 

 most diabolical arts and most horrid crimes in the prosecution of their 

 infamous trade." He had a large building fitted up in the neatest 

 and most comfortable way. The rooms were clean, warm and well 



Royal Institution of Great Britain Founded by Romford. 



lighted. Food was served, teachers provided for those who required 

 instruction, and generous compensation for all labor performed. In 

 this asylum for the poor and unfortunate, no ill usage or harsh lan- 

 guage was permitted. On New Year's Day, 1790, 2,600 beggars in 

 Munich and vicinity were arrested. Thompson made the first arrest 

 with his own hands; all were treated gently. They were gathered at 

 the town hall and informed that they must beg no more. They were 

 promised comfortable rooms, food and remunerative work if they would 

 labor. His House of Industry and his system of dealing with poverty 

 accomplished what was intended, and mendicity was subverted in 

 Munich. 



