71 



CHAPTER IX 



The German Pauper Question — Poorhouses and 

 THEIR Inmates 



IT will now be of interest to see what the " Gains- 

 borough Commission" says about the German poor- 

 houses and their inmates. 



Here are a few references to the subject : 



" As regards the workhouse, we have in vain looked 

 for one ; and in very deed the ' House ' plays no great 

 role in these parts." 



" In this connexion it may be briefly noted that the 

 workhouse in Germany is an institution of a penal 

 nature under the supervision of the police, to be dis- 

 tinguished from the poorhouse or the shelter for the 

 homeless." 



" The poorhouse, too, is intended for old and in- 

 firm persons, rather than for those that are able- 

 bodied." 



" Further, there are no over-filled workhouses here, 

 for there are not even any workhouses to fill with able- 

 bodied men and women. The poorhouses and homes 

 for the sick and aged poor in Germany, are for those 

 that are disabled and unfit for work ; the workhouse, or 

 German Arbeitshaus, is for the vagrant and the outcast, 

 who will not work, and is, therefore, condemned to a life 

 of correction." 



