PROBLEM FOR THE BRITISH TAX-PAYER i6i 



The only kind of paupers who have any claim upon 

 the public purse are those who really and truly are un- 

 able to work, the aged and infirm, those of feeble in- 

 tellect, and young children. 



These poor items of the great human race have just 

 claims on State charity, and no others. Even for cripples 

 and the blind can suitable light work be found, and 

 there is no need that this unfortunate section of the com- 

 munity should become altogether dependent upon State 

 aid. Let these unfortunates have the same opportunities 

 for self-help as are offered to others, and even they will be 

 the better for it. 



For the rest, let work be found, and found in such 

 abundance as will afford no possible excuse for idleness 

 and vagabondage. 



Provide them with suitable work, and then make it a 

 penal offence punishable by imprisonment if they will 

 not work. 



Let it, however, be thoroughly understood that we Pander- 

 will no longer support a huge host of able-bodied men pauperism 

 and women in slothful idleness, and that we will not be 

 deterred by that squeamish, sickly sentimentality which 

 has hitherto guided and governed the administration of 

 this question. Let us say, firmly and unhesitatingly, that 

 we are tired to death of this loathsome disease which has 

 fastened on to the British people, that our treatment of 

 it has been wrong from the first, and that it has done 

 nothing but develop its growth and increase its viru- 

 lence. Let us frankly admit that, with the best intentions 

 possible, this pandering of Poor Law guardians all over 



