72 THE FAMILY AND THE NATION 



even at the parents' valuation, to be normal members 

 of society, while 328 persons, the descendants of 150 

 pairs of parents — not necessarily both feeble-minded — 

 showed definite mental disease in some form or other, a 

 considerable increase in one generation. Again, it was 

 noted by the Commissioners that in one workhouse 

 alone, sixteen feeble-minded women had produced 116 

 children, and out of one such family of fourteen, only 

 four had been able to do remunerative work. ^ 



The lack of moral responsibility in the individuals 

 who create such offspring, and in the society which 

 tolerates or encourages such a proceeding, is appalling. 

 Verily, if it needs must be that such offences come into 

 this world, woe unto that man or woman by whom the 

 offence cometh ! 



