CHAPTER IX 



THE PAUPER QUESTION IN ENGLAND AND IN GERMANY : 



A COMPARISON FREE-TRADE ECONOMISTS FAIL TO 



EXPLAIN CAUSE OF INCREASING DESTITUTION 



Other evidence of the failure of the Free-trade system may be 

 found in comparing the nature and extent of our pauper 

 establishments with those of Germany, for example. 



This is what the " Gainsborough Commission " says about 

 the German poorhouses and their inmates — 



"As regards the workhouse, we have in vain looked for one ; aud 

 in very deed the ' House ' plays no great role in these parts." 



" In this connection 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 distinguished from the poorhouse or the shelter 

 for the homeless." 



"The poorhouse, too, is intended for old and infirm persons, 

 rather than for those that are able-bodied." 



" Fm'ther, there are no over-filled workhouses here, for there are 

 uot 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." 



Speaking of the Berlin night refuges, which are distinct 

 from our workhouses, the Commission says — 



" The inmates of these refuges are divided into two classes. One 

 class consists of those w^ho constantly make use of them ; the other 

 of those who are forced to do so by temporary circumstances. The 

 former consists of individuals who never seem to care to look out 

 for regular occupation. 



" If it is discovered that they have no inclination to work, they 

 are handed over to the police and sent to a house of correction." 



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