82 BRITAIN FOR THE BRITON 



penal offence pimishable by imprisonment if they will not 

 work. 



That work can be fonnd in such abundance as would absorb 

 not only the flotsam and jetsam of the labouring classes, but a 

 good many more millions besides, is so amply proved in nearly 

 every chapter of tliis book, as also by other writers on the 

 subject, that it would be a supererogation to dwell further on 

 the means. 



It is, however, necessary to realise at once that we have to 

 deal with two groups of labour — 



1. Those who will work ; 



2. Those who will not work ; 



and while there will be no difficulty in providing work for all, 

 it will, in spite of this, be found exceedingly difficult to deal 

 with the latter group because of their utter worthlessness. It 

 is not work that they want, but a state of precariousness in the 

 labour market which produces anxiety and unemployment 

 among the real workers, and a certain amount of destitution. 

 Tlie more labour is congested the better it suits this scum which 

 is for ever floating round the seetliing mass of honest toilers, 

 because the greater the unemployment, the greater the sym- 

 patliy of philanthropists and the material aid of the State, upon 

 which these wastrels thrive. 



From this section, and it is a large one, is drawn most of 

 that which is repulsive to national life. It is the source of 

 much drunkenness and of the many evils born of drunkenness. 

 The criminal classes draw from it many of their most dangerous 

 members ; it hangs over society as a menace ; it is a curse to 

 the nation, and the ugliest blot on our social system. If it is 

 allowed to remain it will be a further disgrace to national 

 administration and a grave injustice to society at large, and 

 particularly to the tax-payers of the country. It is one of the 

 most important factors in the social problem, and therefore 

 demands careful consideration. 



The first effort should obviously be made in the direction of 

 helping and uplifting this class, and they should be taught that 

 work is noble, and that sloth and idleness are degrading. They 

 should be made clearly to understand that work is provided for 

 them, honourable work, and that they will be expected to do it. 

 They should be made to realise that workhouses are for the aged, 

 infirm, and feeble, and that the parish rates are not for them, nor 

 are the casual wards to be used as boarding-houses by tramps 

 and vagabonds. 



