CRIMINALS AND INCAPABLES. 105 



logical point of view that of blood, bone, muscle 

 and brain, a view which we, in our biological study, 

 are bound to take the lower labouring class is little 

 inferior in quality, whilst they exceed in numbers 

 the upper and middle classes. From the changing 

 conditions of life (conditions that are not uniform in any 

 class) they especially suffer, for they are nearer the 

 limit which, if passed, means deprivation of that which 

 is necessary. 



Our Misguided Attitude to these. 



We have, therefore, no right to assume that when 

 we find destitution around us the destitute are of 

 necessity more to blame in their lives than we are in 

 ours. They may have been hardworking and pro- 

 vident, and yet have fallen victims to want. Any 

 note of condescension in our attitude towards this 

 class is an impertinence of the grossest nature, and it 

 is our duty, if we help at all, to do so as one brother 

 to another, simply and naturally. The recipients of 

 help should be allowed to feel that they are receiving 

 only what they would themselves be prepared to give; 

 that they should receive it, not as a dole to be eaten 

 in bitterness, but as a friend's gift to be enjoyed. 



In these cases we are far too apt to stand 

 aloof and do nothing, or to interfere only when it is 

 too late, so that while the very scum of the criminal 



