The Act then proceeds—“And whereas the good purposes intended by this Act are most likely to be promoted by creating corporations in every county at large, and in every county of a city or town in this kingdom, [Sidenote: Corporations to be established in every county.]who may execute the powers and trusts hereinafter expressed”—it is enacted that such corporations be established accordingly, consisting in counties of the archbishop or bishop, the county members, and the justices of peace; and in counties of a city or town, of the chief magistrate, sheriffs, recorder, members of parliament and justices of peace. Every such corporation is to be called “The President and Assistants instituted for the relief of the Poor, and for punishing Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggars,” of the county, city, or town, as the case may be; and is to have a common seal, and to hold meetings at which the bishop when present is to preside, and to make by-laws and appoint standing committees, and is likewise empowered to elect such other persons as shall be thought fit, including those who contribute any sum not less than 20_l._, or subscribe annually not less than 3_l._, to the charitable purposes of the corporation, to be members thereof respectively. The corporations are authorised to accept donations, and to take or purchase lands and tenements not exceeding 500_l._ annual value, and to hold leases for terms not exceeding 21 years, and may also take by grant or devise any quantity of land in a city or town not exceeding two roods, and in the open country not exceeding twenty acres, “for the sites of houses to be built for the reception of the helpless poor, and for keeping in restraint sturdy beggars and vagabonds.” [Sidenote: The poor to be badged and licensed to beg.] The corporations, constituted as above, are empowered to grant badges to such of the helpless poor as have resided one year in their respective counties cities or towns, with a licence to beg within such limits for such time as may be thought fit; and are also empowered to appoint certain of the justices to grant badges and licences likewise—“specifying the names and places of birth and the character of the persons so licensed, and the causes as nearly as may be collected of their poverty, and whether reduced to that state by sickness or misfortune.” [Sidenote: Houses of industry or workhouses to be provided.]