How far they can raise the people by degrees above the degrading need of charitable or Poor Law relief, to be energetic, self-reliant, provident, and industrious, will depend upon the height of their own hope, the patience of their own labor, the moral courage which will teach them to prefer being helpful to being popular, and finally to the temper and spirit of their own homes and lives. For, say what we may, if our upper class were to become extravagant, improvident, and showy, it would be aped by those below it, even though as surely it would be despised. And if we desire to be the leaders of our poor into the ways of happy prosperity, we must order our homes in exactly the same spirit as theirs must be ordered, in simplicity, industry, and providence. I have, etc. OCTAVIA HILL. _To the Right Honorable_ _James Stansfeld, M. P._ FOOTNOTES: [8] A copy of the form is appended to this letter. [9] A copy of this form filled in with a specimen report is also appended. [10] To prevent serious consequences in urgent cases, the relieving officer is authorized to give relief without awaiting the visitor's report. He is also bound to verify any statements which appear to require it. His responsibility to the Board is thus not weakened, while the information upon which he acts is more complete. Even when the information does not reach him until after temporary relief has been administered, it is still valuable for his future guidance. End of Project Gutenberg's Homes of the London Poor, by Octavia Hill