Practicable Socialism, New SeriesBarnett, S. A. (Samuel Augustus)
Religion
Practicable Socialism, New Series
Barnett, S. A. (Samuel Augustus)
Great Britain -- Social conditions -- 19th century; Social problems; Working class
The need, however, of the present unemployed is training. The Council
might be empowered to open for them houses or farms of discipline, in
which such training could be given. The man with a settled home could be
admitted for a short period, the loafer could be detained for three or
four years. The work in every case, while less attractive than other
work, could be such as to interest the worker; the discipline, such as
to involve no degradation; and the door of hope could be studiously kept
open. The farms or houses could indeed be adult industrial schools
offering a livelihood, not indeed as attractive as that offered by work,
but such as any man might take with gain to his sense of self-respect.
The County Council might thus take over the duties performed by
Guardians. The same body which now looks after the housing and the
cleanliness of the streets, would possibly realize the cost of neglect
in doing those duties, if they also had the care of the broken in body
and in heart. In other words, a more scientific expenditure of the rates
might be expected to ensue if the body responsible for the relief of
poverty were the same body as is now responsible for its prevention. The
claims of education would perhaps become more popular.
Enough, perhaps, has now been said to suggest a line of reform, and
hours might be spent in discussing a thousand details, each of which
has its importance. But not even a slight article could be complete
without some reference to the mass of charity--£10,000,000 is said to
be spent in London alone--which is annually poured out on the poor.
Charity, unless it be personal--from a friend to a friend--is often as
degrading as Poor Law relief. Attempts have been made at organization,
and much has been done to bring about personal relationships between
the Haves and the Have-nots. Years ago it was suggested that the
Charity Organization Society might take as a motto, “Not relief, but a
friend”.
Much has been done, but with a view to putting a further limit on the
competition of charities and on the fostering of cringing habits, some
reformers suggest that a statutory body of representatives of charities
should be formed in each district. Over these a County Council official
might preside. At weekly meetings cases of distress which have been
noticed by the doctors, the school officers or any private person could
be considered. These cases would then be handed over to individuals or
charities, who would report progress at the next meeting, or they would
be undertaken by the presiding officer and dealt with efficiently by one
of the committees of the County Council.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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