Statement of the Provision for the Poor, and of the Condition of the Labouring Classes in a Considerable Portion of America and Europe: Being the preface to the foreign communications contained in the appendix to the Poor-Law ReportSenior, Nassau William
History
Statement of the Provision for the Poor, and of the Condition of the Labouring Classes in a Considerable Portion of America and Europe: Being the preface to the foreign communications contained in the appendix to the Poor-Law Report
Senior, Nassau William
Poor -- Europe; Poor -- United States; Working class
These alms are continued as long as the parish priest certifies
the need of those of the lower classes, or the commission,
through its inquiries, are satisfied of the necessities of the
others.
6. Is relief given by taking the poor into almshouses or
houses of industry, or by giving them relief at home; and
in the latter case, is it given in money or in food and
clothing?--There are no almshouses in Venice, but there are
houses of industry, where work of various descriptions is
provided for those who are able to work. Relief is given to
many at home, but to most upon their personal appearance before
some of the members of the commission.
In winter, relief is afforded by the commission, both in food
and clothing.
7. What is the number of persons in Venice usually receiving
relief, and what is the least and greatest number known during
the last 10 years?--The number usually receiving relief, and
which is the least number during the last 10 years, is about
47,000; the greatest number in the last 10 years was about
50,000. The last year 42,705[21] received relief, either at
home or by personal application to the commission, and the
number in houses of industry and hospitals was 4667.
8. Is there much difficulty in procuring sufficient funds for
the support of the poor in times of distress, or is the supply
so large as at all to diminish the industry and providence of
the working classes?--It has been found impossible to procure
sufficient funds for the support of the poor at Venice, and
there never was so large a supply as at all to diminish the
industry and providence of the working classes. When the
funds prove insufficient, the commune contribute, and after
their contributions, whatever is deficient is supplied by the
Government.
9. Do cases of death by starvation ever occur?--Do the poorer
classes afford much assistance to one another in time of
sickness or want of employment?--Cases of death by starvation
never occur. Even during the great distress caused by the
blockade in 1813, and the famine in 1817, no occurrence of
this kind was known. In fact, the more urgent the circumstances
are, the more abundant are the subscriptions and donations.
The poorer classes are remarkable for their kindness to each
other in times of sickness and need. Many instances of this
have fallen under my own observation.
10. Is there a foundling hospital at Venice, and if so, what is
the number of infants annually admitted into it?--There is a
foundling hospital in Venice, which was instituted in 1346, and
the number received into it annually is between 400 and 500. I
have known seven found in the receptacle in one morning.
Each child is immediately given to a wet nurse; at the end of
seven or eight days it is vaccinated, and sent to nurse in the
country.
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