Dramatic sketches of the new poor law, as administered by guardians, or, Reality and fiction identified / by a surgeon.

  • Groves, Ellison Spencer Douglas.
Date:
1845
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Dramatic sketches of the new poor law, as administered by guardians, or, Reality and fiction identified / by a surgeon. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    67/84 (page 59)
    The statute name, by which you now proceed, That nothing may the course of law impede. Clerk.—The statute of the London Dons appears To point exclusively to Overseers ; In such and such a page, if you will read. You’ll find the one by which I now proceed. [The Magistrates consult the statute, and then call upon the Overseer to plead.'] Magis.—Well, Sir, what is your plea for this offence. In which you’ve shewn so great a want of sense ? Over.—I plead “ not guilty” to the charge that’s made, Nor seek your jurisdiction to evade. [The Clerk then calls the witnesses for the prosecution, and first questions the Relieving Officer.] Clerk.—Look at this writing, and on oath declare, Whose signature the document doth bear! Rel. Officer.—It is the Overseer’s, beyond a doubt. The manuscript, indeed, is his throughout! Clerk.—But did he send you notice of the case, Or fail t’observe the duties of his place ?