Suggestions for restoring the moral character and the industrious habits of the poor : also for establishing district work-farms in place of parish work-houses, and for reducing the poor-rates / by George Pinckard.

  • Pinckard, George, 1768-1835.
Date:
1835
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Suggestions for restoring the moral character and the industrious habits of the poor : also for establishing district work-farms in place of parish work-houses, and for reducing the poor-rates / by George Pinckard. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    dieiice and reg'idarity ; but, let them feel that they can obtain no other relief, and that unless they contribute their labour, they will not re- ceive any food—let them distinctly understand that if they should be found begg’ing’ or stealing their misdeeds will be rigorously visited ; and they will soon comprehend that there is no escape from the labour and discipline of the work-farm, except by seeking, elsewhere, for in- dependent employment, like the virtuous cot- tager, whose habits of industry they should be taught to emulate. In the American houses of correction the most indolent and abandoned are compelled to labour : in the West Indies the torpid, unwilling Africans have been made to work : in a regi- ment of soldiers the awkward squad are drilled to carry themselves with a martial step and air : and even maniacs are rendered obedient under a steady system of discipline. Why, then, should it be considered impracticable to reclaim the har- dened, erring vagrants, by placing them within a well-regulated and undeviating circle of control, aided by considerate kindness and encourage- ment ? By strictly enforcing these regulations, and placing before them the exam])le of the inde- pendent cottager above suggested, the able- bodied paupers might be taught the advantage