The decrease of pauperism, how far the work of the poor.

Abstract

That pauperism by which we mean the amount of the poor supported by the state ? has decreased in this kingdom within the last few years, admits of no doubt. Since the year 1850, the returns of the poor law expenditure show a regular decrease on the aggregate of the unions in Ireland. The total cost, for instance, in the North Dublin Union for 1855 was #26,475; while fof last year it was less than this by a sum of nearly #5,000. The number of paupers in Ireland receiving relief in 1852 was 115,810, while in 1854 the return is given as 68,121. That the increase of pauperism is owing to the poor themselves, we readily grant. None deny that imprudence, indolence and profligacy are among the principal sources of such a condition. I question much whether it will be as readily admitted that the mitigation of the evil may proceed from the people themselves, and whether we are disposed to give them as much credit as they deserve for their efforts after self-support and independence.