unable to get work, he was actually at work, and earning over £1 a week. His employer spoke of him as a strong, active man, and a good workman.
Another man, just over sixty—also strong and hearty—was let out repeatedly on pass to look for work. His want of success led to inquiries being made, and it was reported that he never prosecuted his researches further than "The Well and Bucket."
Another old man, charged with coming in drunk, confesses his failings, but excuses them on eugenic grounds. "Sometimes," he says, "I think it's hereditary. My poor dear mother suffered from it badly, and I am her only boy." Possibly those who believe that we are not responsible for our actions, but are the creatures of circumstance, may be able to make some use of this.
Another typical case is that of an old pensioner. He has been in and out of the workhouse for years. He goes out regularly about quarter day and has a debauch, and then returns to the workhouse. His pension is one which is not attachable.
It would not be difficult to show that on the women's side as well as on the men's side the distinctions are equally wide. The woman who has led a drunken, disreputable life, and has passed the age of sixty, is unhappily no uncommon phenomenon in London workhouses. One such, known to the writer, has also had two daughters in the workhouse, both of whom had come in with illegitimate children.
Again, it is well known that a very large number of the old people—both men and women—return from their weekly leave of absence the worse for drink; also that many of them are by no means too refined in their language. It must necessarily be a considerable hardship to those
