LTO TIM EDITOR OP TIM "SPEC/TUTOR:1 SIR,—There is, as Mr.
A. Herbert Gray has pointed out in your issue of August 4th, both room and necessity for a positive and constructive treatment of the problems so ably dealt with in the series of articles in the Spectator under the above heading. The various agencies there described fail to produce the good their promoters are aiming at, in so far as they are palliatives only and not true remedies ; minister to symptoms instead of attacking causes; deal with men in the masa, and not as individuals ; and take too little note of character, which often lies at the root of failure, and which is by far the most important element in the rebuilding of an independent life.
Now in order to deal in any satisfactory way with the difficult problem of the relief of the destitute and the restoration of the dependent to self-support, we must carefully distinguish between the unfortunate, the inefficient, and the unprincipled, each class obviously requiring treatment different from the others.
(1) It does not need demonstrating that there are persons called upon to suffer from causes that they could not possibly avoid. The increase of our population, the changes in our industries, the vicissitudes which attend many branches or trade—apart from personal disablement from sickness or other causes—quite unavoidably deprive many workers of their means of livelihood ; and before they have recovered themselves in a normal way, want, inducing debilitated physique, has had to be borne. Again, there are many men whose occupation is at all times of the most irregular description. Inquiries last December revealed the fact that in Liverpool a number of firms who employed seven thousand dock labourers on a given morning, left two thousand unemployed at their stands, and this at a time when there was a fair amount of work on hand. The total unemployed would considerably exceed this number.
Now it is clear that no mere provision of temporary mainte- nance, even if associated with work created for the purpose, will remedy this state of things. A deeper and more radical solution is required. With a view to reduce irregularity to its lowest point in Liverpool dock labour, a Committee of employers, work- men, and others is carefully considering the best remedies that experience suggests ; but assuming these remedies to be success- ful in reducing the irregularity, and so increasing the work of those employed, it is clear that as a consequence many men will be left without any employment. What is to be done with the surplus ? There may be in the country industries whore labour is required, but these men are not likely to know of them, and there is at present no means of obtaining information. For this reason it appears advisable to set up labour bureaux, and to link these together so as to circulate information as to work and labour throughout the country.
It is a question, however, whether there is not an actual surplus of labour over the opportunities of productive employment in this country. It may be that the equilibrium between labour and work has been disturbed by economic causes, and as it is hope- less to attempt to restore equilibrium by providing artificially additional work, we must bring about a reduction in the number of the workers, and to effect this we must look abroad. Canada at this time offers a field for the emigration of a large number of capable men with the certainty of employment, and every thousand men transferred to Canada brings us nearer the position of having work here for every one who is willing to work ; and when that position is reached, many other changes may be looked for. Thrift would be encouraged, and providence in regard to the future would be rendered more possible, while the effect of regular employment on character would be most beneficial. Men desirous of bringing up their families creditably and independently would have a chance of doing so, and the excuse of the indolent" work- shy" would be taken away.
(2) With regard to the inefficient, our best hope lies in the Industrial training of the young, after giving careful study to their own capabilities and natural bent, and the class of labour in demand. There are two departments of work which, even now, offer openings. The mercantile marine could absorb many more of our own people, where foreigners now fill the places, and agri- culture in many districts is in actual need of labour. Now if arrangements could be made by means of training-ships (lately advocated in your columns), and by apprenticing boys to farmers and gardeners to secure them training for these two occupations, one cannot help thinking that a certain number of boys might be found for the sea, and youths of both sexes who might be disposed towards life in the country. It is also a question whether child labour should not be greatly limited, and the half-time system be further restricted or altogether abolished, the latter part of school attendanee being given to training the girls in household duties and the boys in some form of industry.
(3) With regard to the third class,—those who wilfully lead a vagrant and mendicant life. On the fact of their doing so being definitely ascertained, these should be detained on a Magistrate's Order in a labour colony for a sufficient period to accustom them to regular ways of life, and to give them some training, preferably on the land, which would fit them for work in this country or abroad ; and on the expiration of their period of detention, if they showed evidence of a desire for better things, they might be offered the opportunity of being sent to Canada or elsewhere, as labour might be in demand. But in order that a labour colony may produce its best results, I am of opinion that it must be in the hands of a voluntary organisation, composed of persons who aim at reclamation through change of character, and would work towards that end in the case of each individual who came under their care.
—I am, Sir, &C., WM. GRISEWOOD, Secretary.
Liverpool Central Relief and Charity Organisation Society, Imperial Buildings, 2 Exchange Street East, Liverpool.
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