ON THE ROAD [To _the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—Recent
discussion in the Spectator has , called out suggestions for reduction of uneinployment (and eheeking of prdfitless relief expenditure) by substituting selieMes of work and wage for the present IMPrOdiictive " dole." Now the demoralizing effect of the dole cannot be denied, but there are many in worse case. The .1" vagrant " unemployed,
for instance, and those who belong to the large section of unskilled and unregistered labour who are unqualified for unemployment benefit.
The provision of the Casual Ward where shelter and food is necessarily of the barest, is alone available to the man " on the road." Yet the upkeep of Casual Wards (buildings, supplies and salaries) is another drain upon the country's resources. Thousands of men, who might be doing an honest day's work, are not only spending their time in fruitless wanderings, but under the hardships of exposure in all weathers, low diet, and insufficient boots and clothing, are deteriorating physically, mentally, and morally. Genuine work-seekers are herded together with habitual loafers and work-shy. Each requires different treatment. At present each receives the same.
Criminal prisoners have good food, adequate clothing and heating, clean quarters, religious and educational opportuni- ties. Does not the man " on the road " deserve equal consideration, if only to prevent his swelling the ranks of those who have already sunk into crime ?
Labour Colonies have proved their worth in Sweden, Holland, Switzerland and Denmark, providing State-con- trolled compulsory employment which is remunerative to the worker and at the same time productive. Cannot some similar means be adopted to meet our needs ?
Economic considerations, side by side with the claims of humanity, call for concentration upon the problem which is surely of equal national importance with the questions of cancer prevention or of housing. The wasted man-power of England awaits reclamation.—I am, Sir, &c.,
FIAT JUSTITIA.
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