The House of Commons had a philanthropic sitting on Wednesday,
and discussed pensions to old industrials for some
The Bill before the House was moved by Colonel Palmer, and provides that the State and the ratepayers in equal proportions shall pay a pension to every man or woman of sixty-five who wants the money, who has not been convicted of crime, who has not accepted poor-relief, and who has sub- scribed to a friendly society during some part of his or her life. The especial proposal, however, is of no importance, the great fact being that all parties alike accepted the principle of pensions for old age, and that the Government dare not, resist it, only adjourning the debate till the report of the Royal Commission on the subject is ready. Mr. Shaw- Lefevre threw a little dry light on the matter, showing- that the Bill proposed would cost £15,000,000 a year ; that
the character-test would never work ; and that the pensions,. 7s. a week to each pensioner, would be luxurious in the High- lands and inadequate in London. Even he, however, was most careful to express his sympathy; and the total result. of the debate will be to impress the poor with the idea that the State, if only it is importuned enough, will give their fathers and mothers 14s. a week for life. The State will do- nothing of the sort; and we deeply regret to see all parties consenting, for the sake of victory at the elections, or out of an unreflecting pity, to offer these huge and unreal bribes. The object, which is a kindly one, must be attained through. insurance, and not by doles.
Previous page
