Transcribed from the [1850?] Charles Gilpin edition by DavidPrice. Many thanks to the British Library for making theircopy available.
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THE CLAIMS OF THE POOR UPON THERICH.
BY THOMAS BEGGS,
LATESECRETARY OF THE HEALTH OF TOWNS ASSOCIATION.
Author of “Enquiryinto the Extent and Causes of Juvenile Depravity,”&c., &c.
LONDON:CHARLES GILPIN, 5, BISHOPSGATE WITHOUT.
In 1831 the Asiatic Cholera firstmade its appearance in this country. It spreadconsternation wherever it went. This pestilence, however,had its mission. It had previously swept over the fairestportions of the earth, and had destroyed no less than fiftymillions of human beings. Its birth-place was among theswamps and jungles of India. True to its origin, itprincipally revelled in the crowded and neglected districts ofour large towns, and gathered its victims from the homes of thepoor and indigent. It sought out the abodes of filth andfever—it flew from one reeking nest of disease toanother. The public authorities were startled intoexertion; whitewash and soap were in requisition—avisitation of the alleys and lanes commenced—and, in manyinstances, the accumulated filth and rubbish of years wereremoved. A great many temporary expedients, all excellentin their way, were adopted. One unquestionable good was theresult of these extraordinary measures—the higher classesobtained a glimpse of the condition of their poorer brethren.
p. 2Thecholera at length passed away, and our exertions died withit. The stern teacher went to other lands, and we relapsedinto our wonted carelessness, our usual indifference—webecame easy and comfortable again. It is true we have hadseveral official inquiries, and through their means muchinformation has been elicited and diffused. Someimprovements have been effected, and others are in progress, butnothing has been done commensurate to the requirements of thecase. Our towns exhibit the same grievous defects. There is, as yet, no complete system of drainage andsewerage—our dwellings are in the same condition as to airand light, and other conveniences—and a supply of water isstill a desideratum. The old fever-nests remain. Wehave a vast number of abominations in every direction invitingpestilence, and scattering abroad the seeds of disease, misery,and demoralisation. It is true we have obtained a HealthBill, but it is quite clear that the establishment of a centralauthority can do little, without the sympathy and co-operation ofthe public at large.
In this state of things, we have another visitation of theAsiatic cholera. We are again admonished as to our dutiesas men and Christians. Once more we are awakened to a fullknowledge of the fact, that thousands of our fellow creatures areperishing annually, victims to public neglect. Thegreat bulk of our working classes are placed in a conditionunfavourable to health—a condition that forbids thepreservation of the ordinary decencies and moralities oflife. There is a responsibility rests upon all who haveinfluence or power—a responsibility which cannot beshaken off. The work of reform is not accomplishedbecause we have got a legislative enactment and a Board ofHealth. Every town-council and all parish authorit