ture of vices-consumes like a gangrene, | their honour, when once the affair was moved and understood, they came forward with a promptitude truly exemplary. and like a gangrene spreads its noxious influence till the constitution be undermined, and the consequences prove fatal. It is not real charity to give to real beggars; that has been an acknowledged maxim during many years, we might say, centuries; for, so far back as Queen Elizabeth's time, donations to street beggars were subjected to punishment by a fine;-and a penny given was liable to a mulct of five shillings, and costs. Nor have the exertions of the London merchants, and public, been restricted to pecuniary assistance ;-that is indispensable; but, very often it is the smallest part of the assistance granted. The personal interest taken, the countenance, the patronage afforded, and above all, the sacrifice of invaluable time in many cases, and in this case, infinitely surpasses the highest donation which appears on the subscription list. This is real beneficence; this bespeaks the heart engaged; this is unquestionable humanity, and charity; and this, it will be remarked, with pleasure, has been so freely offered, as to excite the explicit and grateful acknowledgements of the committee. It was probably, owing to the natural consequences of continued impositions, with the suspicion inseparable from the mortifications attendant on detected abuse of bounty, as openly declared in the Committee's Report on the state of mendicity in the metropolis, that the citizens of London so long endured the nuisance of the many objects which disWhat prograced the public streets. If we assign the second place to that portion of these was really impostors, ready answer to the call of compassion, it is impossible now to determine; but, which raised the amount of the subthere can be no doubt on the truth of scription, in a few days, to nearly twelve their taking certain posts, and relieving thousand pounds, it must not be thought each other, at those posts, exactly acto imply the smallest disrespect to this cording to the practice of beggars by effectual branch of aid. On the custom and habit. And it is a striking contrary; we admire the promptitude fact, in addition, that the principal and energy which so rapidly realized the towns within a hundred miles of the humane and patriotic suggestion. We metropolis, have witnessed a greater presume to say, that in very few capitals, influx of beggars, and have sustained if in any, could the same measure have greater losses by theft, since the enqui- obtained equal support in the time. ries in London have been active, than We know of none in which much lonthey had done for months and years ger delays would not have been interbefore. In some places, public meet-posed, between the intention and the ings have been held to discuss the best method of keeping watch and ward; and, in others-Ipswich, for instance, the sessions that usually terminates in one day's attendance, required three days, on the last occasion. The committee, however, whose Report is before us, take occasion to observe, that few impostors have attempted to impose on them; and they describe those applicants whose cases they have examined, as being men who had really served their country in naval capacities. This is very satisfactory. The merchants were, therefore, in a sense beholden to these men, either for services, or for protection; and, much to See Literary Panorama, N. S. vol. II. p. 1. deed. This partly arises from the habit of the public in the metropolis of acting for itself; uncontrouled by those formalities which in most places imply, or await the motions of government, and therefore, are paralyzed till some personage in office has obtained permission to superintend proceedings. Here the humanity and good sense of the people confide in the humanity and good sense of the government; and desire from the ruling powers-not that they should take the lead, but that they should second the efforts of those who derive their impulse from laudable motives; and who doubt not the effect of those motives on others. We do acknowledge, that the citizens ! All who have had occasion to transact business with public Offices know, that they rarely act with that promptitude which those who are themselves independent of forms and precedents desire: public men attach much importance to the actions of their predecessors in office; and while they think themselves bound by those precedents, they are so bound. On the present occasion, no impediments of form appear to have been started; the object was laudable, and the assistance was prompt. of London are favoured in point of wealth; in the possession of which, they enjoy a power of the most important kind; and we take a pleasure in marking their application of this power in modes so greatly to their honour. Notwithstanding the very many and heavy disappointments to which their benevolence has been subjected, and the delusions experienced from the maneuvres practised on it by schemers, there is scarcely an instance of a matter of real importance to the community, sanctioned by a name of known respectabi- It must be acknowledged, that War lity, being disregarded, or treated with has many evils; and that after War has indifference. It is true, that many ceased, as to actual hostility, the afflicthings which to those who have long me- tions it entails are not terminated. We ditated on them, appear to be supremely condemn without compunction the idle entitled to public sanction and support, and the lazy; but we compassionate those are not seen in the same light by others, who would willingly labour but cannot to whose consideration they are sub- find opportunity. The change from mitted; nor is it less true, that various Peace to War, threw thousands into obstacles are discerned by the public, want: the change from War to Peace and various difficulties are felt, which has produced disastrous effects no less had not occurred to the authors of cer- extensive. It has been felt by those tain proposals,-which had been over- who ploughed the land, and by those looked by them, in their zeal for the who ploughed the waves; by those who exaltation of what they had undertaken. supported the Community, and by those Hence, we must not allow ourselves to who defended it. In return, the symthink hardly of persons who start an ob-pathy of the Community is due to both ject for public attention; they may have descriptions of its members; and every persuaded themselves, and their hearts humane heart will rejoice in the success may be warm in the cause-while of all Institutions devised and establishcooler heads, on more accurate investi- ed for the benefit of either. gation, and closer scrutiny, may detect imperfections which vitiate, if not impossibilities which defeat, what may have been proposed as the best of plans -plans announced as all but infallible, in point of general utility, and exten sive success. It must not be forgot, that the example and support of this exertion has induced an attempt to suppress mendicity all together. The accomplishment of that plan is most desirable; especially if it shall prove to be founded on principles which will endure the test of In the present instance, a very few experience. That Mendicity may be weeks have seen the proposition laid be-removed or banished, for a time, cannot fore the public, brought into action, di- be doubted; that it will return and rected to answer its purpose, reported on, revive must be expected; and here apand partly closed. It affords a demonpears an advantage possessed by this stration of what may be done, when occa-interposition in behalf of distressed sion demands; and it well deserves to occupy a place in our pages, for the example and encouragement of future ge Derations. Nor let the immediate compliance of Government with the request for assistance, be overlooked. The Committee notice this, in their Report; together with an instant supply, from the same quarter, of articles wanted. Seamen; the case is not likely to recur. When the present purpose is answered the effort terminates. We hope never again to see the time when the simultaneous dismissal of a hundred thousand superfluous hands, from their ordinary course of life, shall choak up the channels of regular employment; insomuch, that for every one of them B 2 admitted into constant occupation, some | fifteen hundred men, not all fairly beother individual, equally deserving, and longing to the Port of London, should perhaps equally to be commisserated be found out of employ, and therefore either in himself, or his connexions, fears destitute, is perhaps less to be wondered to be dismissed from his daily labours. at, than that the number was not greater. The Committee has felt the impor- When it is considered that among these tance of this consideration, and has are included as well many foreigners, carefully endeavoured to obtain for the as others infirm, from age and various subjects of its bounty such births as do causes. When the proper deductions are not interfere with the engagements of made for these, and such as these, is the more fortunate competitors: a point of real number any great occasion of surprudence deserving unqualitied commen- prize? How many unemployed Seamen dation. may be found in London at all times, and therefore at any time? Nor ought we to dismiss the subject without adverting to the painful, the disagreeable, and even dangerous duty of those volunteers who personally attended to the wants of the famished, the miserable, and the diseased. Only those who happen to have been conversant with such objects can conceive the painful task. We speak thus from observation; having witnessed the condition of not a few of these distressed Seamen. That their suffer nated in personal imprudence, must be acknowledged, with regret; but, over these compassion readily draws a veil. Much might be said on the nature and extent of those evils which have been prevented by the interference of this well timed charity. It might be thought at first sight, an unmerited imputation on the characters of these sufferers, to suppose their deviating into crime. This well becomes those who never felt the pangs of distress, or the keenness of bunger. The man who thinks it impossible! that he should be tempted or driven, to transgression, by anguish and despondencey, knows little of him-ings had, in too many instances, origiself, and less of human nature. These men were ignorant, from their origin and habits; they were rude, imprudent, unguarded, and boisterous. We mean them no harm, and we do them no injustice, when we insist on the propriety of considering the prevention of what mischief they might have been engaged in, or might have occasioned, as so much gain to the safety, the quiet, and the morals of the public. Those who have paid even a slight attention to late reports of alarming and desperate crimes, must be aware, in some degree, of the danger to which the individuals now relieved could not but be unavoidably subjected, had they fallen in among associates of that sanguinary description, to whose arts and example they might have yielded, or in whose company they might have become partakers of their crimes. We cannot close this Article, without submitting as a question, at least, whether under all circumstances the number of these sufferers, though considerable, in itself, is not below what might reasonably have been anticipated, in consequence of a crisis so violent and so sudden in public affairs? That It remains that we congratulate those beneficent gentlemen generally, who have rendered this service to humanity, and have happily seen their undertaking answer its purpose. They may rest assured that they have done their counhonour. They may try with the pleasing conviction of having lie down at night, public welfare, in conjunction with that spent their day in contributing to the of the objects of their attention. Their their recollections self-satisfactory. feelings cannot but be gratifying, and The distinction conferred by the Committee, on several gentlemen whom they mention by name, forbids our more humble praise of their exertions as individuals they will not soon be forgot; nor will they fail of their reward: not that which consists in a title, or a public token of external honour, but that which takes up its residence in the bosom, and after having been worn during life, will be more fully and more justly appreciated, when life has closed, It is far from our intention by commending the beneficence of the city of London, to discommend, in the slightest degree, the exertions of other cities, either at home or abroad.-We know that great and most honourable charities have been mauifested on the continent; and we particularly distinguish those which had for their object the relief of that multitude of deluded, but much to be pitied, emigrants which filled many cities on the coast, while seeking for a passage to America. If any gentleman can oblige us by particulars of the amount, the application, and the mode of rendering most effectual, the collections at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, &c. in Holland, or elsewhere, we shall take a pleasure in extending the knowledge of such bounty among our countrymen. It is a tribute due to their humanity, and a tribute that will be paid with more than readiness,—with eagerness. REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE FOR THE RELIEF Feb. 6, 1818. house almost inaccessible) the Committee have continued to transact their business at his Tavern. selves as menters of the Committee, (which Many Gentlemen having offered themhas at length increased to the number of seventy) it was judged expedient to divide and apportion the duties to be performed, among them; and accordingly the following Sub Committees were immediately formed: viz. 1st-A Depot Committee; to whom was charged the care of providing temporary lodging and food for the men. 2ud.-An Examining Committee; (consisting principally of Captains and Officers of His Majesty's Navy; Commanders in the East India Company's Service; Elder Brethren of the Trinity House, and Masters of Merchant Ships,) to whom was entrusted the selection of such of the poor people as were really Seamen in distress. 3rd.-A Finance Committee; to receive Subscriptions, audit Accounts, and make payments. 4th-A Shipping Committee; (consisting chiefly of Nautical men) who undertook to attend to the embarking and making arrangements for the men on board the Receiving Ships; for which Ships application was made to the Lords of the Admiralty. 5th.-A Clothing and Provision Committee. 6th.-A Committee of Disposal. their assistance, and advice, was as much as possible obviated; and those duties were assigued to them respectively, which, from circumstances, they were most competent, or willing to perform. consolidate these Sub-Committees into In a few days it was found practicable to Three, viz.: Examining, Shipping, and Finance. By whom, under the direction of the General Committee, the operations of the charity has since been conducted. By this arrangement, the inconvenience THE Meeting held at the City of Lon-caused by the press of Gentlemen offering don Tavern on the 5th of January last, having appointed a Committee consisting of fifty-eight Persons, (with power to add to their number;) and subscribed the sum of £250,-the Gentlemen nominated met the next day at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry. for the purpose of arranging a Plan for carrying into immediate effect the intention of the Meeting, which was-to clear the Metropolis of the destitute and diseased persons iu the garb of Seamen, who appeared in the streets and environs. As these persons were known to be numerous, the Committee were desirous of engaging premises for temporary offices, in some convenient place; but, on the very first day of their meeting, so great was the throng, and so urgent the distress of the poor people, that every other consideration gave way to that of affording them relief in the shortest possible time; and therefore, as Mr. Bleaden liberally consented to allow the Committee to occupy the requisite number of rooms, on very moderate terms, (although he was exposed to serious inconvenience by the number of miserable objects who, for several days, rendered his Such was the forlorn and destitute condition of the poor people who flocked for relief, that the Committee deemed it a most fortunate circumstance that, on the first day of their meeting, they were able to engage room in a house belonging to Mrs. Hayes, of Newing.on, in which 200 could be received, and sheltered from the weather. The London Workhouse also admitted 100 of the men. In both these places, their immediate wants were attended to. While these measures were in progress, application was made to the Lords of the Admiralty for Receiving Vessels, to be moored in convenient stations on the River; who granted the request without the delay of an hour. It had been a very general belief, that a great proportion of the persons appearing in the streets as Distressed Seamen were not really so, but had assumed that garb, the better to excite compassion; but, either the idea was without foundation, or the impostors were deterred from making their appearance, by the rigid scrutiny of the Examining Committee; the fact being, that very few men have presented themselves, who have not served at Sea; and the far greater part of them on board Ships of War. The examination of the men has been very strict, and conducted by certain rules, whereby the Committee have been enabled to obtain a registry of the age; place of birth; height; date of service, and on board of what ships; date of discharge, and qualifications of each man. By a reference to this registry, any one of the men may be identified upon any future occasion. As the applicants in the course of the first few days, exceeded by some hundreds the number for whom it was possible to provide lodging, without incurring considerable hazard, not only to themselves, but also to the public health, (a very lage proportion being sick or diseased), it was deemed advisable to admit into the General Depot such only as were free from infectious disorders, giving those for whom such accommodation could not, (from those considerations) be immediately made; or for whom admittance into the Hospitals could not be obtained, a daily supply of Bread and Money, until fit places could be procured for their reception. In as short a time as it was possible to get the Dromedary prepared for their accommodation, the Sick men were lodged on board her, under the care of Dr. Robertson, and the necessary assistants. engagements for these poor men in vessels outward-bound to the exclusion of other Seamen, who might thereby have been exposed to difficulty in obtaining employ ment. The general result of the proceedings, which the public benevolence has thus enabled the Committee to adopt, are as follows: 1230 men have been received ou board of the seven vessels granted by the Admiralty for that purpose, and supplied with necessary clothing. Of these 349 have been disposed of in the Navy, in the Merchants' service, or otherwise provided for; and many others are expected to be provided with ships in a few days. 162 are on board the Dromedary, appropriated exclusively to the sick; of whom 61 are serious cases, 3 have been sent on shore for misconduct. The Committee have great satisfaction in stating, that it appears from the report of the Examining Committee, who daily visit the receiving ships, that the men are in general clean;-as comfortable as circumstances will admit ;-and, with very few exceptions, grateful. The expense of victualling each man is about 5d. per day. A liberal issue has been made of soap, razors, combs, brushes, &c.; and, besides an additional allowance of clothing, each man has a blanket given him on joining a ship. Such is a brief outline of the proceed ings of the Committee.-They purposely abstain from entering into the minor details of the measures adopted by them, to guard against the application of the funds, to the relief of other objects than those for whom the subscription was entered into:-or the influx of Distressed Seamen from other parts of the kingdom. They have also been cautious not to increase the existing The Establishment of Officers on board evil (which appears in a great measure to each ship, consists of a commander, mate, have been the consequence of a temporary and clerk; and the Warrant Officers of the superabundance of Seamen) by the adop-ship remain on board to assist in preserving tion of measures for obtaining immediate discipline. |