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SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE POOR. 69
power of association lying within their means can
suffice to originate such work.
This task of initiation rests with others. And
therefore it is, Gentlemen, that on this occasion I
have been induced to bring under your notice, as a
most important part of my subject, the outline of
what has been done in the matter of Model Dwellings
and Public Baths and Washhouses. Feeling
assured that establishments of this nature are of
infinite utility in the several respects I have enumerated;
feeling assured that, beyond their immediate
operation on the health of inmates and users, they
also tend, by their indirect educational influence,
to improve the social habits, to promote the civilization,
to elevate the general tone and character of
the labouring classes, I earnestly recommend them
to your attention; hoping that you may either
yourselves confer on the poor population of the
City the advantage of your patronage and succour
in this respect, or else may transfer the matter to
the jurisdiction of the Common Council, with all
the influence and authority in its favour which
your recommendation would insure.