View report page

158
I by no means wish it to be understood that I
do not value and even admire the honest and kindly
endeavours of clergymen of all denominations, of
Charity Organisation Societies, and the like, to
ameliorate the condition of the very poor, or that I
think they do no good. I have no doubt that among
the dregs of the population there are many who have
fallen, or have failed to rise, from no real fault of
their own ; that there are many in temporary misery
to whom timely assistance may be of incaluable
value ; and that good example, and teaching, and
kind encouragement may have more or less influence
for good over many others. But I am nevertheless
sure that a large town like London will always attract
undesirable residents, and that no inconsiderable
proportion of the population will, in spite of all that
can be done for them, remain degraded.
No one who knew the Sanitary condition of
London eight-and-twenty years ago, and compares
it with its state at the present time, will fail to
recognise the great and general improvement that
has taken place. It is true that much of this improvement
relates to sewerage, paving, lighting",
water-supply, the removal of refuse, the regulation
of offensive businesses and of cowhouses, dairies,
and bakehouses, the provision of open spaces, the