Punch (44.1863)

ICED VAGRANTS.

WHAT is to be done with our vagrants?” This was the question,
’’ according to'tlie Dewsbury Reporter, proposed to the Dewsbury
Board of Guardians at a late meeting of that benevolent body, by their
chairman, W. Ceowthee, Esq., who thus proceeded to solve the
problem which he had mooted :—

“ The Chairman What is to be done with our vagrants? They average now 180
or 190 per week, and we must take some steps to reduce the number if we can. The
fact is, these vagTants are getting to be a public nuisance. Mr. Farnall told us
some years ago, that wherever the plan of washing them had been introduced, the
number of vagrants attending was reduced to a minimum. The board took up the
question, and two persons were appointed to conduct the affair. The vagrants were
washed, fed, put to bed, and in the morning were sent away. I think we can’t do
better than have this plan again, and if any cash is found upon them, they must be
made to pay for their board and lodging.”

Let us suppose that the vagrants contemplated by Me. Ceowthee
are offenders under the Yagrant Act; rogues and vagabonds; and then
we shall be enabled duly to relish the lively and humorous discussion
which ensued, whereof portions follow. The Chairman’s suggestion
was first embodied in a formal motion by a philanthropist:—

“ Mr. Goldthorp. I move that we have that plan, and that vagrants be washed
all over.

“ Mr. Wilson. I second the motion. In the absence of a better system, I support
the scheme.

“ Mr. Goldthorp. We have a place where it could be done, and there’s plenty
of cold water.

“ Mr. Harrop. Could not the vagrants be made to pump instead, as labour?

“ 1£r. Senior. I think you shouldn’t carry it out as a punishment, still it is
highly necessary that they are kept clean. (A laugh.)"

Against the stern but salutary proposal of Me. Goldthoep, a politi-
cal economist doubtless worth his weight in gold, a protest was raised,
happily in vain, for it evidently proceeded from a benevolence which
must be considered morbid, that is, of course in relation to criminals:—

“ Mr. J. Taylor. I should like Mr. Goldthorp to blend a little humanity with
his proposal. Some of the people may be suffering from weakness, and they ought
not to be washed all over, as you propose, unless tepid water is used.

“Mr. Goldthorp. I have no objection to allow those who don’t want to be washed,
to be washed twice. (Laughter.) It’s no use unless as a punishment.

“ The Chairman. No, no, it’s a test—(a laugh)—and if you want vagrants kept
away there is nothing like washing.

“ Mr. Wm. Taylor. Oh, wash them by all means. {Laughter.)

“ The Chairman. When the vagrants are naked, there will be the better chance
of seeing whether they are ailing or not. If they are not fit to be washed, a surgeon
may be sent for."

The sentimentalist was overborne by the weight of opinions, the light-
ness of whose expression, however, is quite charming. He thus per-
sisted with his mild but obstinate argument, so pleasantly refuted:—

“ Mr. J. Taylor. The board know very well that no surgeon could be called in.
It is just possible that men and women, sooner than submit themselves to such
treatment, at this inclement season, wiU refrain from coming to the vagrant wards,
and lie at night in barns, and under hedges. Such a test as this involves cruelty,
and I shall strongly oppose the motion.

“ The Chairman. I wash myself all over each morning, and I find the greatest
benefit from the practice, and why not the vagrants ?

“ Mr. J. Taylor. I take a shower-bath every morning, and feel greatly benefited,
but if I had begun to use it at Christmas, instead of at a more favoui able season, it
would have made me ill, and it will be the case with the vagrants, if you carry out
the plan.

“ Mr. W. Taylor. I think it would produce reaction. (Loud Laughter.)

But the more tender-hearted Tayloe was not to be put down. The
debate continued:—

“ Mr. J. Taylor. There is much in what Old Jack used to quote—‘ The tender
mercies of the wicked are cruel.’

“ Mr. Senior. You don’t mean plunging into cold water?

“ Mr. Wilson. No, only washing and scrubbing.

“ Mr. Goldthorp. I mean washing from head to heel. . We shall promote clean-
liness, and if they have any money, we can take it for their lodgings.

“Mr. Harrop. The water ought to be a little warm, especially at a season like this.

“ Mr. Goldthorp. If the water was not found to be of a proper temperature when
they were being washed, I would be for adding some ice, and make it a little colder.

Me. Goldthobp’s idea of giving vagrants a cold reception is an
excellent one, if, as Me. Peaeson, who is master of the penal institution
over which the Dewsbury Guardians preside, said “vagrants chiefly_
are pickpockets, ticket-of-leave men, and the most lawless part of
creation; ” and if they are committed under the Yagrant Act. _ Those
conditions being presumed, the sequel of this facetious deliberation will
be applauded:—

“ Mr. Pearson said he approved of the plan; something obnoxious must he tried
or they could not keep the vagrants away.

“ The Chairman. I don’t believe that washing is obnoxious; it is as a test we
wish to introduce it.

“ Mr. J. Taylor. It looks very cruel, I think.

“ The motion was then put and carried ; Mr. J. Taylor being the only person
who voted against it. Mr. Kelley was not preseut during the discussion.

“ Mr. Pearson was next authorised to engage a couple of men to perform the
washing, and also empowered to get the necessary appliances.”

But stop! If the benevolent Me. Tayloe was right in thinking that

Yol. 44.

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