The Sun.
London, England, 1870-10-01 00:00:00

DWELLINGS OF THE POOR.

It is to be hoped that the observations made by Mr.
Rawlinson, C. 8., at the Social Science Congress at New-
castle on Tuesday, respecting - the condition of the dwel-
ling houses of the poor in this country, will meet with the
attention they deserve. They are especially,valuable, for
although the apathy of our legislators on this important
subject is universally condemned, few people are ready
with a plan for combating the gigantic evil which saps the
strength of the nation. Mr. Rawlinson, however, not
only exhibits the barbarous condition of affairs at present
existing, but points out that, as a matter of business, our
neglect to apply a remedy is extravagance rather than
economy, and also informs us what, in his opinion, are the
steps which should be taken to effect the general improve-
ment so much required. He says truly, referring to the
numerous reports on the sanitary condition and wretched
abodes of the teeming population, that if the work of
the State stops with reporting and recommending,
its action may be termed " a delusion and a snare ;" and
what makes this the more reprehensible is that the wealth
of the State is not saved by allowing the muddle to con-
tinue ; for the money expended in relieving pauperism, in
detecting and punishing crime, and in supporting the
sick, if properly expended, would provide sufficient funds
to furnish improved house accommodation. Taking floor
areas and . cubic space into account, and the
money expended within such spaces, it will
be found that the dens of misery and vice are
more costly to the community than any equal area
and cubic space in a palace. There are tenements by
hundreds of thousands which generate sickness, pauperism
and crime, the cost of which is paid out of the rates ; and
yet such property is not worth more than from three to
five years' purchase ; but the round of degradation is
allowed to go on. Mr. Rawlinson suggests that the
Government should lend money at per cent. for
sanitary improvements, and that if this course
were adopted the beneficial results would soon
appear in the Registrar-General's returns. To
carry out over England even such improvements as
have already been carried out in some places under the
Local Government Act, would require some fifty millions
stirling in addition to the eight millions already expended
in extra-metropolitan districts. Large as these sums ap-
pear, the expenditure would be a relief and not a burden.
House property would increase in value, and the tenants
would be in better health, would earn higher wages, and
would be able to pay the rents demanded. Where
there is the healthiest community their bodily purity and
morals will probably find the greatest development. Em-
pires, monarchies, an 1 republics, Mr. Rawlinson added,
have this lesson to learn. It is, indeed, incomprehensible
why, when we have expended so many millions unpro-
fitably in wars which have been not only destructive but
unprofitable, we should hesitate to invest the compara-
tively small amount required for a campaign against dirt,
misery, and death, when there can be no doubt we should
obtain an ample return for our money, To improve
the dwellings of the labouring-classes in this country is a
work on which a statesman might build a reputation, and
really earn the nation's gratitude. One of the most
melancholy features of a public meeting in the park is the
careworn, haggard look of the orators. It is evident that
the atmosphere of the attics and close rooms from which
they have emerged and to which they must return has
much to do with that irritability and uneasiness which find
vent in passionate words. It is not only that they lack good
wages—many of them are skilful and highly-paid
mechanics ; but they lack that which their wages cannot
procure in this country—light, air, pure water, unadul-
terated food. In their ignorance of the true cause of
their discontent they cry for remedies that have no
reference to the ills from which they suffer, and overlook
that which their rulers should be forced to administer,
viz., an immediate amendment or consolidation of the
sanitary laws.—Pall Pall Gazette.

THE LATE SIR HUMPERX DAVY.—A statue of
the late Sir Humphry Davy is about to be erected at
Penzance. It will be of Sicilian marble. Messrs. Wills,
of Euston-road, London, have been commissioned to
execute the work.

A general meeting of the Jockey Club will be held
at Newmarket after the races on Wednesday in the
Second October Meeting. Lord George Manners will
propose that in future the Newmarket Craven and First
Spring Meetings shall commence on 'Tuesday instead of
Monday, and that the Second Spring Meeting, discon-
tinued since 1855, shall be re-established. Admiral
Rous will move that Rule 58 of the Rules of Racing,
which prohibits sales by auction, be repealed.