Project for the formation of a depot in Upper Canada, with a view to receive the whole pauper population of England

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PROJECT

FORMATION OF A DEPOT IN UPPER CANADA,

WITH A VIEW TO BEC3IVE THE

WHOLE PAUPER POPULATION OF ENGLAND.

SUBMITTED TO

THE RIGHT HON. EDWARD G. S. STANLEY,

HIS majesty's principal SEGEETARY of STATE FOR THE COLONIES.

BY JAMES BUCHANAN, ESQ.

HTS majesty's consul for the STATE OF NEW YORK, FOEI-IEELY ONE OF HIO
MAJJ sty's JUSTICES OF THE PEACE OF THE COUNTY OF TYHONE.

NEW YORK:

WIlililAM A. MERCEIN, PRINTER.

M DCCC XXXIV.

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PREFACE

I am prepared to hear the principles I advocate
in the following pages, condemned by many truly
benevolent people, who are an ornament to the
Christian character, and our country ; and I deeply
deplore, if in any of the measures I advocate, I
should countenance those who are unfeeling and
hard-hearted towards the poor. My opposition is
against the abuse of charity, and with a zealous de-
sire to give a salutary direction, not only to bene-
volent feelings, but to the laws, and to those of
Christian obligation, which enjoin upon us " to
succour the poor,''^ My creed as to charity is, that
we are bound to relieve want and distress, without
first waiting to inquire how it has arisen,* and that
too without regard to nation, color, sect, or view,

* The parable of the Good Samaritan inculcates this truly Chris-
tian obligation.

IV PREFACE.

to reward. If I have advanced or advocated any
measure appearing in opposition to these princi-
ples, I regret the obscurity in w^hich my sentiments
are expressed. I should far exceed the bounds of
discretion, did I illustrate my positions by numer-
ous facts, the fruit of daily intercourse with the
poor. To those who have taken a working part
without emolument, such proof would be super-
fluous, and for the greater number of those who
derive either patronage, influence or emolument,
from the vast expenditure connected with, and
coming under the sweeping head, " Relief of
THE Poor," I neither look for nor expect appro-
bation.

I shall mention a consequence of the poor
laws, with which the people in the United King-
dom cannot be supposed to be generally ac-
quainted, that the poor working English in the
United States, rarely send aid to their poor re-
lations in England, aware that the poor laws
provide for them, while the poor working Irish,
with an earnestness of feeling truly character-

PREFACE.

ire in the constant habit of remitting to
|their poor relations a part of their earnings. I
fspeak herein from my knowledge of facts, arising
[out of my official situation ; and greatly do I fear,
Ithat the introduction of poor laws into Ireland
will destroy those feelings which are more worthy
of being cherished than the building of palace-like
prisons, poor-houses, or permanent charity estab-
lishments. Having adopted Canada for my coun-
try, deeply interested in its prosperity, I shall not
cease on all occasions to deprecate the introduc-
tion of any compulsory relief for the poor therein ;
the finer feelings both of the giver and receiver
are cherished by being free. Hospitals for the
sick or maimed, places of temporary refuge for
the widow, the orphan, and the stranger, will never
be wanting where sectarian intolerance or com-
pulsory provision is not created ; all that can be
now done for England, is, to endeavor to modify
the evils of the present vicious system, not with
violence or haste, but uponnot only a well digested,
but a fair trial. Under a hope of such a consum-
mation, the following sketch is sent forth, under

VI PREFACE.

your auspices, as having the especial charge of
his Majesty's Colonies, and of having visited the
United States, and Canada.

As I have derived much valuable practical in-
formation from visiting the institutions in the state
of Connecticut, I deem it important to add, in an
appendix, a brief view of the management of the
poor by that far-famed, sagacious people, and also,
to add some extracts from my report, as to the
state of New Yorkj as also an outline of the rules
for regulating the proposed depot, and an esti-
mate of the expense.

^an'^m:'^ ■■

to the right hon. edward g. s. stanley, &c. &c.

Sir,

Having had the honor of being required by Viscount
Palmerston, to furnish a full report of the legal provision
which exists in the state of New York, for the support and
maintenance of the poor ; the principles upon which it is
founded, and the practical effect of the system upon the
comfort, character, and condition of the inhabitants —

I am led to submit to you, sir, as his Majesty's principal
Secretary of State for the Colonies, a measure which has
relation to his Majesty's Province of Upper Canada, and
has engaged my attention for sixteen years.

With untiring solicitude I have sought information from
the actual working of institutions upon a smaller scale,
conducted by the most reflecting and calculating people on
earth,* whose success has regulated my conclusions, and
enables me without risk to propose the instituting in the
first instance an experiment in a systematic way, for the

* The Selectmen and Overseers of tbB Poor in the state of Connecticut.

;7".'j5»t- , • ' •■ L'-T 'V-,' ■r\,-;''r':t"'

8 RBIilEF OF THE POOR.

purpose of proving that emigration and colonization will
effectually relieve England from the oppression of the
poor-law system, and prepare the way so as to place the
rising generation of the working people in the sure road
to independence. A variety of concurring circumstances
renders the present hour peculiarly adapted for the success
of the measure.

That British North America should be the spot in which
such an experiment should be made, will perhaps be at
once apparent, without dwelling on its genial climate,
rich soil, and vast resources, as the foundation of a mighty
empire. With these preliminary remarks, I proceed to
relate some circumstances of a more personal nature,
and which first gave rise to the subject in my mind. In
the year 1816, I had the heiior to represent to the late
Marquis of Londonderry, then his Majesty's Secretary
of State for Foreign Affairs, that vast numbers of loyal
and industrious subjects of his Majesty's^ were anxious to
remove from the United States to Upper Canada. ,,. In
consequence of which, his Lordship directed that such
should be aided, not exceeding ten dollars each, for the
purpose of being forwarded to that destination, and that
every family so forwarded should receive also a grant
of land. A number of these persons having come from

RELIEF OF THE POOR.

the counties of Monaghan and Cavan, and the Lieutenant
Governor having directed settlements to be formed, two
of these settlements were called Cavan and Monaghan;
in which arrangement, Dr. Baldwin, of York, took a live-
ly interest, and at this hour, no part of the province
exhibits a greater degree of prosperity, or evinces more
steady loyalty. In the course of this duty, I soon became
convinced, that those who had not energy to make their
way by their own resources, would be ill adapted to
encounter the difficulties which are the inevitable lot of
all in entering on a new settlement; and although I was

''empowered to afford aid to the extent already men-
tioned, I rarely did so. Yet previous to 1821, I had for-
warded above seven thousand persons to Upper Canada,
and that without expending in aid as many shillings ; and
finally, except in extreme cases, as unforseen sickness or
great want, I discontinued affording any pecuniary assist-
ance, having had abundant evidence, that just in proportion
as people, able to work where labor is to be had, are aided, so
in proportion are their efforts paralyzed and their prosperity
retarded. It was very natural to feel a deep interest in the

^ prosperity of those persons, and as I generally made a
yearly visit to Upper Canada during the sickly season in
New York, I had an opportunity of examining the con-
dition of many of those in other j^irts of the province.

M-

RELIEF OF THE POOR,

whom I forwarded. The result of this inspection was,-
that I can confidently state, that all able to work found]
employment, and in less than six years, were not only de-
livered from the fear of want, but that five out of seven!
were living on their own lands, and had barns, oxen, cows, '.
pigs, and many of them horses. I have, therefore, from the
knowledge thus gained, become fully impressed, that Canada ;
is capable of taking off, not only the surplus jjopulation of]
the empire, hut the pauper poor of England ; and indeed,
as far back as 1828, in ti letter I had the honor to address
to Sir Robert Peel, I imparted the same idea.*

In respect to the project of a colonizing and receiving
establishment, already treated of, some account of its ob-
jects and arrangements may be naturally expected. The
examples and data for its government are chiefly de-
rived from a personal examination and inspection of the
institutions of the adjoining state of Connecticut, so famed
for its prudential and economical jurisprudence ; besides,
what facts have been gleaned from an investigation made

•while this work was in press, I received the message delivered by the Lieut.
Govenor to the ParliamenI of Upper Canada, now convened, and in reference to
the capabilities of the Province, his Excellency says, "I am persuaded that you
will concur with me in the opinion, that were they sufficiently known and ap-
preciated, the parent state would be encouraged to regard this fertile country
as an asylum for a large portion of her present redundant population, and to
adopt an extensive system of emigration ; which, with prudent regulations,
could not fail to ameliorate the condition of the laboring classes, promote the
Wfclfare of the Province, and increase her own commercial prosperity.

WWW: ^^^'f ""'^ ''\\ ^ '^?m-'-^y^^^

RELIEF or TTIE POOH.

11

into the polity of the state of New York touching the
"relief of the poor."

The experiment may be made either on national grounds, :
or on behalf of any one county disposed to enter upon the
same. But it is evident, from the immense responsi-.
bility it will entail, and the important mischiefs which
failure would occasion, that it would be highly desirable
that even the arrangements of the voyage should be made
under a well-appointed and judicious supervision. The
physical condition and mora:l habits of the emigrant paupers
being capable of being materially affected by it.

As the principle of free agency and self-dependence lies
at the foundation of energy of character, and systematic
exertion, and the consequent prosperity of the individual,
where there is any scope of action, it would be sedulously

C

enjoined by the superintendents, and be materially consulted
in the various regulations of the establishment. The fol-
lowing outline is submitted, in which, if some repetition
appears, it will doubtless be pardoned, from the difficulty
of being full and explicit without falling into this error.

1. None shall be fed in idleness, who are able to work.

2. Every measure calculated suitably to raise the charac-
ter of each individual in his own estimation, will be adopted.

3. A steady and cheerful attention to religious duties to
be promoted without infringing on the rights of conscience.

'■'':qv,'!y^?f^.

12 RELIEF OF THE POOR.

4. Recreative exercises allowed as the reward of good
conduct.

5. Marriage of the young encouraged.*

6. Punishments, where the necessity of such is indicated,
to be adjudged by a jury of the emigrants, chosen out of
their own body, as hereinafter set forth.

The establishment to be named after the county under
whose auspices formed ; or if national, to have a national
appellation.

The land should consist of at least one thousand acres,
on which a saw-mill should be first erected, buildings for
the married and the single of both sexes, dining hall,
school, infant school, workshops, houses for superintendent,
for two assistants, for doctor and schoolmaster, an hospi-

• I confess (as the father of seventeen children,) I have ever been opposed to the
Malthusian system, and I am supported in such opposition by the highest of all
authority : " Increase and multiply." Cold mu^t be the current of that man's
blood, and wretched is the state of that people, whose prosperity is dependent on
and sacrificed to, the avoidance of marriage.

As Upi er Canada can furnish employment and food for millions, is i^ not
lamentable, that a system of not only violence to the dearest affections of our
nature, but the most direful consequences promoted thereby, should be con-
tended for as essential to F'ngland's prosperity.

Could I arrive at the expense of supporting bastardy in all its bearings, I do
not think I hazard too much in saying, that for a less sum, husbands could be
proivded for the surplus female population of England, and render them the
happy mothers of legitimate children, by granting to each female on her mar-
riage twenty-five acres of land in Canada, the right to be vested unalienably in
her and her issue.

1 hip assertion may be tested by bearing in mind, that 5Z. would purchase the
twenty-five acres, and by making these grants in England on their marriage,
what vast numbers would get married and proceed out to Canada, thus reliev-
ing England, and increaaiog Canada!

RELIEF OF THE POOR.

13

tal, barns, cattle sheds, &c. &c. The school rooms to be
* fitted up with sliding partitions, so as to answer for a
place of worship.* •

All would be at liberty to depart as soon as employment
offered.

In the selection of officers, practical qualifications would
be considered of paramount importance ; but in regard
to the principal, capacity being indispensable, would be
specially regarded ; one inefficient person, imposed through
favoritism, would mar the success of the experiment.

The number of officers requisite has been mentioned in
the paragraph relating to buildings.

The growing of hemp and flax, the planting of willows
for basket work, the culture of the vine and other fruit
trees, the planting of the mulberry for the rearing of silk-
worms, &c., to afford employment for the aged and infirm
is looked to. Such an -establishment would, prima facia, re-
lieve the parent country of one thousand paupers annually.
., Laborers, assistants, and mechanics of all kinds are, in
Upper Canada, in great demand, both for in and out door
occupations ; food is abundant, materials for building are

•The establishment should throughout bear evidence of its intrinsic charac-
ter, and in its exteriur have the appearance of what it really was, the humble
residence of humble persons. Perhaps it might also with propriety be rendered
80 plain, as to remind the inhabitants that their social rank was yet not so
deservedly high as that of the occupants of surrounding habitations, the fruits
of the industry of their framera.

^^^^r:^;^; ^^c^^^-^^r^^Tj::^

RELIEF OF THE POOR.

[plenty, and consequently cheap, and such a state of things
as likely to continue for many years; it follows that the

iatural desire for independent action would lead all the
iyoung, and the robust of other ages, to leave the establish-
iment as soon as convenient. In regard to restraining the
tparishes sending out those paupers alone calculated to be
|useful, it is obvious that such a course would not be practica-

Jle, as the counties would probably see their account only in
^disposing of the burden of pauperism en masse. Yet it

rould be simply just, as the prosperity of the colony at
large would have to be consulted, as well as that of the
|contemplated establishment in particular, it would seem to

)e only common justice not to burden the undertaking with

in excess of the blind, the imbecile, and helplessly dis-
eased, so as to make of it simply an hospital, as this
would evidently defeat all the objects had in view in the
prosecution of the above valuable ends.*

From the demand for labor of all description existing in
Upper Canada already mentioned, this would of course
refer to every class of the community; but it seems ne-
cessary for a moment to advert more especially to females
and boys. Of these, numbers to an almost indefinite extent
could be absorbed by Upper Canada, while these descrip-

• Yet the reception of even all such as were capable of being removed has
been duly considered, and to a great extent, could be provided for.

RELIEF OF THE POOR. 15

►•tions of the pauper population in England tax the public
most seriously in providing suitable employment for them, i
where they are so employed and^ apprenticed out ; and
there are thousands who are an entire dead weight, con-
tributing nothing to their own support. Emigration having '
I been hitherto chiefly confined to the male paupers, it is
t somewhat essential to state further, that the demand for
female assistants and servants in Upper Canada is very
great, and cannot easily be satisfied; and the same may be
observed respecting boys capable of being apprenticed ; it
may be added, that so essential are females to a new agri-
cultural country, that marriage is regarded as necessary to
prosperity, and few can retain their maid servants, as they
soon become the wives of farmers and mechanics.

Should this experiment be properly conducted, it may be
affirmed with little hazard, that it might be extended so
far in a few years, annually, to embrace the formidable
amount in round numbers of one hundred thousand ; or In
other words, the whole pauper populationof the United King-
dom, capable of being embarked.

This apparently hazardous estimate has for its support
many practical men in the New England States, as also, I
believe, that of Sir John Colborne, the present truly efficient
and valued Lieut. Governor, whose incessant labors for
the happiness of this province are so conspicuous, and now
:' 'justly estimated by the people of the colony.

16 RELIEF OF THE POOR.

The future and prospective advantages of the successful
working of the foregoing plan, if happily consummated, are
so obvious, as scarcely to require minute enumeration, yet
it may not be altogether superfluous to state some of them.
The additional strength which would Ihereby be given to
the upper province, where labor is so much wanted in every
respect ; the gradual extinction of an unwieldy and un-
manageable tax in England ; the satisfactory disposal in an
English Colony of a large number of the dead weight
population, and the accomplishing of the most extended
expectations of the philanthropist, by conferring upon the
destitute and miserable, the power to provide for their own
wants, and to assume a corresponding rank and importance
in their own estimation, and in the scale of society ; and not
the least, the removing of the half-initiated from their old
haunts and associates, are some of the advantages.

I am fully aware, that every novel project is liable
to be scrutinized with severity, and sometimes even
with prejudice. On the other hand, candid examina-
tion, so far from being deprecated, is desirable, and
salutary to the cause of truth. Many objections doub-
less remain to be stated, besides those which have
been anticipated in this paper ; but as it claims no higher
grade than that of a sketch or outline, and as I beg to state
my entire readiness, as well as wish, if required, to answer

^W'M

1?ELIEF OF THE POOR. 1^'

objections, and afford explanation on all the various points
refered to in the project, as well as in the annexed estimate ;
an anticipation of these in full, would at the presennt time
seem unnecessary. It may be further stated, generally, that
the details of every department have been thoroughly ar-
ranged for practical operation, from observation of the
actual working of similar institutions, on a less extended
scale, and the estimate now presented is regarded as abun-
dantly ample.*

But over two thousand persons should not be under one
management, although several depots might be profitably
and successfully placed under one supervision A division
of responsibility might not only strike at the success, but
at the very existence of the experiment ; unity of plan and
promptitude in action, so necessary in the management of
large bodies of people, should be strictly regarded in the
proposed measure. In case, however, of apprenticing out
the young, and in regard to all measures affecting the future
disposal of the inhabitants of the depot, it would be highly
desirable that this should be effected through the medium of
benevolent associations in different parts of the province.

* The measure throughout, with the estimates, have been submitted to Gen.
Johnson, thirteen years one of the Select Men of Hartford. The Hon. Judge
Williams and other gentlemen conspicuous for their successful directing and
controlling the various institutions in relation to pauperism and crime in the
state of Connecticut.

3

RELIEF OF THE POOR.

for that special purpose, and one of such vast advantage tcci
the province.

Should this project be taken up as a national object, tli
idea of the amalgamation of the paupers of Ireland anc
Scotland, would present an important point for considera-
tion, which is fully provided for. In conclusion, if forty^
years of active life, an intimate acquaintance with paupei
emigration in all its forms, and under all its various branches,,
during eighteen years of that period spent in the Unitec
States, and a thorough knowledge of Upper Canada, car
qualify for giving an opinion, I am firmly persuaded, that
honestly and judiciously carried into execution, the mea-
sure will prove one of the greatest benefits bestowed upon
England, and may be also extended to the other divisions
of the United Kingdom.

TATE OF THE POOR IN NEW YORK-

?he following abstract forms a part of my report as to
^ the poor laws, 6fC., of the State of New York, addressed to
Viscount Palmerston.

In the annual report for expense of the poor for this state,
made to the Legislature up to January, 1832,

The expenditure was, ------ $312,065 80

Or £70,214 10 sterling, being an excess over the

previous year, of $118,874 33

or £26,746 10 sterling.
•In the report lo 1st January, 1833, for the year

1832, - - ~ - $383,560 80

or £86,301 3.7 sterling.
Being an increase of-------- 71,494 12

or £16,086 3.6. sterling over the former year.

5th Query. " The practical working and effect of the
actual system, upon the comfort, character, and condition of
the inhabitants ?"

This embraces a wide field, and did I not fear to encum-
'"^ berthis report, with matter which your Lordship might

^^■^|J^^•>.^e*''^^vi•>»^/ ■'::,■■ ■ ' >#• -"^ ■™- *'"

■^0 THE POOR IN THE

deem irrelevant, I should go at large into the subject, m ilie-
hope of rendering it more intelligible to those at a distance ; •
but I am constrained to say, the working is had, and the^
effect had, and so considered by every reflecting man
conversant with the system ; save the contractors and dis-
bursers of the money, and by many of them also con-
demned. Such CN sweeping charge requires explanation, iii
which I shall be as brief as possible.

The primary causes are : —

First. That the support is compulsory.

Second. The dissolute, the idle, and abandoned, partake
equally with the unfortunate and the destitute.

Third. The number of persons composing the adminis-
tration, in all its bearings, instead of the responsibility being-
limited to individuals at the head of each department.

Fourth. The frequent change of the persons having the
direct management of the poor, arising out of universal
suffrage, annual elections, and flotation in office.

After many years reflection on the working of our chari-
table institutions, I have been led to question, whether the
mis-application and abuse of benevolence or charity, has
not entailed on mankind, (where employment is to be
had,) greater evils than the abuse of power ? Let this
seemingly hazardous assertion be well examined before
condemned. I am upheld by the facts in this state.

Siii^?srv^>':

STATE OF NEW YORK. 21

where labor is dear, and provisions- cheap, that for what-
ever class we provide, that class will increase ; provide for
bastardy, it will abound; provide great state workshops,
food and raiment for criminals, and occupants will not be
wanting ; so with charitable institutions and poor houses.
The sums levied by the corporation of this city on all stran-
gers who arrive by sea, to guard the city against the expense
of supporting such as may become poor, with the liberal
administration of other funds, entail great and growing
evils on its population, and leads numbers from the interior
of the state, and from adjoining states, to flock here " as
the eagles to the carcase ;" sympathy is awakened, persons
are not wanting to plead for a share of the funds, which
are applied to acquire personal popularity and political influ-
ence, while the numbers who divide the responsibility of dis-
tribution prevents firmness of purpose, as exposing to the
charge of hardness of heart, so that numbers who could have
found employment in distant quarters, come to this city,
partake of the support afforded, herd with the lazy, the
abandoned, and vicious, lose all self respect, and become
the victims of crime. I do not fear, my lord, to be charged
with overdrawing this picture, by those who take pains to
investigate the subject.

No other city in any country has more ample accommo-
dations, more splendid buildings, or abounds more in a

THE POOR IN THE

igenerous disposition towards the poor. I should be unjust
did I not bear this testimony, in fact their liberaHty is not
meted out by country or creed, and hence thousands^
crowd the city, to partake of the liberal provisions made,
and as liberally distributed,* while it cannot be too often
repeated, all aid, save to the imbecile in body and mind, or
on sudden and unforseen calamities, in a country like this, <
where all who will work are sure of employment, and
where two day's wages is sufficient to buy necessaries for
a week's sustenance, is to be deprecated.

With respect to poor children, a system prevails in this
city, though seemingly harsh and unfeeling, yet it has a very
powerful influence to deter families resorting to the com-
missioners of the poor for support, or an asylum in their
establishment for the poor, viz : — That the commissioners or
overseers apprentice out the children, and dispose of them
to distant parts of the state, and on no account will inform
the parents where they place their children.

Unquestionably, this mode is one of unfeeling severity,
where no discrimination is observed as to the character of
the parents ; but of mercy where parents are abandoned,
A case occurred where a poor English family, who had paid,

*I do not hazard too much when I venture to say, above 20,000 persons receive
aid from pauper institutions within the city during the winter,— equal to one-
tonth of the population.

??rgft;

STATE OF NEW YORK. 23

Ife dollar each to the corporation on landing as commutation
guard the city against their becoming a charge on the

^or house,) which I beg to set forth, the husband, wife and

children, not being able to obtain immediate employ-

mt, went to the Alms House on Friday, the husband left it

Monday, and got employment ; before the end of the week

ieterred by the dread of what took place) he was enabled to

jmove his wife and applied for his children, but found his
eldest child had, in the interim, been bound an apprentice, to
whom or where, the superintendent would not inform the
afflicted parents. After various applications, I was applied to
in my official capacity, and not until after much negotia-
tion, did I attain the restoration of the child ; the system has
been forced upon the superintendents, as persons who took
children apprentices could not manage them, while they
were beset with, and subject to, the visits of their parents.

In justification of the superintendents, it rarely occurs that
any but the abandoned, or orphans, have occasion to resort
to the poor house, as such has been the demand for the labor
of children above ten years of age, that thousands can be
yearly disposed of most eligibly, so as to render them inde-
pendent of charity ; and it is truly a humane act to send
children out of the establishments in this state, where the
vicious and abandoned are sent as associates with the poor
and destitute.

24 THE POOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Work houses and poor houses have become united, thus^
rendering the victims of crime and vice associates with
those of misery and poverty, which has a truly demoral-
izing effect, and cannot be too strongly condemned.

In this state, poverty and crime may very generally be
called synonymous, for no man or woman need be poor
unless dissolute ; there is throughout the country a cheerful,
nay, an outrunning of charity towards suffering worth, or the
victims of sudden calamity or unforseen distress. Hospitals
for the sick, provision for the widow and orphan, the imbe-
cile in body and mind, for all such it is the bounden duty of
every state and community to provide ; but all systems
which tend to generate crime, although the fruit of benevo-
lence, cannot be too strongly marked, yet few have firmness
of purpose to act in accordance with such persuasion,

Fss^^^iiwg';^;*::.-'^*"^^''' • ■ '

to THE MANAGEMENT OF THE POOR IN
CONNECTICUT.

;'he state of Connecticut was first settled in 1634, and
peopled from England, — contains four thousand six hundred
and seventy-four square miles, and contained in 1820, two
hundred and seventy -five thousand eight hundred and sixty
eight inhabitants.

The statutes relating to the poor, are comprised in five
pages of an octavo volume, which contains the laws of the
state, and is well worthy of consideration by all legislating
on the subject, although such could not be followed in
England, at the same time, all concur in condemning one
feature, viz : — the want of classification between the vicious
and the indigent, the existence of which I witnessed in all
the establishments which I visited. Another questionable
clause is, that the support is compulsory, and what seems
highly so, there is a penalty attached to the refusal to
afford it. A further peculiar feature of the law is, that
any inhabitant who should entertain a stranger for fourteen
days, unless notice given to the select men of the town, the
person so entertaining, should be liable to support such

26 MANAGEJIENT OF THE

stranger, if reduced to want by sickness or otherwise,
within a period of six years after arriving in the state ; and
another feature of the laws in relation to the poor, is, that the
select men of each town are empowered to remove any
stranger, coming to reside in the state, at any time within six
years, if likely to become a charge on the poor fund.*

The poor in this state are placed in two classes as to the
source of support, viz : — Those having claims on the townf
by birth or from having gained settlement (which requires
six years residence) ; the other, those who had no such claim
on the towns, are chargeable to the state.

The following facts I obtained from General Nathan John-
son, who has been one of the select men of Hartford, annually
elected, for many years, who has also filled various depart-
ments in the legislature, and is regarded by all, as among
the most faithful and intelligent public men in the state, and
to whom I had the honor to be introduced by the Hon. Judge
Williams, the Mayor of Hartford, as also to Mr. Phelps, the
Controller of the state : to those gentlemen'! beg leave public-
ly to acknowledge my thanks for the kindness manifested

to aid me in all my inquiries, I alone take the liberty of na-
ming those gentlemen, as giving weight to my observations

♦This feature of their laws serve as an index to the character of the commu-
nity, and deserving of particular notice by all who speak of this sagacious
people.

t Town refers to lands, lead embraces villages and cities corresponding to our
Parishes-

>X>OR IN CONNECTICUT.

jvious to 1820 the select men of the state were permitted
Eo grant support upon such terms, and to an extent alone

[regulated by their discretion.
But the expense became so great, that the'subject was taken
Ip in the legislature and submitted to a committee, of whom

[General Johnson, already named, was an active member, and
law passed limiting the discretion of the select men, and

Subjecting the state alone to a charge not to exceed one dol-
lar, or 4s. 2d.a. week, for support of any pauper, and such

^lone to be extended to persons not born in the state, or in a

(■bordering state. The annual charge to the state previous to
this law, varied from twelve to fifteen thousand dollars,

^•£3,375. 0. 0. a law was also passed, authorizing the con-
troller of the state to contract for the support of the poor, to
which the state should be chargeable ; but no contract to be
-made for a longer time than five years, and by public offers
or bidding.

Such has been the working of the measure, that the last
contract has been taken at one thousand eight hundred dollars
£405. a year, while such diminution does not arise from an
improved_condition of the hitherto pauper community, but
from the wholesome effect of causing them to work, and
the consequence is, that the newly peopled regions of the
west, of the shores of Lakes Superior and Michigan, and
the valleys of the Mississippi and Missouri, afford sup-

■"f^f^' ':■/■' -■'-■■'■' ■'-■y'-?W^

28 MAJVAGEAIENT OF THE

port and independence for those who would otherwise
have still constituted the poor of the state of Connecticut,
but for the change of system, and thus the wisdom
and firmness of the legislature, has driven the poor of the
state thousands of miles, unaided, into the wilds of the
West and thereby forced independence upon them.*

The present contractor for the support of the state pau-
pers, resides at Windsor, near the centre of the state, the
more distant parts not exceeding much more than one
hundred miles. He again contracts with the contractor
for the support of the poor of the border towns, to allow them
a fixed sum for supporting such poor as come under the
class he is bound to relieve, without limitation as to num-
bers, the inland towns not being exposed to claims of many
poor from distant states, or countries, (the law authorizing
the removal of all such) but any such who may get in, and
claim aid, the contractor has arrangements made for their
support, or being conveyed to his establishment, where they
may remain at his expense until the termination of his con-

* And such has been the effect of the times in England, that many families have
been forced to leave the land of their fathers, for Canada to obtain that support
which they could not obtain in England, where they are now independent and
free from want. Why then should not England withhold support from the pau-
pers, unless they in like manner remove? There is no pity for the industrious
farmer and mechanic, who is forced to emigrate, but a great outcry would be
raised, were it attempted to feed, support and maintain the poor, by removing
them, not toSthe^wilds or woods, but to establishments amply provided for their
wants, where a sure opening of employment, and a certain prospect of bettor
ing their condition, would be the consequence. -

r^^

POOR IN CONNECTICUT. 29

tract ; but in as much as the contractor is authorized by the
legislature to make all paupers perform such work as they
are capable of, it is evident all who can, will make their way
out of the state, or seek labor where they will be paid.

The working of this system is obvious ; the contractor
having a limited sum, for supporting unlimited numbers, his
gain depends on, not only his vigilance to guard, that not one
man belonging to any town in the state, nor of a bordering
state, shall be supported at his expense, and like a consummate
general, he guards the avenues by which the enemy mg,y
approach, he therefore contracts with the frontier towns of
the state, and allows them also a limited sum annually for
supporting all paupers, without limit as to numbers, who
would have a claim on him, as therefore their gain in like
manner arrises from their not admitting any, who do not
come within the limitation, from all which arrangement, it is
evident Connecticut is not the country where idle or dissi-
pated characters will seek shelter. The foregoing refers to
the provision for the paupers claiming support from the state.

As to the mode adopted by the towns, the same revolu-
tion as to expense has also taken place, as in the state
expenditure. The numbers supported in the town I could
not learn, no return being made ; numbers are not regarded,
the expenditure alone looked to. The same economical

MANAGEMENT OF THE

r^ten^^Sopted by the state has taken place general!^
Ine towns. Happening to be in Southington (at the time o|

leir town meeting, to elect officers for the year ensuing!

^hich contains about one thousand eight hundred inhabi

^ants, I learned that some years ago, the poor tax on th|

town, independent of their tax for state poor, amounted tc

about #14,00, or £315 0. 0. now it is down to about $30C

or £62 10. 0.

But now contractors take the poor at a limited sum, fo
the support of all to which the town is liable, and such is
the wholesome effect of the contractors working them well,
that in a country where labor is dear, and the necessaries
of life abundant, the demand upon the poor fund has dimi-
nished, and continues to diminish in the state of Connecticut,
as set forth.

The Mayor of Hartford kindly accompanied me to the
poor house, distant about three miles from the city. I
was glad to find it was not a palace-looking establishment, as
at New York and Albany, yet the rooms were clean, neat,
and sufficiently comfortable for the occupants ; their food
was abundant, and adequate to their wants ; not calculated
to lead them to prefer the place as affording better living than
the daily fare of the hard working laborer or mechanic of
their neighborhood, the fruit of their own industry. The

]?00R IN CONNECTICUT. 31

females in the house, (save one who was lame, and another
imbecile in mind) were votaries of intemperance in body
and mind, hard to manage, yet such as humanity would not
spurn from shelter and food. Beyond the work of the house^
save a little knitting, spinning, and weaving, some woolen
garments,'they contributed little to their support, some occa-
sionally worked out in the neighborhood, and thereby helped
to clothe themselves.

A system of rigid confinement does not appear to pervade
these establishments, and with perfect tact, when a drunken
vagrant is taken up, and sent to the workhouse, he is locked
up in such a manner that when he awakes and becomes sober,
he finds means to escape, whereby the establishment and
neighborhood are delivered of his presence.

Few are kept in prison who are not destroyed by it.

I have yet to learn, who was ever reclaimed by imprison-
ment ; the outside of a prison has terrors, the inside none ; a
vicious person enjoys a quiet in prison — he is a stranger to
without — no man dreads it less than he who oft frequents it,
those who are young in the science of governing the depravi-
ty of the human heart, will scoflfatthis digression.

The funds for the support of the poor of the State of
Connecticut, are levied from the real and personal estate of
the citizens, which as has been observed in my report on the

?^?w

32

MANAGEMENT OF THE POOR IN CONNECTICUT.

poor of the state of New York, is yearly valued by the as-
sesors of towns, who make their return on oath, so that an-
nually the property of every citizen is known, and published
to the world. It is worthy of remark, that the select men
are authorized to sequester the property of drunkards for
the support of their families.

r-r.v.'^'^-r^v ■

^i

RULES AND REGULATIONS,

Peculiar circumstances may require a modification of
the following ; but it is deemed proper that the regulations
as to the governing principle of the measure should be exhi-
bited, and no doubt, will call forth what all deem themselves
capable of furnishing — advice : suffice it to say, they are all
drawn from the actual working of various departments, the
good effect of which, in so far as they have been acted on,
has been proved, and with a special regard to Upper Canada,
as a marked distinction must be kept in view between what
is suitable for America and for England. It is only an
intimate acquaintance with the subject, can convince people
who come to the United States or Canada, that they have to
unlearn what they regarded as their chief merit in England,
before they become in any degree efficient either as agricul-
turists, mechanics, or superintendents. The religious
arrangement will excite the warmest discussion, but with-
out the fear of God, and the glorious hope and consola-
tion of the Christian religion, are inculcated in the spirit
of meekness, kindness and charity, as exemplified in the

Lofa

MM:^:.^

RULES AND REGULATIONS,

teaching of the Lord Jesus, I should have no hope
the measure proving a blessing to those to be removed,!

1st. The residents shall be put and kept to such laboi|
as they are capable of performing, and as will best promot
industry and economy, reference being had to their agei
sex, and ability, and no excuse shall be admitted. but actuate
infirmity or disability, to be determined by the attending:!
physician. And if any person shall refuse to perform hisJ
task, during the hours prescribed, or shall be refractory or"J
disorderly, or in any way violate the rules of the house, or «
do any wanton injury to the furniture or other property, he^j
shall be punished by the authorities, and in the manner
herein after mentioned.

2d. A rigid system of classification shall pervade the
whole establishment, viz : Jurors and monitors, as hereinafter
set forth, (to enforce order and obedience,) the classification;
to extend to distinction, as to accommodation in dormitories,
dining hall, and eligibility to hold office, and other marks of
favor.

3d. That the enforcing of the various rules and regulations
shall be committed to monitors, elected by the inmates of
tlie depot from among themselves, who shall report to the
jurors any infraction of the rules ; but such appointment is not
to interfere with their usual labor or occupation. The su-
pervision to be as follows, viz :

RULES AND REGULATIONS.

^•tth. In each apartment of fifty persons, two monitors tc

le selected by the residents of such apartment, to hold their

)ffice for one month; such, however, to be eligible for re-

iliEtion with the concurrence of the superintendent. The

s^me principle of election to hold among the single of botl^

pexes but the adjudication of all punishment to be alone en-*

forced by five persons to be called jurors, to be chosen

lonthly by all the monitors, but as to their re-election, such

be sanctioned, as in the case of the monitors, by the super-

itendent : the proceedings of this court to be open, and to

ike place in the presence of the superintendent, and on the

Evening of the day on which the oflfence comes to be known,

and punishment immediately to follow conviction.

5th. That being guilty of disobedience of any rule dis-
qualifies from holding office, either as monitors or jurors, for
such period as the superintendent shall think proper.

6th. The hour for rising shall be at sunrise thoughout the.
year, the bell to be rung, when every person shall immedi-
ately arise, comb hair, wash hands and face, under the inspec-^
tion of the monitors, and such as are so disposed, repair to the
school room, (place of public worship,) where the ten com-
mandments and the Lord's prayer, shall be read by a discreet
'person, selected for the purpose by the superintendent, from
thence to breakfast and to their respective occupations, the
children to attend school for two hours, after which those capa-

RULES AND REGULATIONS

such labor as shall be prescribed ; also two hoursa!
school after dinner. At the appointed hour for retirement^]
the bell will ring, when all shall retire to their respective dor-^
mitories ; half an hour after, the jurors shall in their turn visit
each apartment, to see that all lights are out, holding the mo-
nitors accountable for any omission, or for permitting any
to smoke a segar or pipe in their rooms after thfe bell rings.

Tth. The hours for labor shall be as follows : — In sum-
mer, from one hour and one half after sunrise until eleven
in the forenoon, and from one o'clock to one hour before
sunset. In winter, the same in the forenoon, and from one
to sundown in the afternoon, and from the 20th September
to the 20th March, they shall labor in the evening, from six
to eight o'clock, except as to the labor of the youth of both
sexes, which shall be particularly prescribed.

8th. The hour for meals shall be as follows : — through-
out the year, breakfast one hour after sunrise. The bell
shall always be rung thirty minutes before each meal, when
every person shall cease from work, and immediately be
ready, with clean hands and face, for the ringing of the se-
cond bell, when they shall repair to the mess rooms, the
aged first, and take such seats as shall be assigned by the
dining hall monitors. Dinner at noon, and supper at sun-
down. Half an hour shall be allowed for meals, when the
bell shall be rung, and no person shall leave the table without

RULES AND REGULATIONS.

permission, when all shall rise, and retire to his or her rooi
|vor employment, and no one shall take any article from the
table. The monitors shall see that the table is immediately
cleared, and be careful that the fragments are saved. No
person shall be allowed any food except at the regular
meals, unless prescribed by the physician.

9th. That the children, when capable, shall be bound out
to proper persons, inhabitants of the province, to be approved
by a justice of the peace, or any regular placed clergyman
residing in the neighborhood of the applicant, who should
undertake to act as guardians of such children, or by associa-
tions, which should be formed in different parts of the pro-
vince for that purpose, who would undertake the task, the
boys to be bound until eighteen years, and the girls until
sixteen years, of whose actual state a yearly report to be
furnished to the superintendent, that in his annual report a
full view should be rendered of all who had been sent to
the depot, such report to be forwarded to the Imperial as
also Provincial Parliament, made up to the first of January
in each year.

10th.. None of the residents shall purchase, or have in his
or their possession, any spirituous liquor, and the same shall
always be taken by the superintendent, jurors or monitors,
whenever found, and it shall not be restored. And the de-.
linquent shall be punished as the jurors shall direct.

RULES AND REGULATIONS.

1. That all persons brought to the depot, shall b^
Iberty to leave it when deemed capable of sustaining them-
selves.

!» •12th. That all w^ho choose to remain after six months
should be remunerated, by being paid in cash, on leaving
the depot, half of all contract w^ork performed by them^
separate from the depot.

13th. That the flute, violin, and other instruments, shall b«
provided, to afford recreation for such as are disposed to]
learn.

14th. That a library shall be formed and furnished with
Biography, History, Treatises on Physics and Mechanics ;
also such works as are acknowledged of a moral tendency,
and such periodical works, daily journals, and magazines,
admitted, as the jurors should require, under the sanction
of the superintendent.

15th. That on the Lord's day, all should be required to
respect the day, (however only by persuasion,) when the
person selected to read the daily morning service, should
in addition read in regular order a portion of the Scriptures.
While such regular ordained clergymen, pastors or minis-
ters, as should be desirous of rendering their services,
should be at liberty to officiate, at hours to be arranged by
the superintendent, {the arrangement as to payment, reserved
for consideration) when all should be at liberty to attend cv

AULES AND REGULATIONS.

ts they might be disposed ; but no interference
the peculiar mode of worship or faith of other denomi-

itions of Christians, nor any observations of a poUtical
nature, on any account to be indulged in by those allowed to
officiate ; and in case of any departure from these regula-
tions, such person to be excluded from the depot in future.
Psalmody or singing hymns to be taught and cherished in
the young on the Lord's day.

16th. That the Bible, without note or comment, shall be
furnished for the use of all in the depot, and any work of
professedly a moral character, sanctioned by the various
clergymen or pastors who shall give their occasional atten-
dance, will be received into the library ; but on no account
shall any of the paupers be permitted to have any books
which impugns the Christian character.

17th. The only punishment for adults, confinement and
to be fed on bread and water, and for the youth, a firm,
yet mild chastisement, but always in private.

ATE.

Estimate of the proposed depot in Upper Canada, and ret
ving from England 1000 Paupers annually, including

food, clothing, medical advice, and instruction. The ac-
commodation to comprise 1000 acres of land, buildings

for males, females, married, single, orphans, insane, dis-
eased, or blind.

EXPENSE OF TRANSPORTATION.

First. — Adults can be provided with passage for 2l. IDs. children
under thirteen, half price ; provisions for the voyage, young and old,
can be amply provided for JEl. 10s. each, making £4. transport to
the settlement, say j£l. IDs. and for contingencies, 10s. making £6.
until placed at the depot. I see no good cause why the poor who
are sent out at the expense of Ihe parish, should be better provided
tlian the poor farmers and working classes, who come out at their
own expense, and sure I am, the estimate is not only ample, but
abundant, and under proper management, would cover removal
from the parish to the place of embarkation. Much depends on
the masters of the passenger vessels. The timber ships 'are general-
ly second class, many'of them fourth class vessels, and commanded
by men ignorant and dissipated. I should, therefore, deem it essen-
tial, to secure success and the comfort of the poor people, to be par-
ticular as to the class of the vessel, and capacity and sobriety of the
master. Those directing the measure should take charge of the
paupers in England, and thereby avoid the many and certain evik
to which emierranls are liable, on their passage to Quebec and New

'^M^^MMk

ESTIMATE.

Ifeir arrival there, which proves truly dis-
couraging ; but such errors may be guarded against.

The lands, houses, stock, farming utensils and cattle, should all
belong to the county or community making the experiment. The
blind, insane, or persons above sixty, not to be sent out, save under
the special provision set forth in the estimate.

Purchase of 1000 acres, and buildings for 1000 per-
sons, asset forth, taken at £12,000, interest thereof

Removing 1000 persons at £6. each.

One year's support,

Head Superintendent

Two working do. £50. etch

Schoolmaster,

Doctor

Matron

Contingences, first year

The resident officers to have such support as the farm
can produce.

£500

0

0

6000

0.

0

4000

0

0

200

0

0

100

0

0

50

0

0

100

0

0

50

0

0

1000

0

0

Amount, £12,000 0

Second year, 1000 removed from England
at £6. each.

Interest on purchase of lands, &c.

Superintendence, &c.

Annual allowance for support, &c., second
and every future year, independent of the farm
and labor of the Paupers,

6,000 0 0

500 0 0
500 0 0

*5000 0 0

£12,000 0 0

Only /lOOO is required for the additional 1000 paupera yearly sent oui.

Tom^any of the persons so sent out becoaie insane or blind,
addition to the above estimate, for all such a charge to be made ;

Idiots or Insane, 4rf a day,

Blind 3d a day,

Clothing and attendance being included.

View of Jive year's drainage of the Poor from theparent State.

First year, lOOD persons removed to depot,
Admit that one third depart from it, although one
half might more correctly be calculated,

Remains

Second year, 1000 sent
Second year, one third depart.
Third year, 1000 sent.
Third year, one third depart,
Fourth year, 1000 sent
Fourth year, one third depart
Fifth year, lOOO sent
Fifth year, one third depart

Remains

Remains

Remains

Remains

1000

333

677

1000

1667
555

1112

1000

2113

704

1408
1000

2408
800

1608
1000

2608
886

172?

PpSiWPfll^^ ?" -^^ "^-^^^

ESTIMATE.

43

RECAPITULATION.

Sxpense first year,
Second year
Third do
Fourth do
Fifth year

£12,000

12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000

£60 000.

N. B. — Births would supply deaths.

Thus in the space of five years, 5000 paupers, would be removed
at an expense to the country of £60. 000. The expenditure of
the County of Kent for 1832 is stated at £425, 578, at this rate one
year's poor rate of Kent would for ever free the county of 35.000
paupers, teniper cent, is a wide estimate for those who would be born,
as also for the feeble or blind making one hundred and fifty persons
dead weight on the Depot, and admit that Ad. per diem should be
required for them, this would not at most add in any way £l000
a year at the end of five years, while it is believed from the improved
state of the farm, arrangement and management, no such additional
charge would be required to the £l2,000 a year. It is to be kept in
view that such additional buildings as should be required would
be raised by the paupers.

%^