Workhouses are of various sizes. One of ordinary dimensions comprehends accom modations for 460 to 700 inmates of both sexes and different ages; others, in populous neighborhoods, as near Manchester, will accommodate 1500 inmates. Classification as regards sex and age is an important particular, and is usually well attended to. In some situations the able-bodied inmates work at field labor within boundary walls. There is no going in and out at pleasure. A workhouse is a sort of prison under stern, though not unkind discipline, and the leading principle always held in view is, that the offer of being accommodated shall act as a terror to idly-disposed persons, who are inclined to seek parish relief. The establishment of a workhouse really has this salutary effect; where there is no workhouse, the pressure on the poor-rates is generally excessive. A half empty workhouse is thought a proof of good poor-law management.
In Scotland, the name workhouse is sometimes given to institutions for the support of paupers, but their correct legal designation is POORHOUSE. Previous to act 8 and 9 Viet. c. 83, establishments for the reception of paupers had been erected in many of the larger towns of Scotland, and the expense connected with their maintenance was con sidered a proper charge on the funds. Admission to these almshouses was granted as a matter of favor to the more deserving of the aged, infirm, and friendless poor. No system of discipline was enforced, as any improper conduct could at once be checked by expulsion of the delinquent.
Act 8 and 9 Vict. c. 83, which made a complete change in the poor-law system of Scotland, affords powers for the erection of new poorhouses, and for the enlargement and greater efficiency of those that previously existed. The classes of poor for whom they are designed are described as " the aged and other friendless and impotent poor," and " those poor persons who, from weakness or feebleness of mind, or by reason of dissipated or improvident habits, are unable to take charge of their own affairs." The parochial board of any parish, or combination of parishes, which contains above 5,000 inhabitants, may erect a poorhouse as soon as a resolution to that effect has been approved by the board of supervision. Two or more contiguous parishes, with the con
currence of the board of supervision, may build a poorhouse for their common use; but no poorhouse can be built, nor any existing poorhouse enlarged or altered, until the plans "have been approved by the board of supervision. The parochial boards of parishes, or combinations of parishes, in which there is a poorhouse, may receive poor persons from other parishes at rates approved by the board of supervision. When two or more parishes unite to build a joint poorhouse, the expense of its erection and main tenance is apportioned as determined by the parishes; and for the purpose of erecting, altering, or enlarging a poorhouse, power is given on certain conditions to borrow money on the security of the future assessments of the parish or combination.
Parochial boards were empowered by the above act, under the sanction of the board of supervision, to frame regulations for the management and dis,cipline of poorhouses: But the board of supervision has found it expedient, for the sake of greater efficiency and uniformity of management, to frame a general code of regulations, which, with a few modifications for peculiarly circumstanced parishes, now form the existing rules by which the Scottish poorhouses are administered. The management of each poor house is committed to a house-governor and a matron, subject to the orders of a com mittee of the parochial board or boards of the parish or parishes to which the poorhouse belongs. There are minute provisions for the classification of inmates according to age and sex, the discipline, medical attendance, religious instruction, diet of the inmates, and the duties of the different officers. Each poorhouse is to be visited at least once a week by a committee of two or more members of the parochial board, who are to insti tute an inquiry regarding a number of specified particulars, the answers to which inquiries are to be submitted to the house committee at each meeting. There are at present about 65 poorhouses in Scotland in connection with 400 parishes. See PAUPERISM.