We find, that from 1st July 1811 to 1st July 1812, of the 1402 persons relieved, there were 741 maintained in the house; and the children nursed at expence of the institution were 55. The average expence incurred for each individual was 61. I5s.; and the total expenditure 61601. In the succeeding year, terminating July 1813, of the 1501 persons supplied, there were 842 maintain ed in the house, and 49 children paid for at nurse. The average cxpence for each individual was 71. 7s., cover ing all charges, and the total expenditure 72561. But the debt had increased to 43541., which the citizens arc now called on to discharge. In the former year, the deaths in the house were 77, in the latter 55. Thus the numbers of the poor seem to have doubled in about seven years, and the average expcnce of relieving each has increased an eleventh part in a single year. Con nected with this establishment is an adjoining edifice for reception of insane persons. Another, on a more judicious and enlarged plan, is now erecting at a little distance from the city, under the name of the Lunatic Asylum.
An asylum for the industrious blind was instituted, principally under the auspices of Dr Johnstone of North Leith, in 1795, which is supported by voluntary con tribution, and the produce of labour. Nothing merits greater commendation than the mode of conducting this establishment. The industrious objects of the in stitution are taught all kinds of employment adapted to their unfortunate situation; and, front the judicious management, the produce of labour exceeds that of other institutions of the same kind, where the numbers are greater. Here matt•asses of hair and wool are made ; mats and baskets of all descriptions ; and some of the blind have even been occupied in weaving.
The preceding observations lead us to remark, that several expedients have been devised, in different coun tries, for the suppression and extirpation of mendicity. So long ago as the year 1701, a pamphlet was published in Edinburgh, laying down a system for the suppression of begging, and for alimenting the poor. It was then proposed, that a general contribution should be raised by voluntary subscription, for their reception into hospi tals or workhouses ; that they should be employed in use ful occupations, and that the produce of their labour should be sold for indemnifying those who contributed to carry the system into execution. We know not if this proposal was put in practice ; but more than a century later, one not dissimilar has been adopted, and, during its continuance, has been attended with complete success. A society, chiefly through the exertions of Mr Robert Johnstone, one of the magistrates of Edinburgh, was in stituted in the beginning of the year 1813, for the sup pression of beggars, for the relief of occasional distress, and for the encouragement of industry among the poor. All these different objects have been effected. The city is entirely freed of beggars, a great number of suffering individuals have been relieved, and a considerable quan tity of work produced by those who were willing and able to labour. During the first eight mouths of the institu
tion, 622 persons applied for relief, of whom 456 were females; and it would appear, that the applicants had 481 children dependent on them. Every case is strictly investigated, both to shun the hazard of deception, and to afford the proper means of relief. It is then referred to one of several committees, by which it is suitably dispos ed of. This institution is entirely supported by volun tary contributions, and the produce of labour.
The author above quoted also suggested, in 1701, a plan for suppressing vice and idleness; and in various places societies have been instituted for the repressing of the vices which arc principally prevalent in great cities, or for recalling those to innocent pursuits who are not inured to vicious habits. Youth is easily led astray, and mankind too often fall a sacrifice to the art ful contaminations of their fellow creatures. In the city of Edinburgh, there is only one institution, so far as we are aware, for such laudahle objects. This is the Magdalene Asylum : institution, of which the purpose is, to shelter, and occupy in use Iul lal our, tl ose females who may be reclaimed nom prostitution, to the paths of virtue. An edifice was built !or their rec. win!, in 1797, north of the Canon gate, and they cur mat c % posed to common view. The work performed there, i spinning, sewing, washing, and other occupations ; and, unlike most charitable establishments connected with la bour, the return nearly equals the ax pence of subsistence. One-third of the value of the work is allowed to the fe males for clothing. From the date of the institution, in 1797, until the first of January 1813, there had been re ceived into the asylum 2u2 females; 33 of who, Ind claimed protection during the preceding vein. Of all that number, only 23 exceeded 2• years of a!;(. ; which perhaps goes to testify, that vicious w hen longer rooted, become incurable. Most of the whole had been discharged, and sent to service, or were reconciled to their relations ; but some proved irreclaimable. There then remained 59 in the house. It is singular to remark, that although other vices are eradicated, no instance has yet occurred of reformation from chinking; an other proof, added to a thousand others, of the perni cious effects attending the use of ardent spirits. The expenditure of the house for the year now referred to, was 10811. ; while the receipt was 10991. Of this, the expence of subsistence amounted to 7331. ; and the produce of labour to 5281. The funds arise front annual subscriptions, occasional donations, and the value of the work done in the asylum: But as there is no more than sufficient, even with rigid economy, to support the establishment, cases of a very distressing and urgent na ture are sometimes necessarily rejected.