f/*l 
 
 il5h 
 
 ■^5*fl^
 
 PENITENTIARY WORK 
 
 IN THE 
 
 CHUECH OF ENGLAND. 
 
 F^FERS 
 
 PEEPAEED 
 
 FOR DISCUSSION AT THE ANNIVERSARY MEETING OF 
 
 THE CHURCH PENITENTIARY ASSOCIATION, ON 
 
 S. MARK'S DAY, 1873, AT THE REQUEST 
 
 OF THE COUNCIL. 
 
 WITH A PREFACE, 
 
 By H. R LIDDON, D.D., 
 
 CANON OF S. PAUL'S. 
 
 LONDON: 
 PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE, 
 
 ^xlnUtB in #rbhtarg to '$tx pajestp. 
 
 1873.
 
 The, Council are not to he considered responsible 
 for aim opinions expressed in the Papers, Ac, that 
 follow. 
 
 Chuech Penitentiary Association O^^fice, 
 32, Sackville Street, 
 
 Piccadilly, W,
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Preface, by H. P. Liddon, D.D. . . . . . . v 
 
 I. General Paper, by Vice- Admiral A. P. Ryder ... 1 
 
 II. Selection of a Site, with Plans for Cottage Penitentiaries, &c., 
 
 by A. R. Barker, Esq., Architect 31 
 
 III. Cottage Penitentiaries, by the Author of "Work among the Lost" 43 
 
 IV. Short Homes, by a Sister in charge of a House of Refuge . 51 
 V. Industrial Occupations, by A. E. R. 57 
 
 VI. Draft of Statutes, communicated by the Rev. Rowley Lascelles 69 
 
 VII. Financial Returns, by M. J. Lomax, Esq. .... 95 
 
 VIII. Religious and Secular Education, Anon. . . . .117 
 
 IX. Visitation of Dens, by the Author of "Work among the Lost" 123 
 
 X. Liability Cards, by J. G. Talbot, Esq., M.P 131 
 
 XI. Foundling Homes, by a Sister in charge of a House of Refug'e 135 
 
 A2

 
 PEEFAOE. 
 
 The Papers which form the present publication will be in- 
 teresting, it is hoped, to an increasing number of Enghsh 
 Churchpeople. Of late years the deeper import of the work of 
 our Divine Lord, as the Good Shepherd, Who came to seek and 
 to save the lost, has, through the teaching of God the Holy 
 Spirit, been pressed more closely than heretofore upon the heart 
 and conscience of the English Church. Those among her sons 
 and daughters who have indeed listened to this heavenly 
 Teacher, will not need any introduction to such a collection 
 of Papers as the present. To every enlightened Chi'istian 
 conscience such documents will at once appeal, as the records 
 of an honest attempt to deal wisely and courageously vnth 
 what is perhaps the most difficult, as it is certainly among the 
 most sacred duties of the Christian Church — the duty which 
 she owes to perishing souls, and, it may be added, to imperilled 
 society. But for others who may chance to meet with these 
 Papers, a few words of explanation are perhaps necessary. The 
 subject, at any rate, is one which will bear, and which indeed 
 requhes, importunate advocacy among those very many persons 
 who only do not support Penitentiary work from a deficient sense 
 of its vital importance, or from their easy acquiescence in one or 
 two fallacies which are in general circulation with respect to it. 
 They best know the need that there is for rescuing the 
 victims of sins against pui'ity who have in any degree suffered 
 themselves. Even in this world such sin entails swift and 
 certain judgment. It impairs mental power; it is often fatal
 
 VI PREFACE. 
 
 both to retentiveness of memory and to close direct reasoning. 
 It saps the springs and strength of will. It deadens the fresh- 
 ness and chills the warmth of affection. It undermines physical 
 health ; it is constantly the secret of premature decline ; and 
 no epidemic, with which medical science is acquainted, sends so 
 many victims to an early grave. Its action upon man's spiritual 
 natm-e is more disastrous than its effects upon his mental and 
 moral constitution, or even on his physical frame. It eats out 
 that love of God, which is the vital force of a soul in grace, 
 with swift and deadly energy ; and it brings in its train " seven 
 devils " at the least, especially the untruthfulness and illtemper 
 which are naturally needed, so to speak, to sustain and complete 
 it. Ruinous as it is to individual men, it is equally ruinous to 
 society. Infanticide and wide-spread physical disease are its 
 direct consequences ; and it undermines the strength and purity 
 of that family life which creates strong races and is at the root 
 of all true and enduring national greatness. To the lover of 
 his country, not less than to the servant of God, it must always 
 appear to be the greatest evil which can corrupt society ; and, 
 in our day. it is a matter of pressing urgency how best to stay 
 the plague, the ravages of which are much more serious than 
 at any previous time. 
 
 The first reflection which such a collection of Papers will 
 suggest to many readers will probably be that these writers 
 are complicating, what is in reality a very easy and simple 
 subject, by an unnecessary appearance of difficulty and intricacy 
 " If a man or a woman has done wrong," it may be urged, '' all, 
 surely, that is needed is a change of mmd and an effort to do 
 better for the future. What is to be gained by surrounding a 
 simple spiritual act or process by a Penitentiary apparatus, such 
 as is contemplated in these pages ? Kepentance," it is contended, 
 *' is surely a strictly personal matter. It is the work of God 
 the Holy Spirit upon the heart and conscience of a sinner. If
 
 PREFACE. Vll 
 
 a sinful soul be not contrite, no external system can work it 
 into penitence and newness of life. If it be contrite, an outward 
 system of discipline and control is superfluous and impertinent, 
 as undertaking to complete, by human agencies, what God 
 Himself has begun, and what God alone can bring to perfection 
 in His own time and way." 
 
 This Hue of objection to Penitentiaries involves, at least, one 
 very serious mistake ; it ignores one of the clearest and most 
 imperative of the laws which are traceable in the spiritual 
 world. Most true it is that God is the author and giver of all 
 good things ; that without Him we can do nothing ; that it is 
 He who worketh in us both to will and to do, of His good 
 pleasure, whether it be for penitence or for sanctification. But 
 although in reality He is the only worker, He insists on our 
 working with Him. He created us without consulting us; 
 but He will not save us without our active concurrence, as if we 
 were brute matter, having neither intelligence nor will to place 
 freely at His disposal. Qui creavit nos sine nobis non salvahit nos 
 sine nobis. And what is true in the history of the individual 
 soul, is true also of God's regenerative action upon society. 
 He works, but by human agency ; He works, but men prepare 
 His way, enforce His teacliuig, make the most or the least of 
 their heavenly Friend, and fare accordingly. Now, as at the 
 first, in all efforts for the instruction, improvement, sanctification 
 of our race, human beings, with all their weakness and imperfec- 
 tion, are "workers together with" God, He gives the increase; 
 but Paul plants and Apollos waters . And so far as we know, 
 in the absence of these or other human labourers, the Divine 
 gift would be withheld. 
 
 Certamly the solemn awful act whereby a soul " turns from 
 darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God," is 
 itself achieved by no natural personal resources of the converted
 
 VUl PREFACE. 
 
 soul. Still less can it be forcibly precipitated by the efforts of 
 other men. But whether the agencies through which God 
 converts sinners shall be brought near them or not — this does 
 depend on human wills. And whether the grace of God, after 
 its first victory is to expand and bear fruit, or whether, as 
 Leighton expresses it, like a tender plant in an unkindly soil, it 
 is to wither away and die— this also is within the competency 
 of human wills to decide. Whether the yearnings after a pure 
 life, which now and then are felt by the most degraded souls, 
 are to be anything more than a passing emotion, may altogether 
 depend upon the nearness of a House of Refuge or Penitentiary. 
 Whether some strong effort to break with bad habits and evil 
 companions is to be followed up until the reign of purity and 
 peace is fully re-established in the life of the penitent, will very 
 probably turn upon the advice, the assistance, the various oppor- 
 tunities, afforded by some earnest Christians, who "can have com- 
 passion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way, 
 for that they themselves also are compassed with infirmity.'' 
 
 If this be admitted, the question at issue is considerably 
 narrowed. If it be granted that the recovery of fallen women, 
 like the conversion of the heathen, although in itself God's 
 work, does yet depend for its achievement upon the readiness 
 and earnestness of human wills to do what He prescribes by 
 His Woi'd and His Holy Spirit, then the question at issue merely 
 concerns the machinery to be employed. It is objected to the 
 Penitentiaries which are worked by Sisterhoods, that they 
 involve a system and organisation, complex and elaborate in a 
 degree out of all proportion to the end at which they aim. The 
 work which they would do at the cost of so much time and trouble, 
 may be done, it is contended, much more easily and expeditiously. 
 Kind words, encouragement under difficulties, some instruction 
 inreligious and moral truth,— these things can be had out of Sister- 
 hoods. Wiij are they not enough? Why embarrass a great cause
 
 PREFACE. IX 
 
 by features which may withal enhance its cost, while, in the 
 present state of public opinion, they may withal diminish its 
 popularity ? 
 
 Here, it is obvious to observe that those^ who recognize the 
 importance of Penitentiary work, while they object to its con- 
 nection with Sisterhoods, are bound to take care that they really 
 do something to promote it in some manner which their own con- 
 victions will permit. To criticize the efforts of others, while we 
 attempt nothing ourselves, to wards the enfranchisement of souls 
 and the lessening of a vast social mischief, can only do the critics 
 very grave moral harm. There is room enough, God knows, 
 for the efforts of all who will exert themselves, in whatever 
 way, in this field of labour. And those who labour most sin- 
 cerely and perseveringly will be likely to speak with sympathy 
 and respect of their fellow-workers^ who, while following a 
 different method, are aiming at the same end as their own. 
 
 Moreover, whether English Church Penitentiaries have or 
 have not, during the last twenty years, attempted too much in 
 the way of system, is a question fairly open to argument. 
 Then- friends and workers are, as far as possible, from claiming 
 infalHbility for the methods pursued in them. This collection 
 of Papers show how tentative are their efforts, how many are 
 the confessedly open questions respecting them, how wide is 
 the field of free practical discussion. It is always possible that 
 a recoil from excessive neglect may issue in exaggerations, 
 which, however well-intentioned, are mistaken and harmful. 
 It is conceivable that, in some cases, the distinction between the 
 devotional standard of the self-devoted women who undertake 
 this great work, and that of the very best of those to whom they 
 offer protection and guidance has been somewhat lost sight of; 
 it is possible that, in some other particulars, now and then, a 
 simpler method of treatment than that actually attempted might 
 be adopted with advantage to the work in hand.
 
 X PREFACE. 
 
 But if this be conceded, it is at most a concession in detail. 
 And the broad question behind is a question of principle. Ought 
 a work of this kind, from the nature and necessity of the case, 
 to be troublesome and costly ? Or rather is its cost and trouble 
 an objection to undertaking such a work at all ? Surely for a 
 Christian, who sincerely believes his Creed, there can be but 
 one answer to this question. Christian Divines have often 
 maintained that, abstractedly speaking, God might have saved 
 the world by a single act or movement of His Will. Less, 
 indeed, cannot be said of Him, Who is infinite in His power and 
 resources. But they add that, since He has in fact chosen 
 another way, that way must be best, must under the circum- 
 stances be in some sense necessary, because He has chosen it. 
 And how has He chosen to save the world ? " God so loved 
 the world that He gave his only begotten Son." He *' spared 
 not His own Son, but freely gave Him up for us all." Does 
 not the Incarnation of the Eternal Son, does not His Death upon 
 the Cross, point to a momentous truth, — the truth that moral evil 
 is a much more serious and terrible thing than we men, in our 
 shallowness, are disposed to think it ? If the sin of the world 
 could only, in fact, be taken away by the blood of the Imma- 
 culate Lamb of God, who shall gainsay it, if individual sinners 
 must now be restored to purity and peace at the cost of much 
 time, trouble, anxiety, disappointment ? The objection to the 
 Penitentiary work of Sisterhoods will be found ultimately to 
 rest upon a different estimate of the seriousness of moral evil 
 from that which the Revealed Doctrines of the Incarnation and 
 Atonement really imply ; no man, to whom these doctrines are 
 serious realities, can doubt that off-hand estimates of the 
 guilt entailed and of the ruin caused by sin, are as profoimdly 
 un-Clmstian as they are experimentally and philosoj^hically 
 untrue ; and that any sound and successful plan for grappling 
 with the gravest and most destructive form of sin known among 
 us, must repudiate such imperfect estimates at the very outset. 
 
 J
 
 PREFACE. XI 
 
 How the necessary time and trouble will be best expended, 
 in furthering this great work, is a question which each genera- 
 tion may well endeavour to answer more fully than its prede- 
 cessors. This pamphlet, it is hoped, will be, in its degree, a 
 contribution towards solving that question. As is inevitable 
 whenever discussion is honest and thorough, it will provoke 
 some dissent from opposite quarters, at the hands of those 
 who agree in its general object. But no one, it may be hoped, 
 can read such Papers as that "On the Visitation of Dens,"* or 
 on "Foundling Homes,"t without feeling a deep desue to do 
 something, indirectly and through the ministry of others, if 
 not directly and in person, towards staying the plague that 
 rages around us, for the love of Him Who came to save us, 
 and of the souls for whom He died. 
 
 H. P. LIDDON. 
 S, PauTs, September, 1873. 
 
 * p. 125. t p. 139.

 
 I. 
 A PAPER 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 ANNUAL MEETING, 1873, 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 A LIST OF SUBJECTS FOR PAPERS, AND THE REPLIES OF 
 
 THE VARIOUS CHAPLAINS AND LADY SUPERIORS 
 
 TO THE INVITATION SENT TO THEM BY THE 
 
 SECRETARIES OF THE C. P. A. TO GIVE ANY 
 
 INFORMATION IN THEIR POWER ON THE 
 
 DIFFERENT QUESTIONS RAISED, 
 
 PREPARED BY 
 
 VICE-ADMIRAL A. P. RYDER.
 
 Note. — Tlie names of the Writers of the Replies have not been 
 given, hut all Replies to which the same Liitial is attached are from 
 the same Person,
 
 HOMES FOR THE FRIENDLESS AND FALLEN, HOUSES 
 OF MERCY, ETC., 
 
 IN UNION WITH 
 
 The ignorance of many Churchmen and Churchwomen 
 respectmg the Penitentiary movement — the past efforts (ex- 
 tending now over nearly twenty years) of the Chm-ch Peni- 
 tentiary Association — the names even of the Houses in union, 
 seems to point out that the time has arrived for bringing the 
 subject more prominently before the Church, and thus following 
 up the address to the Bishops sent to them by the Church 
 Penitentiary Association in 1871. But previous to doing this, 
 it has been suggested that it might be beneficial if the asso- 
 ciates, and those still more intimately acquainted with the 
 working of the movement, e.g., the Chapains, Wardens, Lady 
 Superiors, Lady Superintendents, &c., had an opportunity of 
 hearing papers read (followed by discussion) on various points, 
 with regard to some of which there may still be a difference of 
 opinion, even among persons of great experience in this work. 
 
 One maxim must be considered axiomatic by us, viz., that 
 " the i7iternal management and discipline of the Houses ivill he best 
 i7itrusted to self-devoted women.'" Nevertheless, statistics of 
 Houses conducted on other principles, e.g., by Committees and 
 paid Matrons, if fairly comparable, and showing what was the 
 percentage of Penitents who, say two years after leaving the 
 Penitentiary for the world, continued to be thoroughly well 
 conducted and earning then* own living, would be valuable and 
 afford con^dncing evidence, I doubt not, to those Churchmen
 
 4 Replies to Questions. 
 
 and Cliurchwomen whose support and sympathy we have not 
 yet won, that our system of treating this fearful moral disease 
 is not only a good method, but the very best. 
 
 Rough Draft of a List of Subjects for Papers. 
 
 (1.) The selection of a Site; advantages and disadvantages 
 of its being in a large town, near a large town, or at a consider- 
 able distance from any large town ; number of acres which 
 should be obtained, if possible; supply of water, of gas, the 
 garden, &c. ; mistakes to be avoided. 
 
 Note. — When selecting a Site, state what amount of land 
 should be obtained in addition to that absolutely required for 
 Penitentiary purposes, upon which to build the Orphanage, or 
 the Convalescent Home, or the School, &c., that would afford 
 opportunity for the alternative work so beneficial, if not abso- 
 lutely necessary, to those who devote themselves to the 
 accomplishment of our object. 
 
 A. Site, not in town from which women are principally taken. Old 
 
 companions continually haunting the place and exciting them. 
 A receiving house necessary, but the Homes should be where out- 
 door exercise is possible, without fear of meeting old associates, 
 and where there is little to remind them of past wicked life. 
 Garden and recreation grounds most beneficial, especially the 
 latter. Half an hour with a skipping rope will be found to work 
 off discomfort and ill brooding better than many another exercise. 
 
 B. It should not be too isolated. Not too near a town. The number 
 
 of acres nmst depend on circumstances to be considered in each 
 case. Quite unnecessary to have Orphanages or Convalescent 
 Homes attached — they are, if they exist, quite independent of the 
 Penitentiary. 
 
 0. The Refuge or House of first instance best in the towns to offer 
 immediate asylum and test sincerity of purpose ; then, if possible, 
 they should be passed on to the Penitentiary in the country, well 
 removed from the sights and sounds and associations of the towns, 
 the scene of former sins. 
 
 From 8 to 10 or 12 acres, according to the size of the Penitentiary 
 — from 2 to 3 of these acres to be used as gardens, recreation and 
 diying grounds, the remainder to secure isolation and provide 
 pasture for cows, &c., &c., giving the opportunity of daily 
 occupation and instruction, and economically supplying the Home 
 with such prodtlcc, and giving a further range in case of the 
 addition of the other institutions named.
 
 Replies to Questions. 5 
 
 E. The only advantage of a town site is the facility of getting laundry 
 work. 
 
 Not less than two acres for building Penitentiary. 
 Not less than an acre for the alternative work. 
 
 I. The advantages are great of being in a large town of getting constant 
 supplies of washing and needlework of a kind you can rely upon. 
 Sure payment, i.e.^ no one leaving their bills unpaid — for instance, 
 
 St. washes for 3 hotels and a hospital, besides private 
 
 families, which would alone be attainable in a town. Gas and a 
 good supply of water are also thus ensured, the importance of 
 which cannot be too highly estimated. 
 
 L. Alternative work is very important, but the extent of land so depends 
 upon local circumstances that it is very difficult to give an 
 estimate. 
 
 N. It is highly desirable to secure at least two things — 1st. That 
 external sights and sounds should not penetrate; they always 
 cause more or less excitement. At one time the penitents at this 
 home were taken to Church, only next door, and it was found 
 very disturbing to the discipline, 2nd. That out of door exercise 
 should be, if possible, secured. Hence, a Penitentiary should 
 either be in a retired situation, away from a town ; or, if near it, 
 should be as far as possible from any frequented thoroughfare, 
 and should have sufficient ground about it to secure the out of 
 door exercise. 
 
 (2.) Designs of Buildings already erected, and proposed 
 designs for future buildings, on the block and on the detached 
 cottage system: also the amount and nature oi furnishing required 
 for— 
 
 (a) The Single Room^ in towns ^ for 1 Penitent ; 
 (U) The Associated Refuge, for, say, 10 Penitents and 2 self- 
 devoted li'omen ; 
 (c) The Penitentiary for 60 to 80 Penitents, and say 10 to 12 
 
 self-devoted women, exclusive of probationers ; 
 {d) The Industrial Home, more or less self-supporting, for 
 those who have left the Penitentiaries, should it be for 
 60 to 80 " workers," or a much smaller number {see 3). 
 The aspect^ the dimensions^ size, number, and character of 
 the various offices, dormitories, e^c. ; the special fittings neces- 
 sary for large laundries ; the mistakes to be avoided. Among 
 other questions to be considered the following should be 
 included — 
 
 Should the dormitories have cubicles or open wards ? 
 Should there be a light all night in each ward ?
 
 6 RejoUes to Questions. 
 
 What should be the amount of supervision by clay and 
 night? (See Paper No. IL) 
 
 B. If by self-devoted women sisters are meant ; a religious community 
 
 always does its work best by working together, not separated; 
 but the design of tlie building, whether detached cottages or one 
 Home, would, 1 should think, be greatly gTiided by the circum- 
 stances and the advice of the superiors. 
 
 It would be impossible to answer these questions, except in 
 detail, in each individual case. Every architect will make his 
 own plans. 
 
 The supervision of dormitories again depends on the individual 
 cases. Cubicles are desirable, but they may become mere hiding 
 places of evil. 
 
 C. (c) I prefer a smaller number, sa}' 2o or 30. 
 
 (d) This should be almost entirely self-supporting, and might be 
 limited as to numbers only in proportion to the number of sisters 
 available for oversight. Cubicles with partitions, 10 feet high. 
 I would suggest a light always at night, throwing a light at 
 once over the ward, by withdrawing a slide, but not giving light 
 otherwise. 
 
 E. (d) Industrial Homes certainly not to contain more than 20. Each 
 Penitent should have a dormitory quite to herself. They measure 
 10 feet by 6^ feet. Double casement window opening both ways. 
 One rushlight in each, expected to last a week, lighted by a sister 
 who sees them into their rooms and bolts them in. A ventilator 
 over door keeps dormitory airy, and shows when light is out. 
 A sister's room here and there amongst dormitories. No further 
 supervision at night. One sister should not have more than 
 15 penitents under her charge at one time, except at meals. 
 
 Late experience suggests, might there not be a Home for those 
 who for some mental or bodily infirmity, such as blindness, can 
 never go to service and most especially need a shelter. It would 
 be something on the principle of a Home for incurables, and would 
 never be self-supporting, but w^ould have a strong claim on the 
 sympathy of those who feel an interest in Penitentiary work. 
 
 H. Laundries should be roomy, all on one floor, and have high 
 pitched roof. Cubicles not at all necessary. 
 
 I. (cl) Cannot be too many, but should be in two sections, the better- 
 most and those less advanced. 
 
 An extensive hot air drying room. 
 
 Each washing tray to be self-supplying, with unlimited supplies 
 of hot and cold water, and to drain itself off again. 
 
 Also a large drying ground, which might also be pai-t of a 
 recreation ground. 
 
 Most decidedly open w^ards. 
 
 Certainly not. Lights should be put out at a given time. 
 
 Treat them witli every confidence without putting temptation 
 in their way.
 
 Replies to 
 
 Not to be solitary, but make them at once at home as one of 
 the family. Nothing is so mistaken as keeping them apart from 
 the probationers. They need no depressing, and nothing wins 
 them more than those in charge giving them an affectionate and 
 cheerful welcome, and then, if well enough, set them at once 
 to active work. 
 
 K. Cubicles fastened outside. Lights unnecessary. 
 Constant supervision. 
 Two sisters at least to each dormitory (say of 12) at night. 
 
 L. Cubicles. 
 
 No light. 
 
 Some one always sleeping in the dormitory to overlook it. 
 Girls should not be left day or night. 
 
 M. If cubicles, the partitions should be very high, better to the ceiling-. 
 If open wards, quite open, no curtains. 
 Supervise as much as possible. No trust. 
 
 N. As a rule, open wards certainly, except for Penitents who have been 
 a long time in the Home, and can be trusted. 
 
 Should never be left alone. 
 
 The Industrial Home is absolutely needed — desirable for those 
 Penitents whose health is not good enough for an ordinary place, 
 but might be trained to needlework or other light work in such 
 a Home ; necessary for those who have been addicted to drink, 
 who are scarcely ever fit to be trusted to go into service. 
 
 0. The whole of the beds should be within view of the sister. This 
 may be done by a window leading from her room into the dormitories. 
 It is better to have a light which at any moment the sister can 
 raise to the full from her room. This is essential with Penitents 
 in the earlier stages of probation, &c. 
 
 (3.) Industrial Homes for Penitents who, on leaving the 
 Penitentiaries, are not considered to be as yet fit to be trusted 
 to go into service ; are such Homes absolutely needed ; if so, 
 why ? and if they are necessary, should they be attached to 
 the Penitentiary or be separate and at a distance from it; 
 should they be worked by self-devoted women detached from 
 time to time from the Parent House for the express purpose, or 
 should the Industrial Home be quite distinct ; to what extent 
 can such Homes be made self-supporting; what number of 
 Penitents per cent, of those who have remained in the Home, 
 say, two years, have been found on an average, unfit ever to 
 return to the world; the advantages and disadvantages of 
 having ladies in residence, who would be attended to by the 
 Penitents as servants, also of a few infants, convalescents,
 
 8 Replies to Questions. 
 
 bedridden ladies, &c., to teach the inmates all kinds of domestic 
 service ; the special cases which require to be longest retained ; 
 mistakes to be avoided ? 
 
 B. All these questions seem to me to be framed on the idea that j^ou 
 
 can, at notice, procure the services of any number of self-devoted 
 women. I think experience will prove that it is not so easy, and 
 that you have to adapt your Penitentiaries to what, in each case 
 where they are working, the self-devoted women themselves think 
 most useful. 
 
 C. Very important. The Penitentiary and the Industrial Home should 
 
 be separate and distinct. It is immaterial, if there are self-devoted 
 women, whether they arc attached or not to the Parent House. 
 
 D. Free Servants' Homes are very urgently wanted for prevention, in 
 
 the cases of girls who (often for reasons they could not prevent) 
 have been thrown out of place without being able to secure a 
 character, and yet are unfallen, and cannot be taken into the 
 " refuges." Such is the House of Charity, Soho Square. 
 
 It is a great question whether it is safe to place 3^oung children 
 of any class under the care of fallen women, but they frequently 
 make careful and obliging nurses, if well superintended. 
 
 E. Industrial Homes for Penitents are absolutely needed, a large pro- 
 
 portion being unfit to return to the world. jNo object in their 
 being at a distance from the Penitentiary, but should be quite 
 distinct. We have employed a few of our Penitents, after the 
 expiration of their two years, as servants in our Orphanage and 
 Village Hosj3ital. This has been found to work well Very 
 difficult to make such Homes self-supporting, unless close to a 
 large town. Not at all desirable to have ladies in residence, their 
 want of experience works badly with the Penitents. It is not 
 wise ever to get the Penitents places in nurseries, and in large 
 establishments the necessary amount of kitchen, house, and 
 parlour labour would give quite sufficient variety of employment. 
 Very important that these Industrial Homes should keep to 
 their intended pjurpose, and not be tempted, for the sake of making 
 them more lucrative, to take girls who have not fallen, or Peni- 
 tents who are fit to go to service in the world. 
 
 F. I believe, from inquiry, that they can be made entirely self-sup- 
 
 porting : better under the same managers, if they are numerous 
 enough. 
 
 Advantages of visitoi-s ven/ doubtful. Visitors seldom under- 
 stand their position entirely, and cause serious hindrances. 
 
 G. I have long felt that the time given to education and religious 
 
 teaching is barely sufficient, and I very strongly wish that an 
 intermediate House of Industry could be provided between the 
 leaving a Penitentiary, and I'cturning to the world, to service, &c., 
 to test the progress made and strengthen the character. 
 
 I. They will never learn service in this waj' ; they would be Hable to
 
 Replies to Questions. 9 
 
 become listless, and do their work in an unmethodical manner. 
 Attendance on incurables might tend to make them irritable, but 
 one or two infants are sometimes a good thing, if good tempered 
 and healthy. 
 
 K. Such Homes are needed, because there will constantly occur cases 
 of women who, after two years' training, are not yet fit for 
 service, to whom the change of place and supervision may give 
 the impetus required for more strenuous effort. For this reason 
 it seems desirable that the Industrial Home should be worked by 
 those unconnected with the home from whence the Penitent is 
 sent. 
 
 There are also cases such as confirmed drunkards, who are 
 rarely to be trusted to return to the world, to whom such a Home 
 would be a great blessing. Such Homes should be self-supporting, 
 with laundry and needle -work combined. 
 
 L. Nearly self-supporting. 
 
 M. There will always be a large proportion of women too weak to 
 resist temptation (especially drink) without continued aid. 
 
 Should be separate, and so distinct, that the women may feel they 
 are entering on a new way of living after their two years' pro- 
 bation in the Penitentiary. 
 
 May be wholly self-supporting. 
 
 N. Separate from it, but in connection with it, and worked by the same 
 body of self-devoted women. 
 
 0. Industrial Homes are not necessary generally, but for some cases 
 most useful, especially those whose chief or most habitual temp- 
 tation is " drink." 
 
 (4 ) Classification during stay in Penitentiaries, its great 
 importance, how can it be best effected, e.g., in large buildings, 
 or in separate cottages (connected by corridors), as in that very 
 successful institution the Raulie House in Germany, where the 
 family life is established and maintained on a small scale in each 
 cottage, &c. j should gii-ls who have fallen owing to deception, 
 affection, violence, ignorance, &c., ever be allowed to mix wath 
 the lowest class ; if not, how can they be best treated separately, 
 and ^vQl not a short period of probation and training be best 
 in many cases of tliis kind before they go to service, while in 
 the ordinary cases a probation of a much longer time may be 
 necessary before they can safely be sent out into the world ; 
 mistakes to be avoided ? {See Papers Nos. II., III., TV.) 
 
 B. Classification is of great importance, but when you have to deal 
 with a great mass of evil, is not easily attained.
 
 10 Replies to Questions, 
 
 C. If classification is necessary, I incline to separate bnildings. Where 
 
 the evidence is clear that girls have only fallen thus, viz., from 
 deception, &c., they would best be kept apart from the lowest 
 class. But the truth is often difhcult to ascertain : many very 
 abandoned cases will pretend, as above, especially when they have 
 reason to think that the full extent of their wickedness is not 
 known by those sending them. In no case should I say less than 
 one year, in most cases two 3^ears. 
 
 D. At present the classification is usually dependent upon the work 
 
 done, viz., laundry class girls, ueedle-ivork girls, kitchen girls. 
 Query, whether that classification might not be improved on? 
 Might not the classes in existing houses be made to tell more by 
 uniting the most advanced and best behaved, and associating 
 them together out of work time, and extending privileges as they 
 were raised in their classes? The mixing of girls who have fallen 
 through dece]3tion, &c., with the lowest class is a great evil. A 
 distinct Home for such cases is much needed. A shorter period 
 for such cases would suffice, but unless such cases were placed 
 apart in a separate " short Home," it would probably cause 
 jealousy, and do harm to the women who needed the longer 
 period. It would be a mistake to have too short a time ; nine 
 months might be the minimum, and the having to remain longer 
 might depend entirely upon tliemselves, viz., upon their general 
 behaviour, and evidence given or not given of genuine efforts to 
 reform. A testing class would be needed, and all to be placed in 
 it at first, from which they would rise according to behaviour; 
 but girls who have lived a sinful life for a few weeks, or even 
 months, should not be mixed witli women who have lived years 
 in sin. A more servant-like dress should be allowed as the girls 
 rise in their classes, and also the supervision should be less 
 constant and strict as the classes rise, so as gradually to prepare 
 them for standing alone when they have returned to the world, 
 the supervision in the testing class being always very strict. 
 
 E. No experience of classification, except in a large house. Classifi- 
 
 cation very important. We are often at a loss where to send 
 girls who ougJit never to he allowed to mix tvith the lowest class. 
 There might either be a Home on purpose for these cases, or, if 
 the house is large and capable of such arrangements, they might 
 be kept in a perfectly separate department, if the staff r)f sisters 
 is sufilicient to secure proper supervision. Even in a H(mie where 
 only one class of Penitents is received careful supervision is 
 necessary. Probationers kept apart from the rest for three months 
 at least, except at meals — a longer period if conduct is not quite 
 satisfactoi-y — then moved into lower cku^s^ with some additional 
 privileges, a little change of dress, and employed more about the 
 house. At the end of one year (or longer at discretion) removed 
 to vpper class^ with still further privileges. 
 
 11. Classification is of the utmost importance. Girls who have not 
 led openly abandoned lives should not be mixed with those who 
 have. 
 
 The period of training must depend upon the individual cases.
 
 Replies to Questions. 11 
 
 K. My experience is entirely against classification. 
 
 Such cases have been frequently received at and no 
 
 sort of separation has been allowed, nor any shortening of the 
 period of probation. The better class have been found to exercise 
 a good influence over those below them, and the annoyances have 
 been accepted by the former as a proper punishment. 
 
 L. All penitents should, as a rule, go through the time of probation, 
 but it is better not to insist upon this at their admittance. 
 
 M. Far better to have no classification. The good have much more 
 power to elevate the bad than the bad to debase the good. It is 
 of great importance to avoid local classification, which leads to the 
 continuance or rene\^^al of bad intimacies and influences. 
 
 No. A girl's real character cannot be ascertained under two 
 years, if then. 
 
 0. In Penitentiaries it is of the highest importance to have at least 
 three divisions, one for those who first come in. Lighter cases 
 need never be in this part, but be admitted at once into the classes 
 without probation. Two classes are necessary, which should be 
 distinct, and hold no communication with one another. This 
 affords a facility for separating girls, which is often required. It 
 also enables two kinds of work to be carried on, viz., iaundry and 
 needle -work, and so the Penitents, according to their strength or 
 previous calling, are allotted to the different occupations. Different 
 kinds of work are useful — cooking, household work, washing, 
 sewing — to fit them for general servants, and also afford healthful 
 variety for the mind, giving fresh interest; when tired of one, 
 they are able to turn to another, if allowed. 
 
 (5.) Industrial Occupations in Refuges, in Penitentiaries^ and in 
 Industrial Homes. — Information regarding each kind of occnpa- 
 tion that has been tried ; differences as to relative amounts of 
 remuneration, after deducting ont-goings ; effect upon Peni- 
 tents, physically and religiously, of different kinds of work; 
 suggestions regarding new descriptions of such work recom- 
 mended for trial ; mistakes to be avoided ? (^See Paper No. V.) 
 
 A. Sewing Machines., if much used, apt to be physically injurious, 
 
 especially to Penitents. 
 
 B. Needlework and washing are the only remunerative occupations. 
 
 We have found delicate Penitents cannot be put to washing. 
 
 E. As much variety of employment as possible, and as little sedentary 
 occupation. Laimdry especially desirable, but all active work has 
 a very good effect physically and religiously. We employ them, 
 especially tlie probationers, a good deal in - the garden in fine
 
 12 Replies to Questions. 
 
 weather, but always with a sister. They are never left unless one 
 happens to be employed a little time alone. 
 
 F. Only laundry work really pays with us, owing- to the general 
 ignorance of those who come in. It is the only thing- the}- are 
 perfect in before they leave. 
 
 H. Laundry work is the most remunerative, and best for the penitents 
 (with of course many exceptional cases). Needlework and other 
 sedentar}^ occupations are objectionable physicall}^ and morally. 
 
 I. Classed as probationers till found suitable to take a place in either 
 work room or laundry when vacancies occur. 
 
 Washing the most remunerative. 
 
 The effect upon Penitents depends upon the circumstances of 
 each case. As a doctor knows the symptoms of each patient, so 
 can only long experience in penitential work quahfy any one to 
 judge of this judiciously. 
 
 The treatment should greatly differ as to the locality the 
 penitents come from, also their previous habits, and advantages or 
 disadvantages ; also, of course, their physical state. 
 
 K. Laundry work has been found rather a hindrance to spiritual pro- 
 gress, as being too bustling and exciting. When Homes are 
 situated in towns, so that but little out of door exercise can be 
 had, it may be good as a substitute for that, but the quieter 
 occupation of needle-work conduces far more to penitence and 
 true reformation. It is however far less remunerative. 
 
 L. Laundry work is most remunerative, but requires much care to keep 
 up the higher tone of feeling among the Penitents, for which 
 house and needle-work are better suited. Care should be taken not 
 to allow the Penitents to have it in their power to say they support 
 themselves. 
 
 M. Laundry work is a great hindrance to moral and spiritual improve- 
 ment. 
 
 N. Laundry work, as giving physical labour and taking the Penitents 
 out of themselves, is better than sedentary work like needle-work. 
 It is also very remunerative. At the Laundry pro- 
 duced in 
 
 1870— £307 with 20 Penitents in the laundry. 
 
 1871— £354 „ 
 
 1872— £385 
 
 (6.) Occupation in the world after leaving the Penitentiary or 
 Industrial Home ; nature of liouseliolds to be sought and 
 avoided ; emigration, has it been found to answer, what is 
 Miss Rye's opinion ; continued affiliation to Penitentiary ; 
 continued intercourse with it; power of taking refuge in it; 
 mistakes to be avoided?
 
 Replies to Questions. 13 
 
 B. Emigration would be good, but the Societies won't emigrate without 
 
 a year's character, and the Penitents do not like to emigrate. 
 
 C. The best houses are where only from two to four female servants are 
 
 kept; no man. Scullery maid and kitchen maid places, though 
 good in the occupation, are dangerous, as they imply large house- 
 holds and many servants, &c. Emigration generally dangerous. 
 
 E. Great care of course to be taken in selecting the families with 
 whom a Penitent can be trusted in seiwice. These are very few 
 in number. We generally obtain situations for ours privately 
 through friends and associates. 
 
 K. A good deal must depend on the disposition of the Penitent ; small 
 families, speaking generally, are the best. 
 
 L. Service in gentlemen's families, not in petty tradesmen's families. 
 
 N. It is very desirable that affiliation should exist in connection with 
 the Industrial Home^ not with the Penitentiary. 
 
 Q. S. Cyprian's Beth-Esda — 7 and 8, Allsopp Mews, Dorset Square, 
 N.W. — A small House of Mercy, under the above title, was 
 opened in March, 1870, for the shelter and reformation of girls 
 (chiefly under eighteen) who though fallen, are not deeply sunk 
 in sin, but are anxious to redeem their character, and give promise 
 of Christian repentance and amendment of life. 
 
 In all cases the length of their stay depends on the judgment 
 of the Lady Superintendent and the Chaplain ; and in cases where 
 the appUcant is about to become a mother, the friends or guardians 
 must give a written promise that they will provide for the infant, 
 at least until such time as the mother is liable out of her own 
 funds to support it. 
 
 Nine of such cases have been already sent out from Beth-Esda, 
 and they are all at present maintaining their children out of their 
 earnings, with a very little help. 
 
 Many applications, however, are made for admission by girls in 
 this condition who are utterly friendless, and with no prospect 
 before them but the ward of a workhouse, where they are only 
 too likely to meet with the very worst of women, and to become 
 as reckless and depraved as they. 
 
 We have now been working for nearly three years, and in spite 
 of the many trials incidental to such a Home, we have great 
 reason to be thankful for the signal way in which Almighty 
 God has prospered our undertaking. During this time sixty-four 
 Girls have been admitted into the Home, some of them only to be 
 passed on to a more suitable domicile, while others (a very few) 
 have left of their own accord. Three have been baptised ; 
 eighteen have been confirmed ; several are now being prepared 
 for Confirm ition ; fifteen have been sent to service, and are doing 
 weU ; of these, twelve have joined the Guild of the Good 
 Shepherd, a Friendly Society, which has been formed specially for 
 them, to serve as a connecting link between them and the Home, 
 to which under the Divine Blessing they owe so much, and to let
 
 14 Replies to Questions. 
 
 them feel tliat, wherever they are and in whatever trouble or 
 sickness, they can appeal for counsel and help to those who are 
 their true friends. To many, Beth-Esda is a real Home^ the only 
 Home, alas ! some have ever known ; the only Home others have 
 to turn to, now that they are friendless, cast off, and disowned. 
 Many are the grateful letters and thank-offerings received from 
 time to time from former inmates, with assurances that the Guild 
 Rules are a great help to them, now that they are again exposed 
 to the full pressure of the world and its temptations, and have (as 
 far as human aid or sympathy goes) to meet them all alone. 
 
 In proof of the grateful interest with which those who have 
 left us still regard the work, I may state that it is not at all an 
 uncommon thing for us to receive moneys which have been laid by 
 as tithe^ or in even a larger proportion to income, in order to help 
 fresh cases out of love to our Lord, and in token of a little 
 self' denial. 
 
 (7.) Useful information regarding Statutes of existing Houses ; 
 essential differences among them, if any, e.g., is it preferable 
 that the Priest of the Chm-ch of England who has the spiritual 
 supervision of the House should be the Warden or only the 
 Chaplain ; precautions to be taken ; names of Houses that have 
 statutes in print, and that are willing to have them copied for 
 the advantage of persons about to build and endow a House 
 and establish in it a body of self-devoted women ; which are 
 the latest issued set of statutes in print that have Episcopal 
 sanction; can they be widely circulated; mistakes to be 
 avoided? (Paper No. VI. contains the latest issued Statutes 
 that have Episcopal sanction.) 
 
 C. Better to have the Priest at the head of the work as Warden, and 
 a second as Chaplain, for special care of Penitents. 
 
 Avoid starting a full-grown Penitentiary at once— let the work 
 grow. 
 
 E. The Priest who has the spiritual supervision of the Penitents to be 
 Chaplain. 
 
 0. It is an advantage to have a Warden and Chaplain, but the spiritual 
 supervision had better centre in one person, and the Warden only 
 be appealed to in difficulty. The punisluuents for breaking rules, 
 Ac, should come from the superior and sisters, and not from the 
 clergy. 
 
 (8.) (a) Statistics of reformatory work effected by Houses in 
 union Avith the Church Penitentiary Association since its first 
 start in 1852 ; statements of what remains to be done in Great 
 Britain and Ireland; (b) Statistics as to what has been and is
 
 lieplies to Questions. 
 
 15 
 
 being done by other religious bodies in Great Britain and 
 Ireland, and foreign countries ; and {c) Avliat is being attempted 
 by other than religious bodies, e.g., the State, or by associations 
 merely philanthropic ? 
 
 The work of the Church Penitentiary Association during 21 years:- 
 
 For 
 
 the Year 
 
 ending 
 
 March 
 
 31st. 
 
 Number 
 
 of 
 Houses 
 
 in 
 Union. 
 
 Accommo- 
 dation 
 for 
 Penitents. 
 
 Number 
 of self- 
 devoted 
 Women. 
 
 Eeport of those 
 
 who left during the Year. 
 
 Grants 
 
 Favour- 
 able. 
 
 Un- 
 favour- 
 able. 
 
 1 
 o 
 
 ft 
 
 Sent to 
 
 other 
 
 Houses in 
 
 Union. 
 
 Totals. 
 
 made by 
 
 the 
 
 Association 
 
 1853 
 
 4 
 
 92 
 
 
 
 
 
 . , 
 
 
 400 
 
 1854 
 
 11 
 
 164 
 
 
 .. 
 
 ■ • 
 
 .. 
 
 .. 
 
 
 1,230 
 
 1855 
 
 6 
 
 151 
 
 
 .. 
 
 .. 
 
 .. 
 
 .. 
 
 
 745 
 
 1856 
 
 9 
 
 263 
 
 
 56 
 
 23 
 
 8 
 
 15 
 
 102 
 
 1,550 
 
 1857 
 
 11 
 
 214 
 
 
 102 
 
 60 
 
 36 
 
 33 
 
 231 
 
 1,550 
 
 1853 
 
 12 
 
 276 
 
 
 92 
 
 50 
 
 49 
 
 40 
 
 231 
 
 1,120 
 
 1859 
 
 14 
 
 300 
 
 
 127 
 
 94 
 
 18 
 
 91 
 
 330 
 
 1,360 
 
 1860 
 
 14 
 
 337 
 
 
 123 
 
 106 
 
 32 
 
 67 
 
 328 
 
 1,875 
 
 1861 
 
 24 
 
 448 
 
 
 170 
 
 176 
 
 64 
 
 146 
 
 556 
 
 1,365 
 
 1862 
 
 24 
 
 504 
 
 
 208 
 
 193 
 
 85 
 
 230 
 
 716 
 
 1,070 
 
 1863 
 
 25 
 
 497 
 
 
 222 
 
 168 
 
 58 
 
 94 
 
 542 
 
 520 
 
 1864 
 
 27 
 
 555 
 
 
 218 
 
 103 
 
 92 
 
 173 
 
 586 
 
 510 
 
 1865 
 
 29 
 
 634 
 
 
 333 
 
 142 
 
 96 
 
 181 
 
 752 
 
 803 
 
 1866 
 
 26 
 
 627 
 
 
 310 
 
 174 
 
 115 
 
 114 
 
 713 
 
 715 
 
 1867 
 
 27 
 
 646 
 
 
 247 
 
 112 
 
 196 
 
 107 
 
 662 
 
 1,224 
 
 1868 
 
 27 
 
 650 
 
 
 233 
 
 142 
 
 240 
 
 103 
 
 718 
 
 999 
 
 1869 
 
 29 
 
 753 
 
 92 
 
 258 
 
 170 
 
 212 
 
 123 
 
 763 
 
 926 
 
 1870 
 
 28 
 
 777 
 
 97 
 
 285 
 
 146 
 
 19 i 
 
 152 
 
 777 
 
 901 
 
 1871 
 
 30 
 
 776 
 
 112 
 
 297 
 
 164 
 
 226 
 
 174 
 
 861 
 
 837 
 
 1872 
 
 31 
 
 764 
 
 118 
 
 316 
 
 176 
 
 193 
 
 199 
 
 884 
 
 871 
 
 1873 
 
 31 
 
 829 
 
 118 
 
 382 
 
 205 
 
 230 
 
 194 
 
 1011 
 
 1,149
 
 IG Replies to Questions. 
 
 (9.) Forms of existing Annual Returns from Houses in union ; 
 suggestions for improvementSj so as to afford data that can be 
 relied on, conclusions respecting practical questions, e.g., econo- 
 mical comparisons, reformatory results, &c. ? [See Paper No. VII.) 
 
 (10.) How lest to stir up a diocese (a) that has not yet 
 organized Penitentiary Avork; should there be ruridecanal 
 assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, or what other 
 macliinery ? (b) a list of dioceses showing those in which there 
 are Houses in union with the Church Penitentiary Association ; 
 (c) a Hst of diocesan corresponding associates; (d) a hst of 
 dioceses having no houses in association ; (e) suggestions with 
 regard to any particular dioceses, pointing out openings for 
 progress, and stating how the work was first started in each 
 case, — 
 
 B. I should be very glad to know. 
 
 E. It seems best to begin in a very small way, not building till the 
 necessary number makes the need self evident. 
 
 L. Have weeks of Mission Services, with men to conduct them who 
 are able to stir up the people. 
 
 (11.) Action of the Authorities in the Church — (a) The address 
 of the Council of the Church Penitentiary Association to the 
 Bishops in 1871, what results have followed it, viz., the 
 Archbishop of Canterbury's letter and charge ; what should be 
 the next step ; should Convocation be petitioned ; should the 
 subject be introduced at Church Congresses, Synods or Diocesan 
 Conferences, and Ruridecanal Meetings, &c.? (h) Seeing that 
 on women appears to fall in these days all or almost all the 
 punishment in this world for this sin, and that man, too 
 generally the tempter, escapes, while his victims for time, and 
 perhaps eternity, are left with hardly, humanly speaking, a 
 hope or a chance of extrication from the consequences of their 
 fall, might it not be well if the authorities in the Church 
 encouraged the establishment of a Guild, with branches in 
 each diocese, and especially at Colleges and Schools, for the 
 special object of aiding the movement? and if so, sketch its 
 rules ; how often should the members meet, should there be one 
 general day of meeting throughout the kingdom and colonies
 
 Replies to Questiotis. 17 
 
 (e.g. 22 July, St. Mary Magdalene's Day, or Ash Wednesday), 
 with Holy Communion, special offertories, &c. ; what should be 
 the name of the Guild or Brotherhood ? and should its especial 
 duties be to judiciously promote, encourage, and protect purity 
 in both sexes — its daily office, at some fixed horn-, the renewal 
 of the Baptismal vow, " renouncing all the sinful lusts of the 
 flesh?" 
 
 Note. — The comparative purity of the women of the peasant 
 class of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland is proverbial, and is 
 admitted by the Clergy of the Irish Church (disestablished) who 
 have mixed parishes, to afford often a marked contrast to the 
 state of their own parishioners. Can the cause of this be 
 satisfactorily ascertained, and can we learn from it any useful 
 practical lesson in our crusade against impurity ? 
 
 A. (a) Let Convocation be petitioned to take up this question as it has 
 
 that of infe7nperance. — Nobody more fitted to deal with the subject. 
 
 (b) By all means let there be established guilds for the promo- 
 tion of purity, &c. ; one.^ apart from the Church., is already formed, 
 or in the course of formation, viz., the " National Association for 
 the Promotion of Social Purity," but it is a hazy venture. 
 
 Note. — The comparative purity of Irish peasant women in the 
 rural districts of Ireland is an undoubted fact, owing, probably, to 
 the habit of confession, early marriage, and an extreme sense of 
 honour upon this point which prevails among the Irish peasantry. 
 But in large towns of Ireland the number of fallen women (public 
 prostitutes) is relatively as great as the number in England, and in 
 the large towns in England, where the Irish congregate, the Irish 
 women contribute largely to prostitution — the east of London, and 
 Liverpool, are examples of this. 
 
 B. Note. — Confession, no doubt, is a help. Living on vegetables, and 
 
 the beauty and simplicity of the native Irish character. " Ireland 
 is the land of saints." 
 
 C. Note. — Is this really the case generally, or only in a few districts % 
 
 The Irish peasants are often descended from better families, and 
 retain (often with the title deed of former estates) a proportionate 
 respect for themselves. Certainly the Roman Catholic system does 
 not generally produce the highest morahty \n foreign countries. 
 
 E. Note. — The very early marriages of the Irish Roman Catholic women 
 is stated to be the cause of this, in answer to my inquiries. 
 
 0. Note. — Simplicity of habits, and the protection of confession may, 
 in part, account for this. 
 
 (12.^ The most approved dietaries and tinu-tables in the 
 
 C
 
 18 Replies to Questions. 
 
 three classes of house, e.g., the Refuge, the Penitentiary^ and 
 the Industrial Home ; state, apart from the question of what 
 is the maximum number of hours in the 24 during which 
 remunerative work can be obtained from the average Penitent 
 (which may be say 12 hours), how many hours should she be 
 employed upon such work consistently with her souPs benefit, 
 her instruction in Class, and privately by the Chaplain and the 
 self-devoted woman who has special charge of her, allowing 
 sufficient time for sleep, meals, relaxation, &c. ; amormt and 
 expense of items in dietaries ; useful economies in food, how to 
 be practised ; effect upon health of different dietaries ; variations 
 requisite, depending upon nature of occupation ? 
 
 B. Penitents ought to have good dietaries, they are so weakly, and 
 broken in constitution. 
 
 E. Time-tahles. — Laundry-work from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Very 
 important that remuneration should not be too much the object so 
 as to put aside the higher aims of the Penitents resident in the 
 House. Evenings employed in instruction, needle-work, and re- 
 creation (this last often spent in the garden in the summer). The 
 only instruction given is of a religious character. We teach nothing 
 secular, except reading. We never teach the penitents ivriting. 
 Probationers not employed in the laundry. The girls who have 
 been longest in the house rise at 5.30 in summer, and 6 in 
 winter, to do the house work, and fill the offices of parlour maid, 
 house maid, scullery, knife house, &c. ; none are over- worked. 
 
 .Dietary. — Three meals daily. Supper for those employed in 
 laundry on washing days ; fixed quantities sent on their plates. 
 Breakfast and tea: bread, weighed, half a pound of bread for 
 each girl, Avith an allowance for the week of butter, dripping, or 
 treacle. Only one thing at dinner. Meat three times a-week, 
 soup twice, pudding once, meat and pudding on Sundays and 
 festivals. The result of this is that we scarce know what it is to 
 have illness in the house, and the inmates become much stronger, 
 and even healthy, after the first few months. 
 
 n. The Penitents cannot be occupied in remunerative work on an 
 average of more than eight or nine hours in the day without inter- 
 fering with the instruction necessary for them. 
 Average cost of dietary for 1872, 7jc?. per day. 
 
 I. Diet for hard-working adults. — Tea or coffee, with bread and butter 
 for breakfast and tea. 
 
 Meat five times a-week, with the addition of currant pudding 
 on Sunday. 
 
 One other day fish, with potatoes and tea. 
 
 Friday, bread and cheese, with tea. 
 
 Twelve hours employed in work, meals, classes for spiritual
 
 Beplies to Questions. 19 
 
 instruction, recreation, special services, and classes from the 
 chaplain, and a permission to attend the canonical hom-s in the 
 chapel. 
 
 The work of the laundry is arranged according to circumstances. 
 
 On Sunday they are taught singing, and two harmoniums are 
 at their disposal. 
 
 They have also special classes for Confirmation and Baptism. 
 
 K. Eight hours of laundry or active work ; the remaining work hours 
 should be for needle-work. 
 
 (13.) Sketcti of the different modes of conducting the 
 disciplinary treatment of female Penitents in the Roman, Greek, 
 and Anglican branches of the Catholic Church, also in the 
 various Protestant Communions ; and in England in the various 
 descriptions of houses — Magdalene Asylums, &c. 
 
 E. Our only punishment is to keep them in a room alone for a shorter 
 or longer time, according to the offence, and to lessen their meals 
 by depriving them of butter, &c., or their pudding on Sunday. 
 
 0. Ten or twelve years' experience have proved that confession is 
 essentia^ not only as a means of grace, but of hindering evil 
 where vice is collected. 
 
 (14.) Instruction Religious and Secular. — What is the nature 
 of the instruction which it has been found advisable and neces- 
 sary in English Houses to give to the majority of Penitents ; 
 what proportion per cent, can read, write, and cypher faMy and 
 have a fair knowledge of Scripture history when admitted, and 
 what proportion can do so after two years' residence ; how can 
 they best be won over to real penitence ; e.g.^ how far is it safe 
 to bring home influences to bear on them, what mistakes may 
 be made, and should therefore be avoided ; how do they respond 
 to devotional exercises ; how does music affect them ; how 
 ornate services in Chapel ; what precautions, if any, are found 
 necessary to prepare them for the change from a Church Peni- 
 tentiary (with all its privileges and opportunities of leading a 
 strict religious life) to a servants' hall in an ordinary English 
 family, with probably no other recognition of religion besides 
 morning and, perhaps, evening family prayer, and one service 
 at Church on Sundays : no privacy — a bedroom common to 
 several fellow-servants — previous life not known to other 
 servants, therefore no care taken to protect, or make allowance 
 
 c 2
 
 20 Replies to Questions. 
 
 for one that has been already wonncled and fallen. Bearing in 
 mind the great temptations to which all who leave Penitentiaries 
 for the world must be exposed, particularly those who are of 
 weak character, silly, vain, timid, what percentage of those 
 who are received can really be trusted back in the world, 
 judging by the experience of the different Houses, and taking 
 in each case the same interval, say two years after leaving, as the 
 test of stability of reformation, and for the moment throwing 
 out of calculation the assumed necessity for making vacancies 
 for fresh cases ? {See Paper No. VIII.) 
 
 Note. — It is asserted that the Roman Catholics very rarely 
 send a Penitent back into the world, but retain for life large 
 numbers as Consecrated Magdalens (and occasionally as Sisters 
 after a change of house) ; the result is, of course, that the 
 Houses are more or less choked. Is there any compromise 
 between our system (hitherto) of creating a more or less rapid 
 stream through the Houses, and the Roman Catholic system of 
 comparative stagnation, which would be an improvement on 
 both? As, for instance, m the establishment of numerous 
 large, entirely self-supporting laundries and manufactories, in 
 secluded situations, under the careful supervision of self-devoted 
 women specially selected for the purpose. 
 
 B. The Penitents being of all classes, and variously educated, come 
 
 in with varied knowledge. We do not undertake to give secular 
 instruction. Religious instruction is given by a daily Scripture 
 class, and individual teaching. 
 
 Note. — Consecrated Magdalens attached to real Religious Houses 
 are very desirable, but not to mere Penitentiaries. 
 
 C. I could say a good deal on this subject ; have not time just now. 
 
 Note. — I imagine that there is certainly a compromise between . 
 the two systems. 
 P. Primarily by religious teaching, and being brought under the direct 
 influence of the clergy, also the example of those who have 
 fallen like themselves living holy lives, is a most powerful 
 encouragement and inducement to them. This is the great ad- 
 vantage of consecrated Penitents living in the Penitentiaries, and 
 working among them. Query, what scheme could be adopted foi 
 a religious guild to which they might belong after leaving the 
 Home? Associates of the C. P. A. taking special care of, and 
 interest in the members of such a guild, and permitting the 
 different Houses to mention their names to the associates, if they 
 should happen to be near them. What privileges could be con- 
 nected with such a guild ?
 
 Replies to Questions. 21 
 
 E. Very few have homes, the influence of which can be brought to 
 
 bear on them for good, but when this is possible we tliankfully 
 make use of it. They write to their parents once a month, and 
 when we think it desirable we enclose a few words about the girl. 
 They respond very heartily to devotional exercises, thoroughly 
 enjoying musical services, festival decorations, entering into them 
 with spirit, and they feel no punishment so much as being kept 
 from the chapel services. We do not think the loss of these privi- 
 leges in the world (when they return to it), need be any reason 
 for not using them as helps while they are in a religious house. 
 Probably not more than one half of those who do well under pro- 
 tection are really fit to be trusted in the world, but our experience 
 is that a very small number choose to remain for life as Con- 
 secrated Magdalens. 
 
 F. I attach great importance to providing a proper amount of church 
 
 privileges for the sisters. It must be borne in mind that the ^wo- 
 sperity of the work depends, under God, upon the efficieiicy of the 
 sisters, and in this particular work the workers need a special 
 spiritual sustenance, if I ma}^ so express it. It is too often the 
 case, however, that this is overlooked, the Penitents only are 
 thought of, care for the sisters is forgotten. The religious life of 
 the sisters must be kept up if they are to do their work, and this 
 needs special provision for frequent services, observation of the 
 Church's festivals, and other holy seasons, and Holy Communion 
 at least twice a week. I do not think I should begin the work of 
 a regular Penitentiary till I had seen my way to making this pro- 
 vision for the sisters. Few, I believe, realize, at least adequately, 
 what Penitentiary work is as conducted by sisters. The nature 
 of the poor creatures we seek to reclaim are, for the most part, 
 coarse in the extreme, if not naturally, yet made so by their sin, and 
 to be in daily contact with them often physically, mentally, and 
 spiritually strains the powers of the sisters to their very utmost 
 tension. The only possible antidote is the habitual contact ivith 
 our all Holy Lord in His sacramental ordinances. I have learnt 
 what I say from some experience and careful observation. 
 
 n. Rehgious instruction, reading and writing. 
 
 About two-thirds can read and write, one-third with fair know- 
 ledge of Scripture history ; nearly all can learn to read a little in 
 the two years, some very well. 
 
 K. Nine -tenths can read, and nearly as many write, when admitted, 
 and a mistake which seems far from uncommon is to begin too 
 soon to press the work of repentance ; most require time even to 
 realize that they have sinned grievously. Each one has to learn 
 to look at herself individually, and not as one of a class, and who 
 has done no worse than others, and also to get rid of the feeling 
 that having come away from her sinful ways, is a sort of atone- 
 ment for having followed them. Music and ornate services seem 
 at first rather a snare. The women are found to copy devout 
 practices which they do not at all understand, and then to think
 
 22 Replies to Questions. 
 
 themselves better (for using them) than they who do not, whereas 
 it is most often the most thoughtless who, if allowed to do it, use 
 these forms. 
 
 As religion gets more real hold on the heart and conscience, no 
 doubt all externals are helpful. 
 
 As regards religious duties after leaving the Home, it would 
 seem that the more the habits of prayer, &c., which have been 
 taught and practised there, can be kept up, the better, and the 
 less likely are the poor women to fall back into the lax state of 
 conscience so common to servants in general. 
 
 From April 23, 1851, to December 31, 1870, 288 have passed 
 
 through House of Mercy, of these 49 stayed only a very 
 
 short time, — the longest about two months, but most much less ; 
 108 have been sent to service, or restored to theii* families, 14 have 
 
 been sent to St. Home ; 70 have been known to be 
 
 going on well at the end of two years from the time of their going 
 to service ; 14 of these have married respectably, and are doing 
 well ; 9 are known to be dead. 
 
 There is every reason to believe that many, if not most of the 
 others sent to service have done well, but from various causes 
 they have been lost sight of. 
 
 Some three or four who failed in service have married, and are 
 living respectably. 
 
 L. Make the Penitents real practical women, let them thoroughly 
 understand the meaning of their devotional services, do all to 
 promote the growth, by the grace of God, of that " meek and 
 quiet spirit" which is the real strength of the character, and most 
 proof against scora and ridicule, and the most winning example to 
 others amongst whom they may have to live. 
 
 M. Perhaps it is better not to attempt a forced system of religious 
 training. It is of great advantage if some liberty of going out- 
 side the walls of the penitentiary can be allowed, e.g.^ to church, 
 and for exercise, so that the change back to the world may not 
 be so great. 
 
 The expediency of urging sacramental confession is more than 
 doubtful. In most cases a very considerable time is required 
 before the penitent can safely be trusted to make a true con- 
 fession. 
 
 It seems best to let it be sought as a great privilege and favour 
 after evidence given of sincerity. 
 
 N. Both music and ornate services seem more attractive than plain. 
 
 Here the advantage of the Industrial Home is evident. In the 
 Penitentiary no precaution can be taken desirable, as something of 
 the kind is. 
 
 We have no statistics bearing on this point, and many are lost 
 sight of after their first place. 
 
 0. The Penitents should have good secular instruction in reading and 
 aritlimetic, if wanted, as well as spiritual.
 
 Replies to Questions. 23 
 
 Their instructions would be as to the nature of sin, its remedies, 
 the hfe and death of our Saviour, the work of the Spirit, the Church 
 and Sacraments, ways of prayer, etc., rather than in any attempt 
 to commit to memory the history of the Old Testament, or to 
 lodge in the mind a number of Scriptural events which do not in 
 any direct way bear upon the soul's life and safety. 
 
 Note. — Penitentiaries ought, if possible, to have a Magdalen 
 ward, where some who would give the remainder of their lives to 
 God might live and work apart from the world, It has been 
 found that the Roman system of retaining them, as a rule, pre- 
 vents the girls from seeking admission. Many Penitents are 
 reformed who have no vocation to lead the life of a Magdalen, 
 yet there should be the opportunity afforded to those who are 
 drawn to do so by God's grace. 
 
 (15.) Mr. Acton's view of the question : — How best to treat 
 fallen women f How far is bis view sustainable by evidence and 
 consistent with the Christian religion ? Principles laid down in 
 the Westminster Review, how can they ])e best refuted? Can 
 the antagonistic arguments be so drawn up as to tell upon and 
 have weight with non-religious philanthropists ? 
 
 (16.) Agencies for reaching fallen women and ivinning their 
 attentio7i. — Should the Midnight Mission Movement be supported 
 by Associate Chmxhmen and women ; can self-devoted women, 
 if suitably dressed, venture with safety as missionaries into the 
 worst haunts of sin at all times or only in daylight ? can they 
 go alone or must they go in pairs? give any instance of 
 attempts to adopt this plan of reaching fallen women, and its 
 success ; how can the agency of the parochial mission women 
 and Bible women and district visitors be best utilized ? Can 
 they be advantageously supplied with cards for distribution, 
 giving the names and addresses of the Homes or Houses in the 
 town or neighbourhood? or what other special steps can be 
 taken to ensure, as far as possible, that every fallen woman, in 
 any given town, shall not fail to know the right course to take 
 to free herself from the thraldom of the woman under whom she 
 lives ? Where and to whom to apply, &c. (See Papers Nos. IX., X.) 
 
 C. The self-devoted women should visit in paii^s if at all. 
 
 The parochial and Bible women might, I think, be made very 
 useful, being more used to their ways and habits, and therefore 
 knowing more of the humbler classes than born ladies, and in 
 some respects able to mix with them at better advantage.
 
 24 Replies to Questions. 
 
 D. Yes, indeed, for numbers are now reached by it who would never 
 
 have escaped otherwise. It mig-ht be an advantage if there was 
 street preaching and distribution of tracts in neighbourhoods 
 known as their special haunts, and offices in the heart of the City 
 and various parts of London and other towns, as the Dissenters 
 have, and might be called " Church of England Free Refuges and 
 Servants' Home Office," where the women might apply for in- 
 formation and be recommended to Houses or refuges most suited 
 to their individual cases. Such an office to be largely advertised 
 by every possible means ; addresses of Houses should be posted 
 permanently in the casual wards of workhouses, and in the Lock 
 wards of unions and hospitals. Ex|3erience in a refuge shows that 
 the most hopeful class of fallen girls, those who had most wish 
 to escape and had fallen least deeply, were the cases which had 
 had the least opportunity of hearing of the Houses and of knowing 
 what means to take to get into them. 
 
 E. We have no experience on this subject. 
 
 I. I believe only sisters should encounter the dens of sin ; and if, say 
 about 40 years of age, she will have far more influence if she goes 
 alone. 
 
 In my own case, thank God, no words met my ear but those of 
 loving respect, and at that age, I was at one time out for hours 
 during the night even up to three o'clock in the morning. 
 
 0. It is sometimes found that women who in excitement leave their 
 evil life, or under strong inducement, return to it again. 
 
 The firmest in purpose are those who come of their own accord 
 to the House to be received, and often the worst women. Yet all 
 means are good in such a work. Amongst the women the larger 
 Penitentiaries are well known. 
 
 P.. It is my belief that the P. M. W. A", might do great good, and 
 receive still greater, by co-operation with the C. P. A. May I 
 suggest that if a letter were written (and printed), addressed to 
 each of the lady superintendents, explaining C. P. A. objects, 
 enclosing six cards, and urging their use by the P. M. women, it 
 would bring the subject before a large band of working church 
 women who are at present, for the most part, entirely ignorant of 
 your work. Your committee would of course take the expense of 
 such a plan. 
 
 Though I do not think that P. M. W. Fund has hitherto done 
 much for that special class for whom these cards are intended, 
 pray let me say how very much good these workers are, I believe, 
 effecting in rescuing young girls from the brink of the precipice, 
 and in promoting the marriage of persons living together in sin. 
 I could give you the names of a large number of young girls, 
 earning their scanty living as charing servants in bad houses, 
 who, during the last year, have been won away, and are now in 
 respectable service ; and as to the latter you would be surprised 
 at the number which a good P. M. woman leads to. The other 
 day a lady superintendent told me that her P. M. woman had
 
 Replies to Questions. 25 
 
 several times lent her own wedding ring to a conple who had 
 delayed their marriage for years, and had now saved sufficient for 
 the service, but not for the ring. Could C. P. A. help in this part 
 of the work by providing some sort of retreat where the women 
 could be received for a few days, or at most a week, before their 
 marriage? In many cases such a separation would be impossible, 
 but surely it should be aimed at, and some facilities afforded for it 
 whenever practicable. 
 
 (17.) Refusal of Admission. — {a) In some of the Houses the 
 lowest class of fallen women are refused admittance ; (6) in some 
 Houses no woman is admitted after reaching 28 or 30 years of 
 age, nor (c) if it is known that she has ever previously been 
 admitted to any other House ; nor (d) if slie has had more than 
 one child ; (e) is it well to send fallen women who profess and 
 appear to be penitent, ivho are aho^it to become mothers, to the 
 Union ; or (/) those who require medical or surgical treatment to 
 Lock wards ; and, if not, what other course should be adopted ? 
 What relation between mother and child should be encouraged ; 
 should they be separated enthely, or should she be encouraged 
 to love, work for, and succour it? What course should be 
 adopted with the children of fallen women, seeing that if 
 neglected they swell the numbers ? What are the arguments 
 pro and con in the above cases ; state result of experience ? {See 
 Paper No. XL) 
 
 C. {a) I cannot approve of this. (Jb) Nor of this, (c) There is more 
 
 to be said for this, though I am inclined to admission, say on 
 undertaking severe discipline for a time, {d) I do not approve of 
 this, {e) I thhik so. (/) A more difficult question. It would 
 be best, if Lock wards were not open to medical students. If a 
 special Penitentary Hospital were established, it would be the 
 best plan. The mother should be trained to mother's feehngs, but 
 might, as part of her penitence, give up the oversight of her 
 children, still working to support them. 
 
 D. (c) Not after ^ first fall only ; it is quite another case after a second 
 
 fall, (d) More accommodation is specially wanted for such cases. 
 The mother shoukl be separated from the child whilst in the House, 
 and then to go out with a view of providing for'it as at Mr, Gutch's. 
 Could a home for such children be connected with a special home 
 for girls who have had one child only, to receive them before and 
 after confinement, and the children kept on up to an age when 
 they can be more safely boarded out than in infancy, on the full 
 understanding that if the mother, after being placed out, neglects 
 to pay for it, the child will be sent to the Union within a given
 
 26 Replies to Questions. 
 
 time after default of payment. If a child is weakly, or it is 
 thought better to have this as a rule, arrangements might be 
 made for the mother to nurse them at certain hours, although 
 separated from them at other times. A mother's instinctive 
 pleasure in her infant would probably be a great difficulty in bring- 
 ing her to a real sense of sin or conviction of it. 
 
 E. We never refuse admittance to any case, and have had many of 
 the very lowest. We have Jiever sent any to the Union., for their 
 confinements. In cases requiring surgical or medical aid, we have 
 had only the help of a private infirmary in a neighbouring town, 
 where we have to pay eight shillings per week. We try to avoid 
 the necessity of this by taking our girls mostly after a few weeks 
 spent in a Kefuge and requiring a medical certificate before they 
 are passed on here. The Refuge in preparation for the House of 
 
 Mercy is a great advantage, and we have one at — , in 
 
 connection with this House, where we send all who apply to us, 
 unless they have already been at another Refuge. Our rule is 
 never to take any girls who have been at another House of Mercy. 
 
 I. None are refused, of whatever age, except from want of funds ; if ill, 
 they are sent carefully to the Refuge or Hospital, and receive the 
 best medical advice. 
 
 Not to the Union, if it can be avoided. 
 
 By all means to the Lock wards when requiring medical treat- 
 ment under the Contagious Diseases Acts. 
 
 0. Never refuse unless they have been in the same House before, then 
 tell them of another House. 
 
 What else are you to do with them than send them to the Union 
 or Lock hospital in such cases ? It is good to hold out the pro- 
 mise of return. 
 
 (18.) The Contagious Diseases Act, Sfc. — {n) Show by statistics 
 whetlier it has really contributed to the decrease of the number 
 of fallen women, especially of young girls, and if so, to what 
 extent, [h) Has it brought an increased number of them 
 under the beneficial influence of the clergy, and of persons of 
 their own sex wlio visit tlie hospitals for the purpose of helping 
 to rescue them ? (c) If the Act has had this effect, what have 
 been the counterbalancing disadvantages ? (d) Can any 
 amendments in this Act be suggested so as to lessen any mis- 
 chief it may have caused, and render it more conducive to the 
 reformation of fallen women, which it is the special object of 
 the Church Penitentiary Association to promote. The enormous 
 number of fallen women (80,000, it has been estimated, in 
 London alone j should be borne in mind, and the shortness of
 
 I 
 
 Replies to Questions. 27 
 
 that portion of their Hves during which they are to be met 
 with in this character, when the abandonment of then- course 
 of sin can really be considered an act of penitence, (e) What 
 are the prospects of success in diminishing the number of fallen 
 women, and expediting their reform, if the Contagious Diseases 
 Act were repealed, and rehance placed upon vohmtary agency 
 only — every Hospital having separate wards under the care of 
 a special agency, viz., self-devoted women and carefully selected 
 nurses, acting in concert with those who visit the dens of sin ? 
 (/) It may not be outside the consideration of those who are 
 labouring for the reformation of fallen women to consider 
 whether steps might not be taken by our Legislature which 
 would lessen the amount of prostitution, and make the 
 harbouring of girls under the age, say of 19, an offence so 
 much more penal than at present, that it would be much less 
 frequent, and thus, by limiting the area of our labours, enlarge 
 the results. If this be so, what should be the nature of the 
 Act or Acts of Parhament? {g) It is evident to everybody 
 that the very limited accommodation in our cottages and in 
 flats is almost fatal to the preservation of purity. How can a 
 change in this respect be best promoted? By Acts of Parha- 
 ment or Associations? {h) Can the punishment of men for 
 seduction be increased with benefit by legislation ? Can the 
 Church Penitentiary Association, under its present rules, take 
 an active part in promoting the passing of such Acts ? If not, 
 to what extent, if any, can it co-operate with other bodies in 
 order to obtain the passing of such Acts ? 
 
 C. (c) The recognition of sin and lessening the risk of sinning. 
 
 (/) I should think most beneficially. 
 
 (y) An Act might be passed obliging landlords to make the 
 cottages on their estates either sufiicientiy commodious in pro- 
 portion to population (and answerable for tenants permitting 
 indecent crowding), or to allow others to do so ; and for this 
 purpose to be obUged to sell land for sites. 
 
 ill) If possible, men should be more answerable to punishment. 
 
 I. This can best be answered by our Chaplain, who is also Chaplain to 
 the Royal Albert Hospital under the Contagious Diseases Acts at 
 Liverpool ; but there can be no doubt that it is in every way a 
 great blessing, and numbers enter from thence into Houses of 
 Mercy who would otherwise have no idea of such a thing. I was 
 against them, but should think their repeal a national calamity.
 
 28 Replies to Questions. 
 
 (e) Much fewer. 
 
 Would not answer ; this system and good now done would be 
 evaded. 
 
 (g) Punish this as much as possible. 
 
 {h) Best leave this alone as much as need be ; few cases will 
 bear cross-examination on the part of the women. 
 
 This is even fearfully the case, mere children, alas ! even at 
 eight years. The people to be punished are the women who sell 
 their children, and the wives who in these seaport towns lead a 
 dreadful hfe when their husbands are away. 
 
 0. Little can be said as yet upon this ; but whatever can be said is on 
 the side of the Act. 
 
 (19.) Religious Orders of Self-devoted Women. — In the Roman 
 Clnirch there is one Order specially devoted to the care of female 
 Penitents, that of the " Good Shepherd," first established by a 
 French lady, for many years the head of the Order, and only 
 lately deceased. There are numerous Houses of this Order in 
 Great Britain and the Continent, and they have not only all the 
 usual advantages of order, discipline, and uniformity, but the 
 Heads of the several Houses meet periodically in conference 
 under their Provincial, while the Provincials meet from time to 
 time at the Mother House at Angers, in France; in other v^ords, 
 the Roman Ghurch has attacked the foe with regular troops. 
 The English Church has as yet adopted a more guerilla style of 
 warfare ; in the community of S. John the Baptist at Clewer 
 there are nearly 100 self-devoted women, but only 20 are 
 reported as engaged in Penitentiary work in that House, and in 
 all the 31 Houses in union with the Church Penitentiary Asso- 
 ciation we can count only 118 self-devoted women. The 
 Council of the Church Penitentiary Association in its address 
 to the Bishops, speaks of many hundreds of self-devoted 
 Avomen being required for Penitentiary work alone in Great 
 Britain ! ! Which system is likely to be the most successful 
 wdtli us, the Roman or the Anglican ; and, if the former, what 
 steps should be taken to estabhsh a special English order of 
 self-devoted women for Penitentiary work (any other work for 
 them being only occasional and for change and relaxation), 
 leaving it open for other orders to take up separate special 
 works, e.g., teaching, nursing, &c.'? Or, if the Anglican system, 
 as at present practised, is the best, viz., that in wliich it is open
 
 Replies to Questions. 29 
 
 to any and every body of self-devoted women to take up all 
 and every kind of church work, how can Penitentiary work 
 best obtain from these bodies the very large numbers of self- 
 devoted women requhed ; or, despairing of thus obtaining, in 
 any reasonable time, a sufficient number of such self-devoted 
 women as have the power of contributing towards theh own 
 maintenance, must not those persons who are actively engaged 
 in estabhshing Church Penitentiaries in union with the 
 Church Penitentiary Association continue to seek the aid 
 of such self-devoted women as are wilhng to ^' give themselves 
 to the work for the worMs sake, even although they may not 
 have the means of providing for their own support in the 
 House"? and, if so, what precautions can and should be taken 
 to prevent abuse? 
 
 0. No money should be received by self-devoted women. 
 
 E. We feel very strongly indeed the desirability of a special English 
 order of self-devoted women for Penitentiary work, our experience 
 being that very few are disposed, and still fewer capable of dealing 
 with fallen women. 
 
 II. Apart from the question of the desirabihty of a special order of 
 women for Penitentary work, could some scheme be organized 
 for more combined effort among the houses in union with the 
 C. P. A. ? Could the Ladies Superior meet yearly or half-yearly 
 for the purpose of profiting by somewhat detailed statistics as to 
 management, success, or failure ? 
 
 0. With us it seems an advantage to have sisters (such as Glower) 
 whose chief but not their only work is Penitentiary, for two 
 reasons : You can select from the sisters those who by experience 
 are found to have an aptitude for that work ; you can relieve those 
 sisters from time to time by giving them the refreshing influence 
 of a change of work. Penitentary work has great sameness, and 
 is depressing and trying, though most full of interest and results. 
 
 0. The sisters of St. John Baptist work the House of Mercy at Glower, 
 the Penitentiary at Oxford, the Devon House of Mercy, and the 
 Refuge at Pimlico. These works are all the Penitentiary work 
 the sisterhood sees it well to undertake at present. At Oxford 
 the funds cause at times considerable anxiety. 
 
 (20.) How best to Train Self -devoted Women. — Should it not 
 be made essential that self-devoted women wislnng to join 
 Houses not managed by sisterhoods pass through a probationary 
 course of training for several months at some one or other of
 
 30 Replies to Questions. 
 
 the establiBhed Houses to test tlieii' self-devotion and suitable- 
 ness for the work ? The Houses for this purpose being those 
 that show the best results as to the stability of reform of fallen 
 women, taking the two-year test after leavingas themeasm-e of 
 relative success. 
 
 Note. — If when each Penitent left, an addressed envelope 
 was given to her, and a wiitten promise was made to send her 
 ten shillings or a sovereign at the end of two years if she pro- 
 duced sufficient proof that she was Hving respectably, it is 
 believed that many would write who now forget to do so, or are 
 timid about giving trouble. 
 
 C. Note. — Perhaps so ; but it should not be sent on the receipt of a 
 
 letter or to an address given, but given only into her own hands by 
 a sister who should hnoiv her ; fraud is very easy otherwise. 
 
 D. Note. — Also a ticket or card to keep by them ; on showing which, 
 
 and testimonials of subsequent good conduct after leaving the 
 House she was reformed in, she could be re-admitted if out of 
 place, homeless, or out of health, to any House connected with the 
 C. P. Association, and be passed on to some other House 
 established for this very purpose, which is very greatly needed. 
 Practically Penitents cannot return to the "Houses" as their 
 homes under these circumstances ; their friendlessness and home- 
 Icssness is a sore temptation to them, though some of the Houses, 
 I believe, profess to afford them such shelter. The card might be 
 drawn up so as to mark every date at which the girl had availed 
 herself of such a privilege, thus keeping a check on her coming too 
 often. 
 
 I. ^ly belief is that the real reason is that comparatively few devoted 
 women have mental and bodily strength for the hardness of the 
 life of such a work as this. Of course it is much harder in some 
 Houses than others, more particularly when so poor as here. 
 
 ■v^G=^^,?vJiLS)^ST)^
 
 11 
 
 PEAOTIOAL SUGGESTIONS 
 
 AS TO THE 
 
 SELECTION OF A SITE, DESCRIPTION OF HOUSES, 
 
 &c., &c. 
 
 {In reply to Questions 1 and 2.) 
 
 BY 
 
 A. R. BARKER, Esq.
 
 PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS 
 
 A8 TO THE 
 
 SELECTION OF A SITE, DESCRIPTION OF HOUSES, ETC. 
 
 >^-f 
 
 Having for some time past had the subject of Chm-ch Peni- 
 tentiary Institutions and Refuges for the Fallen under my 
 consideration, in respect of the arrangement of buildings suit- 
 able for the purpose, it may not, perhaps, be thought out of 
 place for me to offer, for the guidance of those who take mterest 
 in the same subject, a few practical suggestions that may 
 possibly enable those about to build, to steer clear of some of 
 the errors and mistakes which seem to have crept into the 
 buildings of this nature which have been erected in various 
 parts of the country. 
 
 As I purpose that this shall be a strictly practical paper, you 
 will forgive me if I adhere almost rigidly to those points which 
 affect the duty of the architect having the charge of designing 
 such buildings, leaving the more minute managing details to 
 those of whom I think it hardly too much to say that they 
 devote their hves to the furtherance of an object which must 
 gain for them universal support, and who are far better able than 
 I can ever be to tender the Association the advice so preeminently 
 requisite to their success. I propose to direct my observations 
 to the selection of a site, and then to the buildings desirable 
 to erect on that site. 
 
 First, the selection of a site. 
 
 It will perhaps be remarked by some, that this is not a point 
 of much difficulty, but those who, with myself, have been brought 
 face to face with the difficulty, have found numerous hindrances 
 to overcome; and the very need for such Institutions in our 
 country, caused by the large mihtary stations and towns, render 
 it absolutely necessary, if success be looked for, that help to 
 
 D
 
 34 Practical Suggestions as to the 
 
 those who fall a prey to the evils of these large towns should 
 
 be brought within their easy reach, and this renders the selection 
 
 of a site, sufficiently retu'ed and yet easy of access, an object 
 
 of no little difficulty to attain. Another reason for such close 
 
 proximity to some town of size is, that the liberal supporters of 
 
 such an Institution naturally look to its inmates to bear a 
 
 portion of the burden of their maintenance, and Avith this 
 
 object in view laundry and needle-work have as yet been found 
 
 to be the only occupations to which this class can easily adapt 
 
 themselves, and from which there is a constant return for the 
 
 support of those who work. And this work is generally only 
 
 proem-able to the extent requisite for constant working of such 
 
 an Institution within easy distance of some town. I think it 
 
 will therefore be seen from what I have said that the immediate 
 
 neighbourhood of, or easy access from and to a place of pojDU- 
 
 lation, is a very desirable point to be remembered in the 
 
 selection of a site, and such being the case, one of the most 
 
 necessary requisites to such a site is that it can be supplied 
 
 with an abundance of good water. We are all aware, I presume, 
 
 that soft water is that which it is most desirable to obtain for 
 
 washing purposes, and this to a certain extent can be supplied 
 
 with care from the roofs of such buildings as may be erected, 
 
 but the rainfall of most parts of this country (except we may 
 
 admit the past season as one claiming admission to the average) 
 
 would not suffice constantly to supply the requirements of a 
 
 laundry where, for instance^ twenty to thirty women are kept 
 
 daily at work, to say nothing of the household consumption 
 
 for a larger number, so that water from some source, and that 
 
 a good constant supply other than that provided by rainfalls, is 
 
 an essential point. 
 
 Another, but perhaps a less important requirement, is that 
 the land shall be in such a situation as that much overlooking 
 can be avoided ; and it is, I think, generally admitted that but 
 one entrance from the road approach is very desii*able. 
 
 With regard to the area of land required for the erection of 
 an Institution of this character, I think that the point which 
 much affects the amount of land necessary for the erection of 
 buildings is, whether the cottage principle or that of a combined 
 household is considered the more desirable. Ladies who are
 
 Selection of a Site, Description of Houses, ^c. 35 
 
 well known to have devoted many years to this sole subject, 
 are much divided in theh opinion on this matter, but many who 
 have for years tried the combined household pruiciple, have 
 come to the determination that what is called the Cottage 
 principle is that method which alone can carry out the work 
 most effectually, and it is therefore to this arrangement, both 
 for hmited and more extensive sites, that I propose to refer, 
 and for which I have prepared some rough, suggestive plans 
 for the criticism of the Association. 
 
 And although I am, too, of the same opinion, that a Church 
 Penitentiary, wherever there is sufficient land at disposal, should 
 be built on this principle, yet I have Httle doubt that existing 
 houses built on the block system could be so altered by the 
 introduction of separate staircases and offices as to effect great 
 improvement and to render them almost, if not quite, equally 
 capable of separating the several classes of Penitents as those 
 buildings of which I propose to speak. 
 
 I understand by the Cottage principle an arrangement of 
 separate small tenements complete in themselves for all 
 domestic requirements, and yet easy of access by permission 
 from any one of them to any other, and to have, with the excep- 
 tion of that set apart for the class of Penitents, termed Probationers, a 
 recreation ground common to all or by arrangements for each 
 class at different times of the day. 
 
 This scheme may easily be supposed to require a consider- 
 able plot of ground, and more especially so when the necessity 
 of a distinct laundry for the probationers is also contemplated, 
 together with the requisite offices attendant upon the proper 
 working of the whole establishment. 
 
 In advising upon the buildings desirable to be erected on a 
 site, I have thought it desirable, whilst planning the design 
 which occupies the greater area of space, and which I will call 
 plan A, to bear in mind a former remark I made just now, and 
 arrange that the Lady Superintendent's house be the only 
 entrance to the general establishment ; and it will also be seen 
 that the position and look-out of the chief living room of this 
 house which I should propose to devote to her exclusive use, 
 commands more or less the entrances to each of the cottages, 
 the laundry, and the general recreation ground. 
 
 D 2
 
 36 Practical Suggestions as to the 
 
 As will be seen by this plan also, I have provided for the 
 Lady Superintendent's house, cottages for 60 Penitents (that is, 
 12 in each), including the probationers, visiting ladies' residence, 
 public laundry for 24, and private laundry for 12 girls, thus 
 assuming that as a general rule one-half the inmates will be 
 engaged in the laundries, whilst the other half are occupied 
 with house, needle, or educational work. In arranging the Lady 
 Superintendent's house, I think that, together with the usual 
 requirements of this house, the chapel, with chaplain's or 
 warden's room in communication, should be arranged, the 
 entrance to the chapel being through the corridor of the 
 superintendent's house ; and I have also provided near the 
 entrance door, a waiting room on the one side, and on the 
 other side a spare room with bath apparatus, &c., where a 
 newly-arrived Penitent can be temporarily lodged under the 
 immediate care of the Lady Superintendent before her admission 
 into the general Institution. The want of such accommodation 
 has been much felt in most of the Institutions I have visited, 
 where, for the want of such a room a new arrival has been 
 admitted to the general Institution at once, and either from 
 illness or disease not having presented itself at first sight, the 
 girl has been obHged to be hurriedly turned away after great 
 risks have been incurred to the other inmates. 
 
 In this house I would also suggest accommodation for two 
 ladies visiting or helping the Lady Superintendent, and this 
 would be amply provided for in the floor above, and inasmuch 
 as the laundry work is that which will be likely to be constantly 
 the most in use for the Institution, I have suggested, as the 
 plan will show, that these shall be in immediate communication 
 with the house, with the provision of a large store room inter- 
 vening, for the weekly distribution to each cottage and laundry 
 of the stores requisite for its working. Provision also seems 
 very necessary, in connection with the Institution, for stabling 
 and yard contiguous to the house, where all the traffic of 
 clothes to and from the laundry is to be carried on ; and as the 
 services of a man with conveyance is constantly required, not 
 only for the carriage of clothes, but for the various services of 
 the House, accommodation could be provided for his residence 
 over the stable buildings, but all communication with the
 
 Note. — Plan A < 
 iithographed asdiffem 
 slightly^ viz. : as regi. 
 Superintendent's Ho 
 shown hy the " i^/p 
 Plan^ and the House\^ 
 dent Lady JBoardei 
 shown on Flan A a^jj 
 with the Institution^ 
 corner of the Plan, \ 
 
 ORVINC GROUND 
 
 NoTe.-ITie' bzalolzji^s -nvcwl&.d. thus 
 ^^^^^ ar& prnposedy ic be 
 devoted- fxi Prohatvorvers 
 
 't N C Cff V NO 
 
 = — I 
 
 CISAN CLEAH 
 
 flMl \cLOTHES 
 PACK IN a 
 fiOJM 
 
 •fOOM 
 
 •C C H u U N D 
 
 ■y CLOTH \S\ 
 
 r/Nc ffoo If n 
 
 Y 
 
 K O N jr/Sif 
 
 COACH HJUSE 

 
 COTTACt PfNITENTIAR 
 
 Note.— /"/nn A has not been 
 lithographed asdifferin// from B but 
 sliijhtlij, viz. : as regards the Lady 
 Superintendent's House, which 
 shown hy the "-Flyer" on th 
 Ptim, and the House for the Res. 
 dent Lady Boarders which was 
 shown on Plan A as incorporated 
 with the Institution, in the upper 
 airncr of the Plan. 
 
 c The biuliiLrws rnarl&d. thu^ 
 S are prnposetL Ic fifr 
 
 Jjryi-cUxm-- \
 
 h ARY 
 
 E LEVATI ON OF 
 AND LADY SUP^= HOUSE 
 
 ELEVATION OF COTTAGE 
 
 I UPPER FLOOR OF COTTAGE 
 
 ScoXe^. 
 
 i 'H) SO eo 70 SO so woi
 
 PLA N C. A 
 
 ND ELEVATIONS tor COTTAGE PENITENTIARY 
 
 FOR eo PENITENTS IN 5 COTTAGES. 
 A'-eci a^hcctt ;V cf oltl Acre . 
 
 J 
 
 i! 
 
 
 i:> 

 
 Selection of a Site, Description of Houses, Sfc. 37 
 
 House would be cut off for him at night. Coal and wood stores 
 for the periodical supply of each tenement, &c., is also very 
 requisite. 
 
 I will now pass on to the separate cottages and other 
 buildings, whi(^.h will be seen by the plan to form, with those 
 already described, four sides of a quadrangle. In arranging the 
 separate cottages, which I would propose should be all similar in 
 arrangement and design, I have presumed that there will be a 
 lady — but this, if 72 Penitents, would require six ladies instead 
 of two — and, perhaps, a trustworthy Penitent will be placed at 
 the head of each one, the former of whom vnll have sole control 
 over such cottage, subject only to the visit of the Lady Super- 
 intendent. And I would here mention that it seems to me very 
 important that the lady at the head of such an Institution should 
 have a master key, which will admit her to every department and 
 cottage at all times. I am somewhat surprised that this plan has 
 not been more generally adopted by some of the Institutions which 
 I have had the privilege of visiting, although the want of it is 
 almost generally felt. The accommodation of the upper floors I 
 would propose to be a simple dormitory and lady's room, with 
 means of warming by fireplaces, with passage up the centre of 
 dormitory; and it is not without considerable thought and 
 consultation with those having the management of these 
 Institutions that I have shown the dormitories divided into 
 cubicles. There are good reasons, I think^ why it is in some 
 buildings so arranged, as the giving a complete separate depart- 
 ment for each girl helps to prevent their communication and 
 gives privacy which, with a small window, opening from the 
 lady's bedroom at the end of the dormitory, would allow the 
 least sound or disturbance in the dormitory to be heard by her. 
 By taking the cubicle divisions up with wood framing to a 
 height of 7 feet, and completing the partition to the ceilmg 
 with open wooden trellis, easy means for the inmate of one cubicle 
 getting to the other is prevented, and a good current of top 
 ventilation insured, which, augmented in each cubicle by a 
 sub-divided window, would thus give each compartment the 
 character of a room, and provide for abundant light and air, a 
 point, I think, of much importance. At all times of the night 
 there should be a light suspended from the centre of the whole
 
 38 Po^actical Suggestions as to the 
 
 apartment of the dormitory, at a moderate elevation, so as to 
 serve as sufficient illumination to each division. On the same 
 floor I have, among other requirements, arranged a small room 
 for stowing clothes and linen, and a bath room. On the lower 
 story, and under the dormitory, is a large room for meals and 
 work, with a partial sub-division : where, by means of folding 
 doors or a curtain, which latter is perhaps the more easily 
 worked, the one part can be used as a class room while the 
 remainder is otherwise occupied ; and a fireplace being at each 
 end of the room will enable the one half to be independent for 
 the time of the other, if it were required. 
 
 The kitchen, pantry, and larder and the necessary out-offices, 
 which will be clearly seen by reference to the plan, complete 
 the arrangement of the cottage, which, I tliink, under skilful 
 management, should prove one easy of working. 
 
 An infirmary cottage would probably be an additional 
 requisite, and one of the cottages might either be used for this 
 purpose, or, if the site of land would permit, one somewhat 
 more detached would undoubtedly be preferable. 
 
 About the Resident Ladies' House httle need be said ; the 
 want of such accommodation will, of course, vary with the 
 extent of each Institution, but, in the one of the size I have 
 shown as plan A^ I think it would certainly be a gi-eat ac- 
 quisition, and the provision of three sittmg-rooms on the lower 
 and four bed-rooms on the upper floor, with other necessaries 
 on both storeys, will sufficiently provide for the requii-ements of 
 such a residence. The position of a similar house, as sho^vn on 
 plan B^ but distinctly separated from the Institution, is mtended 
 for a residence for single ladies, who, whilst by their contributmg 
 for their maintenance would augment the support of the estab- 
 lishment, would also serve as a house where a girl could be 
 taught household work of somewhat better class than that of 
 a cottage, and fit her to take a situation in some family. 
 
 As the necessity for a probationers' ward or cottage is con- 
 sidered one of the gi*eatest needs for this work, I have shoAvn 
 one at the extreme end of the laundry buildings, and is shown 
 on the plans by a dark wash tint over the building, which would 
 be enthely shut off from the remaining buildings and recreation 
 gi'ounds, and have space allowed l^ehind the laundry for any 
 purposes of exercise which may be required.
 
 Selection of a Site, Description of Houses, %c, 39 
 
 This cottage would be in immediate commmiication with a 
 separate laundry and wash-house, to be worked by them in 
 washing the clothes of the liome estahlisltment only, thus bringing 
 them up to the work to which, if drafted in due course into the 
 other cottages, they will have, to some extent, perfected them- 
 selves before midertaking the finer and more important pubHc 
 laundry work. 
 
 And this brings me noAv to the arrangement of the laundries, 
 &c., and the private one being that to which I have already 
 alluded, I will continue my description. Laundries and wash- 
 houses require very careful treatment in arrangement, to be 
 easily and healthfully workable. A laimdry, to be successful, 
 should have its buildhigs but one storey in height, but if, as in 
 towns, it is, from the value of land, absolutely necessary to have 
 them of two or more storeys, then top ventilation, with lofty 
 rooms, is imperative to their health and good working. I have 
 presumed that, generally, these Institutions on this Cottage prin- 
 ciple will not be built so near a town, or where land is of the 
 great value I have before mentioned. 
 
 Now as to the arrangements of the laundiy. 
 
 I have shown, in that required for the home use and for 
 (as I have suggested) 12 Penitents, a sorting room for dirty clothes 
 delivered from each cottage, &c., with lockers for arrangmg the 
 same, and adjoining to this the wash-house, with troughs ar- 
 ranged for five girls, or so, with an overlooker, and space at 
 the side next the laundry for the use of wi'inging maclihie 
 previous to the removal of clothes to the laundiy and ironing 
 room, where I have provided the necessary space for about four 
 girls and a small hot closet, together with folding tables, &c. 
 From this room, and adjoining, is a clean linen and packing 
 room, where the clothes would be sorted and sent back to each 
 cottage. A diying ground, open to the south-west, and en- 
 closed on two sides by buildings communicating with the 
 wash-house, will complete this block ; the whole arranged so 
 as to be entirely without communication with the pubhc laundry, 
 except by a door of communication by means of the Lady 
 Superintendent's special key, before referred to, which will 
 enable it to be under her immediate control. 
 
 The public laundry, which is on a much larger scale, requii-es
 
 40 Practical Suggestions as to the 
 
 more accommodation, though with similar arrangements to 
 that akeady described, with tliis difference, that the sorting 
 and packing rooms are both arranged so as to open to the 
 yard accessible to the carter for conveyance o:'' clothes from 
 the Institution. The ceilings of both laundries and wash-houses 
 would be so arranged that, if thought well, clothes may be 
 drawn up and down from the collar beams for their drying in 
 wet weather, when the outside grounds are not usable ; but it 
 is questionable whether tliis plan is advisable. In the other 
 rooms, where height is not so much an object, and where 
 stowage for lumber, &c., could be obtained, I should propose 
 lofts being constructed, with access by means of step ladders. 
 
 It will readily be supposed, as I suggested in the former part 
 of this paper, that an extensive water supply will be required 
 for the constant working of those buildings I have described, 
 and the precise method of supplying it must depend upon the 
 capabilities of each site. The rain water, which is the most 
 useful for washing purposes, could be collected in large under- 
 ground tanks near each wash-house, and the supply to the 
 coppers, and also the washing troughs, obtauied from cisterns 
 placed in the lofts and supplied from the tanks I have just now 
 described, leaving the additional supply of water from wells, or, 
 possibly, from a water company's main, to be provided for as cir- 
 cumstances will point out. I think it is clear that unless a per- 
 manent water high service could be obtained, each cottage 
 would have to be supplied from its own roof and well. 
 
 It now only remains for me, in conclusion, to point out the 
 method of enclosing and otherwise treating the general com- 
 bined block of buildings, one with another. A wall of some 
 six or seven feet in height, or even higher, round the greater 
 part of the site, with, perhaps, open railings in front of the 
 Chapel and Lady Superintendent's house, would be the best 
 mode of provichng boundary fences, and it would certainly be 
 advisable to adopt similar walls, though, perhaps, of less 
 height, for the partitions between the cottage gardens. Round 
 the sides of the cottages and buildings facing and across the 
 quadrangle, I have suggested that a continuous closed verandah 
 should be provided, thus allowing for covered communication 
 along the whole range and across to the laundries, while the
 
 Selection of a Site, Desciiption of Houses, Sfc. 41 
 
 quadrangle itself affords a good opportunity for laying out in 
 any way that may be desired with grass, flowers, &c. 
 
 Plan C is drawn to show how, in the space of less than one 
 acre, the cottage system for the same number of Penitents can 
 be arranged for, while, with the omission only of the accommo- 
 dation afforded by the Resident Ladies' house, but provided for 
 by extra accommodation in the Lady Superintendent's house, 
 the working power of the estabhshment could be equal to that 
 shown by the other two plans. 
 
 I have only now to add that if those interested in this work 
 are desirous of seeing one or more of their Institutions in active 
 progress, I most gladly recommend theii visiting the Peniten- 
 tiary of either Brighton, Stone, or Clewer, and others equally 
 well arranged and fitted for the work, where I was most kindly 
 and courteously received by the Ladies at their head ; and, 
 although, at those places I have mentioned, the combined house- 
 hold arrangement is that adopted, and, therefore, would not 
 serve, in some respects, to illustrate the remarks I have made on 
 the subject, still their admirable working powers as a combined 
 body, with all the detailed arrangements which are almost im- 
 possible to describe on paper, will serve to show that the hearts 
 of those who have kindly undertaken then" management are 
 thoroughly in their work, and there are not wanting most en- 
 couraging results of the training at each of these Institutions, 
 which are still better proofs of then* efficiency. 
 
 Having thus endeavoured to lay before you the arrange- 
 ments of such an Institution from an architect's point of view, 
 I may say that the plans which I have prepared are drawn not 
 so much to show how much can be done at how httle cost, but 
 the way I think the matter should be treated, and I have to 
 thank you for the kind attention you have accorded to me. 
 
 Note. — An approximate estimate shows that the 6 cottages, for 72 Penitents, 
 the laundry, the warder residences, and storerooms, the wall — in fact, all but 
 the chapel, can be completed at the same average cost per Penitent as has 
 ordinarily been required in the block system, viz., ^100. It must be evident 
 that one great advantage in the Cottage Penitentiary is that it is not necessary 
 to incur a large cost at first ; cottages can be added as funds come in, and the 
 small laundry which would ultimately be worked by the probationers would 
 bo sufficient for all purposes while there were only 2 cottages.
 
 III. 
 
 COTTAGE PENITENTIARIES ; 
 
 OR, 
 
 WHAT ARE THE BEST CONDITIONS EOR REFORMATORY 
 
 WORK? 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR OF "WORK AMONG THE LOST." 
 
 {In reply to Question 4.)
 
 COTTAGE PENITENTIARIES. 
 
 o^g g j ^ Oo 
 
 Those who have practically engaged in Penitentiary work 
 will be all agreed on one point, at least, — its extreme difficulty. 
 It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to secure the best and 
 most favourable conditions for moral reformation, so as to lighten 
 the difficulty as much as may be ; and it is because I do not 
 think that these conditions have, as yet, been fully realised in 
 England, that I venture to offer a few suggestions. 
 
 What then is the best school for the training of the affections 
 and the moral nature ? If the Divine mind and its dispositions 
 in the social economy of the world are to be any guide to us, 
 if in any faint measure we are to say, "My Father worketh 
 hitherto, and I work," I think there can be but one answer to 
 this question. Men have combined in religious communities for 
 the purposes of devotion and active benevolence ; they have 
 been disciplined into armies for the purposes of defence or 
 attack ; they have been gathered into schools and colleges for 
 intellectual training ; they have organised themselves into 
 guilds and corporations for carrying on the active business of 
 life ; but it is to the divinely ordained family that almost the 
 whole training of the moral nature and affections of man is 
 committed. The ideal at which we have to aim, therefore, in 
 all moral training and reformation, is God's idea of the family, 
 the home, in contradistinction to man's idea of the institution, 
 and its brick and mortar embodiment, a big building: the 
 family with its tender discriminative care for the individual, in 
 contradistinction to the institution, which too often degenerates 
 into a machine for working up a mass of bad, raw, material 
 into some better and more serviceable shape, forgetting that we 
 cannot thus make, if I may so say, moral shoddy of that 
 humanity, with all its infinite capabilities for good or evil, for
 
 46 Cottage Penitentiaries. 
 
 which the Son of God was contented to die to redeem it to 
 God. 
 
 I would, therefore, suggest that the best form for a Peniten- 
 tiary would be separate small houses or cottages, each mother, 
 matron, or sister havmg her own family of ten to twelve girls, 
 who, after having passed through a preliminary three or four 
 months in the probationers' house, should not afterwards be 
 moved, the laundry work being conducted in large adjacent 
 premises, where each house would have its own block, and, as 
 far as possible, be still kept separate. Much attachment might 
 thus spring up between the mother of the house and the small 
 band of ghls for whom she would feel herself solely responsible, 
 greatly increasing her moral and spiritual influence over them ; 
 and the girls themselves might readily be led to take a family 
 pride in the character of then* house, inducing wholesome 
 emulation and self respect, — some little decoration or change of 
 di-ess being, perhaps, accorded to those who have best upheld 
 its regulations. 
 
 Not only would far more of home family feeling be thus 
 secured, but the crying Avant of our Penitentiary work, classifi- 
 cation, could be met. At present we take a girl who, in an 
 unguarded moment, has fallen through her aifections, or one 
 who has been the victim of deceit or violence : a ghl who has 
 never been on the streets, and we throw her with the vilest and 
 most degraded of her sex. I have no hesitation in saying that 
 we do her a grievous wrong, and it is a mercy if she does not 
 come out worse than she went in. And not only so ; but, as in 
 large institutions, occupying one common building, distinctions 
 are necessarily invidious, she has to undergo the same period of 
 probation and training as the worst. In a Penitentiary on the 
 Cottage principle, I should suggest that one house be reserved 
 for such cases as these, and for children of 13 and 14, who 
 form so distressing a feature of our Penitentiaries, that they 
 should not have to pass through the probationers' ward at all, 
 and be only detained from six months to a year, enough to 
 make some distinction between them and the girl who has 
 resisted temptation, and to give them time for thought and 
 repentance, as well as to put them in the way of earning a 
 better livelihood, and to save them from the temptations of bad
 
 Cottage Penitentiaries. 47 
 
 places of service. We should thus be able to save three times 
 the number of young gnls who have taken one false step, but 
 have not gone far in evil. 
 
 As a supplement to the loving authority of the mother, the 
 monitor system must be carefully carried out, so that the 
 kitchen as well as the day-room may be under careful superin- 
 tendence. In addition to this, I would earnestly suggest that 
 in every house there should be a sister, or one qualifying for the 
 office of paid matron, in training, so that what I should specify 
 as the second great want of our Penitentiary work, the demand 
 for trained services may be met. At present, in a large number 
 of English Penitentiaries, we take a woman who has been a 
 pew-opener, or perhaps, a small shop-keeper, and we set her 
 down among a number of bad, unruly gMs, and expect her to 
 manage them by, instinct, without knowing what methods to 
 pursue, what discipline to enforce, what persuasions to use, what 
 punishments to adopt, what distinctions of character to make, 
 what plan of teaching to employ. We do not expect our boots 
 to be mended, nor our roofs repaired, by instinct ; surely it is 
 still more unreasonable to expect even a devoted sister to do 
 at once, by instinct, with no previous traming under practised 
 hands, and patient observation of the best methods, that most 
 difficult work of all, the restoration, by the Divine help, of the 
 broken image of God. I would, therefore, suggest that every 
 successful Penitentiary should not only be a hospital for sick 
 souls, but also a training school for sisters and matrons, the 
 Penitentiary which receives the trained services of such a sister 
 or matron — and surely her " price is above rubies " — paying a 
 small premium to the Training Institution. 
 
 It is constantly urged against the system of Cottage Peni- 
 tentiaries that it would requne a far greater number of self- 
 devoted women or paid matrons to carry it out, when, already, 
 the supply is so far short of the demand. But this is not the 
 case. As I have already endeavoured to pohit out in " Work 
 Among the Lost" wherever we take the responsibility of biing- 
 ing a mass of evil together, we must have a sufficient counter- 
 balancing amount of good to control and, as it were, deodorize it, 
 or we have moral miasma. In the Brighton Albion Hill Home, 
 with which I am best acquainted, there are, besides the Lady
 
 48 Cottage Penitentiaries. 
 
 Superintendent, 7 Matrons and Q2 Penitents. This is two more 
 than would be needed in a Cottage Penitentiary. And where 
 the system of paid matrons is adopted, it would be easier to 
 find good women, — mothers having brought up their own 
 children wisely and well, — who, with some previous training, 
 would be qualified to take the care of a small number of girls, 
 than women fitted to suj)erintend a large department hi an 
 Institution occupying one common buildmg. 
 
 I would also suggest that there should be attached to the 
 Cottage Penitentiary a boarding house for Ladies of somewhat 
 reduced means. Possibly, if it were only contiguous, and not 
 positively attached, it would be as well ; but, at any rate, it 
 must have its separate entrances as much as possible removed 
 from the work of the Penitentiary, as, though the Ladies Resi- 
 dent would be probably interested in the reclamation of the fallen, 
 then- visitors might shrink from the whole thing. Not only would 
 the proceeds materially assist the funds of the Penitentiary, — one 
 Home for moral incurables m London having been made, for 
 many years, entirely self-supporting in this way, and I doubt 
 whether one can aid the spread of Reformatory work more 
 efiectively than by rendering it less expensive, — but the girls 
 might be far more efficiently trained for the practical work of 
 household service by being promoted, towards the end of their 
 probation to wait upon the ladies: and, above all, it would 
 afford opportunity for training' a certain number as much- 
 wanted cooks, the girl having previously learned to cook for 
 her own house, and being then finished off at the Boarding 
 House. As the remuneration of this branch of household 
 service is high, and good training in it difiicult to procure and 
 involving some expense, I think it would be right and fair, and 
 ministering to the principle of self-help, that a small draw- 
 back from the wages should be exacted, to go towards trammg 
 others, some arrangement with the mistress bemg made to 
 that effect. 
 
 It only remains for me to make a few remarks on the object 
 at which we ought to aim m Penitentiary work. Surely I 
 cannot better define it than in the words which om* Church 
 herself has given us, to teach these poor wanderers in godly 
 repentance for the past, " To learn and labour truly to get their
 
 Cottage Penitentiaries. 49 
 
 own living, and do theii* duty in that state of life to which God 
 has called them." If every hour that they spend under our 
 care is not training them for this, can we be said to be training 
 them at all ? T would, therefore, earnestly suggest that their 
 training should be as natural and home-like as possible ; not 
 something strangely different from what their life must be in 
 the world, and, therefore, no guide to it, but, rather, as giving 
 them the true key-notes of that life, and teaching them how 
 they can make common work-a-days divine. For this reason I 
 should myself prefer the mother of the house being a woman 
 taken from their own rank of life, though I am well aware of 
 the advantages which must accrue from the greater tact and 
 capability of an educated woman. But, anyhow, I would have 
 all who undertake this work to serve an apprenticeship first in 
 the ^-isitation of the dens where these poor lost creatures con- 
 gregate, so as to learn thoroughly the nature of the stuff they 
 have to deal with, and how much it will bear. I know of no 
 work in which one has more need of the large patience and 
 forbearance of the Redeemer's words, " I have many things to 
 say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." remember 
 that they come from places where prayer is never heard, where 
 a Bible is never seen, and do not let us exact too much prayer 
 from them at first. Let us bear in mind that most of them are, 
 physically, in a disordered state, with a tendency to hysteria, 
 and of the very stuff that religious excitement is made ; and 
 let us be careful not to force or over-stimulate the religious 
 emotions which the history of all ancient idolatries shows to be 
 in such close connection with the passions, and, by so doing, 
 minister to the very want of self-control which we have to 
 cure. And, above all, let us remember that what chains so 
 many of these poor girls to a life of sin is idleness, a dislike of 
 hard work and its subjection to rule; and that, therefore, the 
 formation of habits of patient industry and unbroken toil is of 
 far more importance to them than the formation of a taste for 
 religious services. What we have to aim at is the formation of 
 habits which may especially guard them fi^om their peculiar 
 temptation hereafter, habits of prayer night and morning, habits 
 of steady industry, habits of worship on the Lord's Day, the 
 habit of acting under the Divine eye, and making a conscience 
 
 E
 
 50 Cottage Penitentiaries. 
 
 of their work ; habits of truthfuhiess and honesty, wliich spring 
 from this, the habit of looking on the body as well as the 
 soul as sacred, " Not our own, but bought A\dth a price," and to 
 be presented as a living sacrifice to God. And if, in many cases, 
 we effect what some people call only a moral reformation, with- 
 out that deep spiritual change which we long to see, let us not 
 forget we have still wrought a good work ; we have stopped up 
 one fountain of bitter w^aters, and saved scores whom that girl, 
 but for that moral change, would have led into evil ; women when 
 once dragged down being the worst seducers to sin. A natural, 
 cheerful, homely life, with a great deal of hard work and some 
 play, I would therefore again earnestly repeat, is what I have 
 been led to feel is needed in our Penitentiaries ; a religion pre- 
 sented rather on its practical than its emotional side ; the prac- 
 tical side of Christianity, which made the little maid-of-all-work 
 give as an evidence of her conversion to God, '' that now she 
 always swept under the mats." And I would suggest that Cot- 
 tage Penitentiaries would be best adapted for carrying tins out. 
 In conclusion, I would venture to express my hope that this 
 conference, in itself of so much importance, will prove only a 
 preliminary step to a general conference on Penitentiary work, 
 embracing all parties and methods of working in the Church, 
 so that each may learn of all. If we have not yet decided on 
 even the best form of the external building, it surely proves 
 that our first principles are not yet recognised. We are cut 
 off from the only means of free discussion, the public press, and 
 we have no means of bringing our crude individual theories and 
 methods to the test of collective wisdom, so that the weak 
 points may be weeded out ; and without we follow the example 
 of the Clergy, medical men, schoolmasters, prison authorities, 
 total abstainers, and licensed victuallers, and meet in annual 
 conference to discuss our difficulties, I despair of much progress 
 being made in arriving at the best methods and principles, or 
 of our present state of disunion and internal jealousy of one 
 another coming to an end. Such a conference, headed by one 
 of our Archbishops, catholic in its constitution and private in 
 its discussions, would present the Church as taking the lead 
 at once against our two great national evils, intemperance and 
 immorality, and would, I believe, inaugurate a new era in 
 Penitentiary work.
 
 IV. 
 SHOET HOMES. 
 
 BY A SISTER IN CHARGE OF A HOUSE OF REFUGE, 
 
 WHICH RECEIVES OVER 100 PENITENTS 
 
 IN THE COURSE OF THE YEAR. 
 
 (A Paper in re-ply to Question 4.) 
 
 E 2
 
 SHORT HOMES. 
 
 Amongst the many suggestions that have been brought before 
 Church people of late years, relative to the improvements of 
 which the Penitentiary system was capable, that of Short 
 Homes has been ignored, or has been brought forward only to 
 be forgotten. 
 
 In a few brief words let us put before those interested in 
 the great work of seeking to save those who have erred and 
 strayed from the right way the advantages of these Institutions, 
 and the best methods of working them. 
 
 We must remember that there are but two classes of Homes 
 for fallen women, ^.e., those which receive them for a short 
 time, and those which refuse to admit them unless they consent 
 to stay for a considerable period, in some Houses for two years. 
 They go and tell all their misery and their shame, these poor, 
 misguided, ignorant girls, and they are told the alternative — 
 they must either go and face the cold, hard world again, or 
 they must submit to what seems to them, viewed through all 
 their hopeless misery, an almost interminable time of punish- 
 ment. 
 
 There may be some who would willingly give up their 
 whole lives as one long penance for the past, but they are the 
 exceptions to the rule, the majority shrink from the thought of 
 the long, long months during which they are to be shut out 
 from the world ; they want to lead more honest lives, with all 
 the memory of then* sin fresh in their minds, with all the 
 thought of its bitter consequences ever rising up before them, 
 they are more fit, perhaps, to go forth again to the battJe than 
 when time, and seclusion, and dependance upon others have 
 deadened the agony of self-reproach, which was the foremost 
 feeling in their hearts when they sought the shelter of the 
 Penitentiarv.
 
 54 Sliort TJo 
 
 77iefi. 
 
 The system of these Houses, admirable though it is in 
 many ways, does not fit many of these poor creatures for 
 future contact with the world. They are comparatively safe 
 during those two years ; they cannot fall, for they are kept 
 out of all possible reach of temptation, shut out from all inter- 
 course with all but those appointed to watch over them ; their 
 quiet, uneventful lives roll on ; and then, they leave the Peni- 
 tentiary, and they go back to the old associations and the old 
 companions, and what is the result ? We all know it but too 
 well, we all see it every day — another fall, greater disgrace, 
 then misery, and shame, and ruin. 
 
 And there is a remedy for this. There are means we contend 
 which have yet been untried, which may, with God's blessing, 
 brace up many a sinner, many a weary one^ for the battle which 
 she must fight unto the end. 
 
 Let us consider, for an instant, the best method of carrying 
 out the plan of Short Homes. 
 
 1st. These Homes should receive Penitents for a period not 
 longer than one year ; whilst in special cases the time may be 
 shortened to nine months, or even less. 
 
 2nd. They should be distinct houses, or a cottage would do 
 to begm with. 
 
 8rd. The Penitents should be divided into three classes, 
 each class wearing a different dress. 
 
 4th. Each Penitent on admission should join the lowest 
 class, and so long as she remains there she should not be 
 allowed to mix in any way with the outer world. In the next 
 class she should be allowed to answer the door, &c. In the 
 next and highest grade, she should be treated like any ordinary 
 domestic servant ; she should take her place again amongst her 
 fellows, and whilst watchful eyes are ever bent upon her^ and 
 loving hearts are praying for her, she should try, in the strength 
 of the Lord, to meet the temptations which must come to her 
 in the future. 
 
 Then she can leave the Penitentiary, not to tread unknown 
 ground, not to grope about in the darkness, but knowing she 
 will have to fight many a battle, and praying that she may 
 fight it aright. 
 
 5th. If any of the Penitents should be found guilty of any
 
 Sliort Homes, 55 
 
 breach of discipline or irregularity of conduct, they must, of 
 course, be removed to the lowest class. 
 
 And now consider what these Short Homes would avert. 
 Let us glance for one moment at bare, unvarnished facts. A 
 girl has sinned; she has found temporary shelter, and the time 
 comes when she must leave it. She must think of the future, 
 the dark, dreary future. There is the river flowing at her feet, 
 its cold waters ready to receive her ; and so, to put an end to 
 her troubles — ah ! to end them ? surely not ; rather to begin 
 another life of greater pain and greater torment. Most of these 
 poor creatures know this ; most of them have heard of that 
 other life ; most of them shrink from going to God with all the 
 heavy weight of guilt upon their hearts, for which there seems 
 no hope of pardon here nor hereafter. Then there is the 
 workhouse. There, for a while, they may remain, it is true ; 
 and then they are told they must go to their parislies, to their 
 own homes — those homes which some of them perhaps left when 
 they were young, and bright, and innocent; and the sight of them 
 as they are now might break some mother's heart, might bring 
 down some father's grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. 
 
 No, they cannot stand this, those poor, sinful, friendless 
 women. No one will engage them as servants, no one will 
 hold out a helping hand to them, and so they fall again into 
 sin. They must live — no matter how — they cannot be worse 
 off than they are, in all their bitter isolation and despair. 
 
 If only they might hide for a little while; if only they 
 might be received into some Home, where they might hear of 
 hope even for such as they are, where they might work their 
 way back to honesty and respectability, and not live a life 
 apart from their fellow creatures, branded with the brand of 
 shame. 
 
 There are those who say that the suffering is self-inflicted, 
 the shame deserved. We do not seek to deny it, but there was 
 a Avoman, who was a sinner, who sat at our dear Lord's feet, 
 and listened to the gentle words of pardon and of love which 
 fell from the gentle lips of Him who knew no sin. At the 
 cross of Jesus, standing side by side with the pure Virgin 
 Mother of God, the Magdalene watched, and prayed, and wept ; 
 and when on the first Easter morn, in the bright dawning of
 
 56 Short Homes. 
 
 the Resurrection day, angels watched the empty tomb, and 
 loving disciples went away sad and sorrowful, because the 
 Lord was gone from His garden tomb, she, who perhaps had 
 more need of consolation than all He had left on earth, 
 remained to weep and to pray at the sepulchre still : and He 
 Avho was sent first to the lost sheep, appeared first to her who 
 loved so deeply and had sinned so much. 
 
 Can we, dare we turn away from our fellow sinners ; can 
 we, dare we keep them at arm's length, when we think of 
 these things? Surely not. And our Penitentiary work will 
 be more successful, our labours even in this world will meet 
 with a more abundant reward, if for the sake of Him who died 
 for us all, who came to seek and to save the lost, we try, by 
 gentle words and loving ways, to bring poor, weak, and wander- . 
 ing souls to stand with S. Mary Magdalene at the foot of the 
 Cross, even with her, the greatest of all Penitents, whom the 
 Churcli has ever honoured amongst the greatest of her saints. 
 
 We have been led into a digression from the point to which 
 this paper is especially addi'essed, viz., the necessity of having 
 Short Homes for special cases, and particularly for mothers, 
 who should as soon as possible commence to support their 
 children by their earnings
 
 INDUSTRIAL OCCUPATIONS 
 
 AND 
 
 ExMPLOYMENT IN PENITENTIARIES, 
 
 {In reply to Question 5.)
 
 EMPLOYMENT FOR WOMEN IN PENITENTIARIES. 
 
 o^ ^ Q ^^ 
 
 Feeling that my complete ignorance of the working ol 
 Penitentiaries must give to any suggestions I might make 
 only the character of mere theorising, and knowing that 
 nowhere can such theorising be of less value than in re- 
 formatory work, I have thought it desirable to base my 
 remarks on a sketch, given some years ago by Mrs. Jameson, 
 of a well-known Refuge at Turin. A¥hilst approaching very 
 nearly to what seems to be the ideal of such work, this account 
 is a record of a practical experience of twenty years' standing. 
 
 *' The Institution began on a small scale, with few inmates ; 
 it now covers a large space of ground, having several ranges 
 of buildings for various departments, all connected, and yet 
 most carefully separated. There are several distinct gardens 
 enclosed by these buildings, and the green trees and flowers 
 give an appearance of cheerfulness to the whole. 
 
 *' There is, at first, a Refuge for casual and extreme wretched- 
 ness. There is an Infirmary admirably managed by a good 
 physician and two medical sisters of a religious order. There 
 are also convalescent wards. These parts of the building are 
 kept separate, and the inmates carefully classed, all the younger 
 patients being in a separate ward. In the Penitentiary and 
 Schools the young girls and children are kept distinct from the 
 elder ones, and those who had lately entered from the others. 
 Reading, writing, plain needle-work, and embroidery are taught ; 
 also cooking, and other domestic work. A certain number 
 assisted by rotation in the large, lightsome kitchens, and in the 
 general service of the house, but not until they had been there 
 some months, and had received badges for good conduct. 
 There are three gradations of these badges of merit, earned 
 by various terms of probation. The third and highest order of 
 merit, which was a certificate of good conduct and steady
 
 60 Employment f 07' Women in Penitentiaries. 
 
 industry during three years at least, conferred the privilege of 
 entering an order destined to nurse the sick in the Infirmary, 
 or entrusted to keep order in the small classes. They had a 
 still higher privilege. And now I come to a part of the 
 Institution which excited my strongest sympathy and admira- 
 tion. Appended to it is an Infant Hospital for the children of 
 the very lowest orders — children born diseased and deformed, 
 or maimed by accident, epileptic or cripple. In this Hospital 
 were thirty-two poor suffering infants, carefully tended, by 
 such of the Penitents as had earned the privilege. On a rainy 
 day I found these poor little things taking their exercises in a 
 long airy corridor. Over the clean shining floor was spread 
 temporarily a piece of coarse grey drugget, that then- feet 
 might not slip ; and so they were led along, creeping, crawhng, 
 or trying to walk or run, with bandaged heads and limbs, care- 
 fully and tenderly helped and watched by the nurses, who were 
 themselves under the supervision of one of the religious sisters 
 already mentioned. 
 
 " There is a good Dispensary, well supplied with medicines, 
 served by a well-instructed sister of charity, with the help of 
 one of the inmates whom she had trained. 
 
 "I was told that when these girls leave the Institution^ after 
 a probation of three or four years, there is no difficulty in findmg 
 them good places as servants, cooks, washerwomen, and even 
 nurses. But all do not leave it. Those who, after a residence 
 of six years, preferred to remain, might do so ; they were 
 devoted to a religious and laborious life, and lived in a part of 
 the building which had a sort of conventual seclusion. They 
 are styled "les Madeleines." I saw sixteen of such. They 
 were all superior in countenance and organization, and belonged 
 apparently to a better class. They were averse to re-enteiing 
 the world, had been disgusted or humiliated by their bitter 
 experience of vice, and disliked or were unfitted for servile 
 occupations. They had a manufactory of artificial flowers, 
 were skilful embroiderers and needlewomen, and supported 
 themselves by the produce of their work. They were no 
 longer objects of pity, or dependent on charity ; they had 
 become objects of respect, and more than respect, of reverence. 
 One of them, who had a talent for music, had been carefully
 
 Employment for Women in PeniteiUiaries. 61 
 
 and properly instructed ; she was music mistress and organist 
 of the chapel ; she had taught several of her companions to 
 sing. A piano stood in the centre of the room, and they 
 executed a little concert for us. Everything was done easily 
 and quietly, without effort or display. When I looked in the 
 faces of these young women — the eldest was not more than 
 thirty — so serene, so healthful, and in some instances so dig- 
 nified, I found it difficult to recall the depth of misery, 
 degradation, and disease out of which they had risen. 
 
 " The whole number of inmates was about 140, without 
 reckoning the thirty-two sick children. Madame de Barol said 
 that this Infant Hospital was a most efficient means of thorough 
 reform ; it called out what was best in the disposition of the 
 Penitents, and was indeed a test of the character and temper." 
 
 The points to which I would direct special attention in these 
 extracts are — 1st. The Hospital, Infirmary, and Dispensary. 
 2nd. The Retreat for such of the inmates as choose to remain 
 after this term of probation ; and most especially, the length of 
 time demanded for this probation. This last is a consideration of 
 the utmost moment, in the attempt to introduce into Peni- 
 tentiaries any of the branches of skilled labour which may be 
 practised by women. Without a due time of apprenticeship 
 such attempts could result only in one way, the addition of still 
 more incompetent workers to the already alarming numbers of 
 those who are crowding the labour market, and inevitably 
 failing in the competition with men, who, as a matter of course, 
 have gone through systematic training in their business. Many 
 branches of work possible to women are as yet little followed, 
 and simply not followed because women cannot give the time 
 essential for any real and remunerative degree of skill. 
 
 Without entering into the moral aspects of nursing as an 
 occupation for the Penitents (a matter so self-evident, indeed, 
 that it scarcely needs comment), it is sufficient to draw attention 
 to the rising importance, as a profession for women, of nursing, 
 both for hospitals and in private famihes. There is no limit to 
 the demand for properly qualified and experienced nurses. The 
 addition of a children's hospital, an infirmary, and a dispensary 
 to some of the Penitentiaries, if not to all, would afford an 
 opportunity of training such of the inmates as showed the
 
 62 Employment for Women in Penitentiaries, 
 
 necessary desii-e and aptitude for the work ; those only being 
 sent out who had proved their fitness and trustworthiness. 
 Suitable women might be gathered from all other Homes and 
 Institutions to receive their training in some one central place ; 
 shice nursing, hke every other true work, must need some 
 special fitness in the worker. 
 
 Domestic service is, and must contmue to be, the most general 
 work for the mass of the Penitents. The demand for servants 
 is greater and more constant than that for any other kind of 
 female labour, while it is proved by wide experience that in this 
 work there are no insuperable prejudices to overcome on the 
 side of the employer. In several Homes where servants are 
 well trained the applications for them are often more numerous 
 than can be met. There is one objection, however, to which 
 all Institutions are hable, and one not easy to meet. Servants 
 trained in large buildings where everything is arranged on 
 principles of greatest economy of money, and of time and 
 trouble, are found to be not so well adapted for private houses, 
 where things are done on a smaller scale and mth less machinery. 
 They must also, of necessity, be less skilled in the finer kinds 
 of household work, in which they can have so httle experience. 
 This difficulty might be met completely, to the great gain of 
 society at large, by the more general adoption of a plan which, 
 in one instance, has proved a complete success — the estabhsh- 
 ment of boarding houses for ladies of limited means, who 
 Avould gladly avail themselves of the greater comfort secured 
 by such attendance, and who would be willing, in return, to 
 give such help in the nicer details of the training, as can be 
 given by ladies accustomed to domestic management. These 
 houses might be detached from the Institution, and, neces- 
 sitating a greater degree of freedom, might prove safer as a 
 means of gradual emancipation than the present plan of sending 
 the girls direct from the Home to the unwatched liberty of a 
 private family. There is one such boarding-house no w in full work, 
 and it is said to be quite self-supporting, a point of no small 
 weight. And under judicious management, there is Httle 
 doubt that such houses might be made not only useful to the 
 Institutions with which they were connected, but also be an 
 incalculable blessing to hundreds of ladies, governesses, and
 
 Employment for Women in Peniientiaries. 63 
 
 others, now at the mercy of ignorant and graspmg landladies, 
 and living in single, comfortless rooms, for which they are 
 compelled to pay rents exorbitantly high. It would be no 
 shght good to secure to such isolated hves somethiag of home 
 comfort and of social intercourse, combhied with their present 
 independence. Each lady might have her own room, with the 
 opportunity of using the pubhc rooms of the house, and m the 
 economy belonging to larger numbers, might have in every 
 way more comfort with no increase of expenditure. 
 
 Granting that the greater proportion of the inmates of 
 reformatory Institutions will always be trained for household 
 work, it follows that training in other industrial employments 
 can be given only in more exceptional cases. But there must 
 be many of these exceptions where a greater stimulus is needed 
 to excite that pleasure in work which is one of the strongest 
 means of influencing those whose besetment or temptation has 
 been a distaste for exertion of any kind. In idleness, even 
 more than in vanity, we may find the seed of the evils from 
 which these wasted Hves are to be rescued. If it can be 
 possible to discover any talent, taste, or faculty, which could 
 be drawn out and cultivated, it may often be comparatively 
 easy to make this the foundation of a new and more stable 
 character. Girls who are unfitted for domestic service, and who 
 have no vocation for nursing, may still have some aptitude for 
 industrial or artistic occupations, if opportunity could be given 
 for its development. 
 
 But in the consideration of such occupations we must not 
 omit this important element, the question of the future asso- 
 ciations into which such work may introduce the girl ; a question 
 beset with difficulties. On the one hand, we find that the 
 branches of labour where it might be easy to find employment, 
 may almost inevitably expose the worker to all the worst 
 dangers of sohtary life in a large town ; whilst, on the other 
 hand, the more ehgible sorts of work are placed out of reach 
 for workers with the antecedents of residence in a reformatory 
 institution. In addition to the barriers raised by trades- 
 unionism among the men to many kinds of Avork suitable for 
 women, we should also have to meet a very natural objection 
 amongst the more respectable young women to the admission of
 
 64 Employment for Women in Penitentiaries. 
 
 these others. In hair dressing, for example, one of the most 
 successful and remunerative of the new employments, tliis 
 objection would be fatal, for the firms now employing young 
 women demandunexceptionable references from their employees. 
 So, too, would it be with respect to china painting and tile pamt- 
 ing, two of the most attractive and best paying kinds of artistic 
 work for women. 
 
 To meet these difficulties we should need the application, 
 with some modification, of the principle exemphfied in the 
 Turin Retreat. Instead of the merely rehgious or conventual 
 form, it might be tried on a commercial basis. Attached to the 
 various Penitentiaries and Homes might be workrooms or 
 studios, where various branches of work could not only be 
 taught to beginners, but also, being practised by competent 
 workers, the work would be in itself of value, thus making the 
 endeavour a source of profit to the Institution. The time of 
 probation would thus be extended as long as was necessary, 
 whilst a safe career would be secured for the quaUfied workers 
 who chose to avail themselves of it. For such there might be 
 simple and respectable boarding-houses, at rates within the 
 smallest means, and also under watchful care and supervision. 
 
 And in another way the adoption of this plan might be of 
 advantage to the whole reformatory movement, by uniting in 
 one common efi'ort all the separate Institutions of this kind in 
 the country. As long as each continues isolated and entirely 
 self-contained, no thoroughly successful result can be expected. 
 No one Institution can undertake successfully all kinds of work, 
 even of a purely industrial character. And no one kind of 
 work can possibly include all the various dispositions and 
 degi-ees of intelligence which may be gathered together in any 
 single Reformatory or Home. But if each of these Institutions 
 would select some particular branch of labour, suitable to its 
 neighbourhood and circumstances, each might be able to perfect 
 its own work, and, in the interchange of Avorkers, be able to 
 secure those most fitted for this special work. The value of 
 the work done in such workrooms is a point deserving of careful 
 consideration, since upon this must depend any real infusion of 
 the practical and strictly commercial element which is so much 
 more sound and healthy a basis to start from than any merely 
 charitable arrangement.
 
 Kmployment for Women in Penitentiaries. 65' 
 
 Dressmaking, in connection with large firms, or with a 
 private clientele, might be pursued systematically by one 
 Institution. Thoroughly competent dressmakers are wanted 
 everywhere, and never have any difficulty in finding full work. 
 Millinery might be added, or taken up by another Institution. 
 So, too, with workrooms for every branch of needle-work, by 
 hand or machine, as well as work for tailors, and shoemakers, 
 and upholsterers, in all of which women are needed, and are 
 well paid. Artificial flower-making gives employment to 
 thousands of women, and if followed in this sheltered way, 
 might not be dangerous even to these workers. 
 
 Another Institution in a large town might put itself into 
 communication with legal firms and teach law copying, one of 
 the very deshable new employments, but one which it is quite 
 obvious it would not be desirable to teach under these circum- 
 stances without supplying a channel of communication between 
 the employers and the employed. 
 
 Printing is also one of the things to wliich no objection can 
 be made. Women prove constantly that they earn a good 
 Hving as compositors, and the prejudice against receiving them 
 into printing offices is rapidly dying out. There is nothing to 
 prevent some London Reformatory from supplyuig the workers 
 in the offices attached to a successful prmting estabhshnient. 
 It is not even necessary to make the fact pubHc ; the work may 
 be done and the results only be known as in ordinary houses of 
 business. 
 
 The practice of any of the finer kinds of artistic work must 
 depend on finding the requisite talent in the workers. But 
 with some plan of hitercommunication throughout the country, 
 in organization and combination, all the fittest pupils might be 
 collected together hi the Institution adapted for the pm-pose. 
 Such a studio would probably meet one of the greatest wants 
 in the work, in giving an opening for the more educated 
 women. 
 
 Teaching, the general resource of educated women, is not 
 and ought not to be available here, except in the rarest and 
 most exceptional instances. At present the absence of other 
 work does open the temptation, ui a most mistaken kindness to 
 its object, to send out as governesses those who are competent 
 
 F
 
 66 Employment for Women in Penite7itiaries. 
 
 to teach, necessarily under false pretences, since no mother, 
 however kind and pliilanthropic, could be expected to choose to 
 entrust her little girls to such care as this. 
 
 For these unhappy ladies, for such many of them are, the 
 Turin Retreat system might be in every way better than a 
 return, even where that is possible, to their own homes and old 
 associations. Nursing, to those who are fitted for it, is pre- 
 eminently the best calling in cases of this kind, as offering full 
 scope for education and refinement, and also as occupying and 
 satisfying the heart, as well as head and hands. But where 
 there is no fitness for nursing, a healthy and happy life may be 
 promoted by the acquisition of some branch of really skilled 
 labour, calculated to excite and to sustain an intelligent interest. 
 Designing^ as applied to dress materials, lace, fans, carpets, 
 furniture, china, etc., is work of this kind. China painting and 
 gilding, colouring photographs, illunmiating, etc., come next, as 
 needing special talent and lengthened apprenticeship. Glass 
 engraving is an art easily acquired, and so would be engraving 
 on metals, such as watch cases and jewellery. Wood engraving 
 is work particularly adapted for women, and is one that requires 
 only sufiicient time and patience for its acquisition. The 
 ordinary term of apprenticesliip for men is from five to seven 
 years, no work being expected of a valuable nature under 
 four years. In this fact alone hes the cause of the dechne of 
 this art among women. Few women, as is well known, attempt 
 to learn any art or trade luitil they are actually under the 
 pressure of necessity. Not being able to give time for acquiring 
 skill they must, as a rule, do imperfect work, which is mevitably 
 poorly paid. 
 
 In connection with shops for the sale of fancy work much 
 might be done by those possessing the requisite neatness and 
 taste in making up work, in grounding patterns, and generally 
 in finishing articles to order. Great difficulty is experienced by 
 the heads of such establishments in finding skilled workers 
 able and ready to undertake sudden or unexpected orders, 
 which may be beyond the capabihties of the orduiary staif of 
 assistants. In this particularly would be found the advantage 
 of a special arrangement for this end, smce the great source of 
 difficulty is always in fitting the work to the workers, and in 
 bringing together the employer and the employed.
 
 Employment for Women in Penitentiaries. 
 
 67 
 
 Such are some of the more practicable forms of employment 
 which might be made useful ui Reformatory work. The task of 
 applying them is certainly of no hght or easy nature, and must 
 almost inevitably be attended by much failure, attaining success 
 only through the experience gained in a discipline of mistakes 
 and of patient effort to repair mistakes. But the end seems 
 worthy of all effort, and in exciting a love of work, as well as 
 in giving a definite aim and hope to wasted and disappointed 
 Hves, might become a powerful help in the recovery of hundreds 
 now drifting back, even when once reclaimed from their old 
 ways. It can never be enough to shut up such hves within 
 prison walls, or in the gloom and chih of mere conventual 
 seclusion, to expect them to follow out a monotonous routme of 
 mechanical toil. But once make the probation a road to a new 
 future of useful and honourable labour, and half the task is 
 over m the insphation of hope. 
 
 F 2
 
 YI. 
 
 DRAFT OF STATUTES, 
 
 (Paper in reply to Question 7.) 
 
 BY 
 
 Rev. R. LASCELLES.
 
 71 
 
 Lavington, 
 
 April 21, 1873. 
 
 The Rev. R. Lascelles presents his compliments to the Secretary 
 of the C. P. A., and, in reply to the invitation contained in 
 Query 7, begs to enclose a copy of the Statutes of St. Thomas's 
 Home, Els on, as finally settled and approved by the Committee 
 and the Visitor, the Bishop of Wmchester. Mr. Lascelles tliinks 
 that these Statutes, if printed with the other papers, might be 
 very useful to persons about to establish Penitentiaries. They 
 were prepared by Mr. W. Ford, of Gray^s Inn, their Honorary 
 SoHcitor, who held for many years the same office in con- 
 nection with the House of St. John the Baptist, at Clewer. 
 The Statutes were framed after careful consideration of those 
 of Clewer, and of St. Peter's Home, Kilburn, both of which 
 have Episcopal sanction.
 
 72 
 
 In tlj^ ITamc of iljc f 0lg itnb Snbifatbcb Crimte, 
 
 and for the well-being of Christ's Holy Cathohc Church 
 established in this land, the several persons whose 
 names and seals are hereunto subscribed and fixed have 
 agreed upon and adopted certain Statutes for the due 
 order and government of the said Institution, which has 
 been established principally for the reception, protection, 
 and reformation of Females who have sinned against 
 the Divine Law of Chastity ; and these Statutes they 
 have adopted with the deshe and intent that, through 
 the blessing of God, the principles on which the Insti- 
 tution has been founded may be always preserved un- 
 changed and inviolate, and that it may be conducted 
 and carried on in accordance with the true Christian 
 Faith as it is set forth in the Doctrine and Disciphne of 
 the Church of England, to the Glory of Almighty God 
 and the Eternal Salvation of Souls, for whom, as for 
 themselves, Christ died. Therefore, the said several 
 persons before-named, havmg deeply at heart these 
 objects and desires, do now declare, AND THESE 
 PRESENTS WITNESS, and it is hereby agreed and 
 declared as follows, that is to say : — 
 
 The Name and Object of tlie Institution. 
 
 Fundamental. First. — The object of the Institution called '' St. 
 
 Thomas's Home for the Friendless and Fallen," 
 is the reception and protection of penitent women who 
 have led unchaste hves, with a view, by means of such 
 reception and protection, to their reformation and 
 ultimate safe estabhshment, either in some reputable 
 calling by which to earn a liveliliood or otherwise, and 
 the performing other acts of mercy under the direction 
 of the Warden.
 
 Draft of Statutes. 73 
 
 The Officers. 
 
 Second. — The Institution shall consist of a Visitor, Fundamental. 
 a Warden, a Superior, Sisters, a Council, two or more 
 Trustees, and two Treasurers. 
 
 The Visitor. 
 
 Third. — The Bishop for the time being of the Fundamental. 
 Diocese in which the principal or only Home of the 
 Institution is situated, shall be the Visitor. As such 
 Visitor he shall have full power and authority, as well 
 upon his own mere motion, as upon appeal lodged or 
 complaint made, to do and order not only all those 
 things which appertain by law to the office of Visitor, 
 but also those things which he is hereinafter expressly 
 empowered and authorised to do and order. In any 
 case in which the assent or consent of the Visitor is 
 required by any of the following Statutes, it shall be 
 assumed that it is granted if and when twenty-eight 
 days have elapsed from the communication to him of 
 the request for his assent or consent, and no refusal 
 has been received by the Council. 
 
 The Warden. 
 
 Fourth. — The Warden shall be a Clergyman of the Fundamental. 
 Church of England in Priest's Orders, and shall be 
 subject to the authority of the Bishop as other Priests 
 officiating under his Hcense ; and the said Rowley 
 Lascelles shall be and is hereby appointed the first 
 Warden. 
 
 The Warden. — Hoio Appointed. 
 
 Fifth.— On every vacancy in the office of Warden, Fundamental, 
 the Council shall nominate in writing to the Visitor 
 thi'ee Priests ; and if the Visitor shall select on e of the 
 persons so nominated to him, and shall notify in writing 
 the selection to the Council within three calendar months 
 from the communication of such nomination, the person 
 so selected shall then succeed to the office. But if the
 
 74 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 selection by tlie Visitor be not so notified within three 
 calendar months from the communication of such 
 nomination, then the Council shall in like manner 
 nommate to the Visitor two other Priests, and if the 
 Visitor shall approve of either of the persons so secondly 
 nommated, and notify in wi'iting the approval to the 
 Council "wdthin one calendar month from the communi- 
 cation of such second nomination, the person so ap- 
 proved shall then succeed to the oflSce. But if the 
 approval by the Visitor be not so notified within one 
 calendar month from the communication of such second 
 nomination, then the Council shall nominate in writing 
 to the MetropoKtan either the Priests of the first or of 
 the second nomination, or the Priests of the first and 
 second nommations together, or any two or more of 
 them ; and if the Metropolitan shall appoint one of the 
 Priests so nominated to him, and shall notify in writing 
 the appointment to the Council within one calendar 
 month from the communication of such nomination, the 
 Priest so appointed shall then succeed to the office. 
 And in case the vacancy shall not have been supplied in 
 manner aforesaid, the Council may appoint the Warden. 
 
 The Warden. — Hoio Removed. 
 
 Fundamental. Sixth. — The AA^arden shall not be removable from 
 
 his office, except by a vote of at least three-fourths of 
 such Members of the Council as shall be present at a 
 Meeting specially convened for the purpose of taking 
 
 , into consideration the propriety of such removal, nor 
 
 imless such vote be confirmed by the Visitor. 
 
 The Warden. — His Duties and Obligations. 
 
 Fundamental. Seventh. — The Warden shall perform, or be res- 
 
 ponsible for, the due performance of the religious 
 services, and superintend the teaching and spiritual 
 discipline of the Inmates of the Institution ; and before 
 entering upon the duties of his office, shall, in writing, 
 undertake that he will, in the performance of the duties
 
 Draft of Statutes, 75 
 
 of his office, observe and conform to the Rubrics con- 
 tained in the Book of Common Prayer, except so far as 
 non-observance of, or non-conformity with, any of such 
 Rubrics, shall be dispensed with by the Visitor ; and no 
 Form of Prayer or of Devotion, and no Hymn shall be 
 used by the Warden, or any person acting for him, in 
 the performance of the Rehgious Services, or in the 
 teacliing or spiritual discipline of the Sisters or Inmates 
 of the Institution, if the same be disapproved by the 
 Visitor. On the nomination of the Warden, the Visitor 
 or AVarden shall admit Associates. 
 
 The Sub-Warden, — How Appointed. 
 
 Eighth. — The Warden shall have power, with the 
 approval of the Council, from time to time, to appoint a 
 Sub- Warden to assist him in the performance of such 
 of his duties as he may assign to him, and such Sub- 
 Warden shall, dm-ing every such vacancy in the office 
 of Warden, perform the duties thereof. 
 
 shall be, and is hereby appointed, the 
 first Sub-Warden. 
 
 The Sub-Warden. — Hoio Removed. 
 
 Ninth, — The Sub- Warden may be dismissed by the 
 Visitor, or by the Warden, or by a vote of at least 
 three-fourths of such Members of the Council as shall 
 be present at a Meeting specially convened for the 
 purpose of considering the propriety of such dismissal. 
 
 The Sub-Warden. — His Duties and Obligations, 
 
 Tenth. — The Sub- Warden shall be a Clergyman of 
 the Church of England, in Priest's Orders, and shall, 
 before entering upon the duties of his office, in wi-iting, 
 undertake that he will, in the performance of the duties 
 of his office, observe and conform to the Rubrics con- 
 tained m the Book of Common Prayer, except so far 
 as non-observance of, or non-conformity with, any of 
 such Rubrics, sh ill be dispensed with by the Visitor ;
 
 76 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 and no Form of Prayer or of Devotion, and no H\Tnn 
 shall be used by the Sub- Warden, or any person actmg 
 for him, in the performance of the Religious Services, 
 or in the teaching or spiritual discipline of the Sisters 
 or Inmates of the Institution, if the same be disap- 
 proved by the Visitor. No person shall have hberty to 
 act for the AVarden or Sub- Warden, except temporarily, 
 and in that case the consent must be obtamed either of 
 the Visitor or of the Council, or in cases of emergence, 
 of one or more Members of Council. 
 
 The Superior. — How Appointed, 
 
 Fundamental. Eleventh. — Sister shall be and is 
 
 hereby appointed the first Superior of the Institution. 
 On every vacancy in the office of Superior, the AVarden 
 shall nominate in writing to the fully-admitted Sisters 
 of the First Class a successor ; and if they shall by a 
 majority of votes approve of the person so nominated, 
 such person shall then succeed to the office. But if the 
 person so nominated shall not be so approved witliin 
 one calendar month from the communication thereof to 
 the Assistant Superior, or if there shall not be an 
 Assistant Superior, to the senior Sister in order of 
 admission of the First Class, then the Warden shall in 
 like manner nominate another person for approval. 
 And if the person so secondly nominated be not ap- 
 proved of within twenty-one days from the communica- 
 tion thereof to the Assistant Superior, or if there shall 
 not be an Assistant Superior, then to the senior Sister 
 in order of admission of the First Class, then the appoint- 
 ment shall lapse to the Visitor ; and the Warden shall 
 report such appointment to the Council at their next 
 subsequent Meeting. 
 
 Tlie Superior, — Hoio Removed. 
 
 Fundamental. Twelfth. — The Superior may be removed by the 
 
 Visitor, on complaint of the Council or Warden or a 
 Sister; but the Warden or Sister shall not lay such
 
 Draft of Statutes. 11 
 
 complaint before the Visitor until it shall have been 
 previously submitted to, and considered by, the Council, 
 and also communicated to the fully-admitted Sisters of 
 the First Class. 
 
 The Superior. — Term of Office. 
 
 Thirteenth. — The Superior may continue in office Fundamental, 
 for a period not exceeding one year, and may at the end 
 of that period be re-appointed, but in any case the 
 Superior may continue in office until her successor is 
 appointed. 
 
 The Superior. — Her Duties. 
 
 Fourteenth. — The Superior shall be a fully-admitted Fundamental. 
 Sister of the First Class, and shall be appointed in man- 
 ner hereinafter mentioned (see Statute 23), and shall 
 (subject to the superintendence of the Warden) have 
 the government of the Sisters and Inmates of the 
 Institution, and of the household thereof; but any 
 Sister may requue that the particulars of any order or 
 direction, whether in writing or verbal, which shall be 
 given by the Superior to the Sisters, or any of them, 
 and of any duty or service which the Sisters, or any of 
 them, shall be required by the Superior to perform, shall 
 be entered in a book to be kept for this purpose ; and 
 the said book shall at all times be accessible to the 
 Warden, to the Visitor, and to the Council in Session ; 
 and any Sister may at any time in writmg call the 
 attention of the Warden, of the Visitor, or of the 
 Council to any of the entries in the said Book. 
 
 Tlte Assistant Superior, — How Appointed and Removed. 
 
 Fifteenth. — The Warden and Superior may, from 
 time to time, appoint any fully-admitted Sister of the 
 Fu'st Class to be Assistant Superior for such period as 
 they shall think proper ; and during any vacancy in the 
 office of Superior, or during the absence or incapacity 
 of the Superior by reason of illness, such Assistant
 
 78 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 shall perform the duties of that office. And if, on any 
 such vacancy, absence, or incapacity as aforesaid, there 
 shall be no Assistant Superior, the senior Sister of the 
 Fu-st Class, m order of admission, shall act as Superior 
 for the time being. The Assistant Superior may be 
 removed by the Warden and Superior. Sister 
 
 shall be and is hereby 
 appointed the first Assistant Superior. 
 
 The Sisters. — Their Classes, 
 
 Fundamenta]. Sixteenth. — There shall be two classes of Sisters — the 
 
 Fu-st Class and the Second Class — each class consisting 
 of Sisters fully admitted after probation and Sisters pro- 
 bationary, the term and natm-e of probation to be settled 
 in the Regulations heremafter mentioned; but the 
 Warden and Superior (or Warden alone, in case of a 
 vacancy in the office of Superior) shall be at hberty to 
 shorten the period of probation at their or liis discretion 
 in any particular case. The Warden, Superior, and 
 fully-admitted Sisters of the First Class shall have 
 power from time to time to constitute one or more 
 classes of Sisters, in addition to the above, provided 
 that such addition or additions shall have the sanction 
 of the Visitor and of the Council. 
 
 The Associates. — Their Duties. 
 
 Seventeenth. — The Warden and Superior shall have 
 power, with the approval of the Visitor, to form a 
 body of Associates, male and female, to assist in the 
 works carried on by the Sisters, provided that the regu- 
 lations for the admission and guidance of such Associates 
 be approved by the Visitor and Council, and provided 
 that no Associate nor any other person shall be at liberty 
 to assist in the internal management of the House with- 
 out the consent of the Warden, or in opposition to the 
 wishes of the Council. There shall be an Annual Meet- 
 ing of the Associates at such time and place as may be 
 decided on by the Council.
 
 Draft of Statutes, 79 
 
 The Sisters Probationary^ and Sisters. — How 
 Appoijited and Removed. 
 
 Eighteenth. — Sisters shall be admitted, and they Fundamental. 
 and Sisters Probationary may be removed, by the 
 Council at their absointe discretion, subject to the 
 provision next hereinafter contained. No person shall 
 be admitted a Sister Probationary or a Sister, unless a 
 Member of the Church of England, or of a Church in full 
 communion with it, nor without the written consent of 
 her parents or parent (if any), or guardian or guardians, 
 as the case may be (if she have any), unless she shall 
 be of the age of 30 years at least. The admission of 
 Sisters Probationary to be by the Warden and Superior, 
 except during a vacancy in the office of Superior, and 
 then such admission may be by the Warden alone, but 
 in either case subject to the confirmation of the Visitor. 
 No Sister Probationary or Sister shall be removed by 
 the Council, except on complaint of the Warden, or of 
 the Superior, or of a majority of the fully-admitted 
 Sisters of the Fust Class, specially convened for the 
 purpose ; and in the case of the removal of a Sister of 
 the Fhst Class, such removal must be confirmed by the 
 Visitor. The admission of Sisters and Sisters Pro- 
 bationary shall be accompanied by a religious service 
 approved by the Visitor. 
 
 The Sisters. — Their Uncontrolled Liberty to Leave 
 the Institution. 
 
 Nineteenth. — Every Sister shall have full and un- Fundamental, 
 controlled liberty, whenever she shall thuik fit, to leave 
 the Institution. 
 
 The Sisters. — Their Agreement upon Admittance. 
 
 Tioentieth. — Every Sister shall, upon admittance to Fundamental, 
 probation, and upon admittance as a Sister fully ad- 
 mitted after probation, agree in writing to be bound by 
 and observe all the Statutes and Regulations of the
 
 80 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 Institution applicable to herself, so long as she shall 
 continue a Sister. 
 
 The Sisters. — Voivs Forbidden, 
 Fundamental. Twenty-first.— ^o Sister Probationary or Sister 
 
 shall take any vow of celibacy or poverty, nor any 
 other vow in connection with the Institution, so long 
 as she shall continue a Sister of it. She may promise 
 obedience to the Statutes for the periods named in 
 Statute 34. 
 
 Form to he signed hy Sisters admitted to Povbatioii and 
 on full admittance after Probation, 
 
 I do hereby agree and engage to observe and obey, 
 during my residence at St. Thomas' Home, the Statutes 
 of the said Institution, all of which I have read ; and 
 also any other Statutes wliich may be in force for the 
 time being, and all other Regulations and Bye-Laws 
 which are now or may from time to time become law- 
 fully binding on the Inmates of the House. 
 
 7'he Warden and the Superior. — Their Power to Make 
 and Vary Internal Regidations. 
 
 Fundamental. Twenty-secoud. — The Warden and Superior may, 
 
 with the consent of the majority of the Sisters fully 
 admitted of the First Class, make, and from time to time 
 vary, such regulations for the internal management and 
 discipline of the Sisters, in or out of the Home, as shall 
 be c(msistent with the Statutes of the Institution, and 
 shall not be disapproved of by the Visitor ; and such 
 regulations shall be entered in a Regulation Book, and 
 accessible to all Members of the Council and the 
 Visitor. 
 
 The Chapter of Sisters. — 7^5 Meetings^ Duties, S)'c. 
 
 Fundamental. Twenty-third. — On St. Thomas's Day, or the first 
 
 Tuesday after, if St. Thomas's Day fall on a Sunday or
 
 Draft of Statutes. 81 
 
 Saturday, so many of the fully-admitted Sisters of the 
 First Class as can conveniently assemble, shall meet 
 together m solemn Chapter at St. Thomas's Home, at 
 11 o'clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of appohiting 
 a Superior (see Statute 11) ; and of giving or with- 
 holding then- consent to any alterations proposed by the 
 Warden and Superior to be made hi the Rules and 
 Regulations for the internal management of St. 
 Thomas's Home, or the mode of life of the Sisters, 
 as may be deemed by the majority of the Chapter to 
 be expedient, but so that no such Rules and Regula- 
 tions shall be at variance with these Statutes, or such 
 other Statutes as shall from time to time be in force. 
 
 71ie President of the Chapter. 
 
 Twenty-} ourth. — At every such Chapter, some fuUy- Fuudamental. 
 admitted Sister of the First Class shall be chosen by the 
 fully-admitted Sisters present, to be President of the 
 Chapter. 
 
 The Votes of the Sisters at the Chapter. 
 
 Iwenty-fifth. — At every such Chapter, each fully- Fundamental, 
 admitted Sister of the First Class attending the Chapter, 
 shall have one vote upon each question submitted to 
 the Chapter ; and, if on any question there be an equality 
 of votes, the President shall have a casting as well as 
 an original vote as member of the Chapter. 
 
 llie Minutes of the Proceedings of the Chapter, 
 
 licenty-sixth. — The Superior shall, before the 
 Chapter separates at the end of the day's proceedmgs, 
 enter in a book the minutes of the day's proceedings, 
 and after they have been read to, and approved by, the 
 assembled Chapter, the President and the Superior 
 shall sign them in token that they are accepted by the 
 Chapter as a correct record of the proceedmgs, and the 
 said minutes shall be shoAvn to the Warden within 
 twenty-four hours, who shall sign and note the date of 
 his reading them. 
 
 G
 
 82 
 
 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 The President of the Chapter. — Uer Powers. 
 
 Tiventy-seventh. — The President of the Chapter may, 
 witli the consent of the majority of the Members 
 present, adjourn the Chapter from time to time. 
 
 Phe Select Chapter. 
 
 Fundamental. Twenty-eighth. — When the number of fully -admitted 
 
 Sisters of the First Class exceeds five, a Select Chapter 
 shall be elected by the Chapter at their Annual Meet- 
 ing, or at a Meeting specially convened for the purpose ; 
 the said Select Chapter to consist of the Assistant 
 Superior and three fully-admitted Sisters, and shall be 
 a Council of Advice to the Superior who shall be its 
 President. 
 
 Fundamental. 
 
 The Sisters. — Their freedom to engage in other Work 
 than that defined i7i the First Statute. 
 
 Ticenty-ninth. — The Sisters, with the consent of the 
 Visitor and Council, shall be free to engage in any other 
 work in addition to that defined in the First Statute. 
 
 The Sisters. — Their Contrihutions, 
 
 Fundamental. Thirtieth. — Sisters of the First Class, if they have 
 
 the means of doing so, shall contribute £62 per annum, 
 at the least, towards the funds of the Institution, but if 
 not able to do this, they are expected to contribute to 
 the extent of their means. All payments made by 
 Sisters shall be confidentially settled between them and 
 the Superior. 
 
 Sisters of the Second Class shall be provided by the 
 Institution, whilst resident, Avith all things necessary 
 for then* maintenance and clothing ; and, if they have 
 sick or aged relatives dependent upon them for sup- 
 port or assistance, they shall be provided with such an 
 allowance for that purpose as the Council,, under the 
 circumstances, shall deem right.
 
 Draft of Statutes, 83 
 
 The Sisters. — Their Dress, 
 
 Thii^ty -first. — The Sisters of each class shall wear Fundamental, 
 as a jDrotection and mark of theh' profession, a dress 
 of simple character, which, whilst free from undue 
 singularity, shall differ from the style of dress in 
 ordinary use, sufficiently to distinguish the Sisters from 
 persons not Sisters, and also to distinguish the Sisters 
 of each class from those of every other class ; and the 
 di-ess shall not be altered if the Council disapprove of 
 such alteration, nor without the concurrence of the 
 Superior and of a majority of a meeting of the Sisters 
 of the First Class specially convened for that purpose. 
 
 The Sisters. — Leaving the Institution. 
 
 Thirty-second— -Yr^QYj Sister who shall leave the 
 Home and renounce the duties of a Sister therein, or 
 who shall be removed, shall thereupon discontmue the 
 distinctive dress and title of the Sisterhood. 
 
 The Sisters. — Their Term of Probation. 
 
 Thirty-third, — No person shall be confirmed as a 
 Sister of the Fust Class or Second Class, until she shall 
 have been a Sister Probationary for a period of two 
 years, unless the Warden and the Superior shall think 
 fit, with the sanction of the Visitor, to shorten such 
 period of probation in any particular case. 
 
 The Sisters. — Their Admission to Offi.ce of Sister for 
 a Term, of Years. 
 
 Thirty-fourth. — Any person who shall have been a Fundamental. 
 Sister Probationary during the prescribed period, may, 
 if found fit and approved of by the Warden and the 
 Superior, be admitted to the office of a Sister for the 
 period of one year, and at the expiration of that time, 
 for a period of five years ; and so on from period to 
 period of five year^;.
 
 84 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 The Sisters. — Boohs and Publications used by them. 
 
 Fundamental. Thirty-fifth. — No book (or publication) shall be 
 
 brought into, or used in the Institution by any Sister, 
 except such as shall first have been approved by the 
 Warden and the Superior ; and in case of any difference 
 of opinion between them, in respect of any book or 
 publication, or in case any of the Sisters shall object to 
 any book or publication, the matter shall be submitted 
 to the Visitor, whose decision shall be final ; and no 
 book or publication shall be brought in or used by any 
 inmate other than a Sister, except such as shall be first 
 approved by the Warden and Superior. 
 
 The Periitents, — Their Admission and Discharge. 
 
 Tldrty-sixth. — Penitents shall be admitted or dis- 
 charged by the Warden and Superior, provided that 
 none shall be retained in the Home for a longer period 
 than two years without the consent of the Council. 
 
 The Number of the Sisters, and the Nwnber of the 
 Penitents. — Hoiv to be determined. 
 
 Thirty-seventh. — The numbers of the Sisters resident 
 in the Home, and of Penitents, shall be determined 
 from time to time by the Council; and the Warden 
 shall annually report to the Council the entire number 
 of each Class of Sisters, whether in or out of the 
 Home. 
 
 The Cou7icil. — Their Number and Duties. 
 
 Fundamental. Thirty -eighth. — The Council shall consist of not 
 
 less than six or more than nine Clergymen, and not 
 less than six or more than nine laymen, together with 
 the Warden, Sub- Warden (if any), and Treasurers. 
 No person shall be elected, or if elected, shall act as a 
 Member of the Council, unless he shall be and continue 
 in full communion Avith the Church of England. The 
 Members for the time being of the Council shall have 
 full power to act notwithstanding vacancies ; and,
 
 Draft of Statutes. 85 
 
 except in cases specially provided, three Members shall 
 form a quorum. The Council may meet together for 
 the dispatch of business, adjourn, and otherwise regu- 
 late their business as they may think fit. 
 
 The said 
 shall be and hereby are appointed the First Council of 
 the Institution. 
 
 The Council. — Vacancies^ liow to he filled up. 
 
 Thirty-ninth. — Every vacancy in the Council shall Fundamental, 
 be filled up from the male Associates by a majority of 
 the Members of the Council present at a meeting 
 thereof — notice of the vacancy having been given in 
 the summons for such meeting* 
 
 The Council. — Co7itrols the Mxpenditure. 
 
 Fortieth. — The expenditure of the Institution, and Fundamental, 
 also the amount of all salaries or wages paid to any 
 of the officers or servants or labourers thereof, shall be 
 under the entire control and management of the 
 Council; but the hiring and dismissing of menial 
 servants or labourers shall be by the Warden and 
 Superior together, and no Subscriber or Donor to the 
 funds of the Institution shall as such be entitled in 
 any way to interfere in the management of the In- 
 stitution, or in the disposal of the Funds or Property 
 thereof. 
 
 The Council. — Its Poiver to Apjioint and Remove Officers. 
 
 Forty-first. — The Council shall have power to ap- 
 point and remove a Secretary and other officers. The 
 Secretary shall be elected annually. 
 
 The Council. — Its Fewer to Appoint Committees and 
 Make and Vary Bye-Laws, Sfc. 
 
 Forty-second. — The Council shall have power to Fundamental, 
 appoint Committees, consisting of such Members or 
 Member of their body as they shall think fit ; and shall
 
 S6 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 also have power to make and vary bye-laws for the 
 government of their own body, and of every or any 
 Committee thereof. The Council shall cause Minutes 
 to be entered in a book or books to be provided for the 
 purpose ; also the names of the Members of the Council 
 present at each meeting of the Council and Committees 
 thereof, and also all Resolutions and proceedings of the 
 Council and Committees thereof. 
 
 The Council. — Its Meetings. The Chairman. — 
 His Powers. 
 
 Forty-third. — All meetings of the Council shall 
 commence and conclude with Prayer ; and at each 
 meeting of the Council, or of any Committee thereof, 
 consisting of more than two ^lembers, the Members 
 present shall, before proceeding to transact any other 
 business, elect a Chairman of that Meeting, who shall 
 have a second or casting vote in every case of an 
 equality of votes of the Members present thereat. 
 
 The Council. — The Poioers of its Members. 
 
 Fundamental. Forty -fourth. — (a). No Member of the Council, 
 
 simply as such, shall have any power to interfere in the 
 internal management, regulations, or discipline of the 
 Home. But, if at any time it shall appear to any 
 Member of the Council, or to any Sister of any class, 
 that any proceedings in the Home, or of any Inmate 
 thereof, ought to be enquired into, he may, by a 
 requisition in writing, signed by himself and two other 
 Members of the Council, or she may, by a requisition 
 signed by herself, and stating the matter to be enquired 
 into, require the Secretary to call a Special Meeting of 
 the Comicil to take such matter into consideration, and 
 the Secretary shall thereupon forthwith call such 
 Special Meeting at some time, not being less than seven 
 days nor more than fourteen days from the day on 
 which such requisition shall be delivered to him ; and if 
 it shall appear to a majority of the Members assembled
 
 Draft of Statutes. 87 
 
 at such meeting, that the matter requires further in- 
 vestigation, the requisition shall forthwith be com- 
 municated to the Visitor, who shall be requested to 
 inquire into the matter with all convenient sj)eed, and 
 to communicate his judgment thereon in writing to the 
 Council. 
 
 {h). Any two Members of the Council may con- 
 vene a Special Meeting of the Council at any time upon 
 giving at least seven clear days notice thereof to each 
 Member of the Council, by delivering or sending through 
 the Post Office to each such Member a circular letter 
 addressed to him at his then or last known place of 
 abode in England, specifying the time, the place, and 
 the purpose at and for which such Meeting is convened. 
 
 The Estates and Property^ Sfc.^ of the Institution. 
 The Trustees.— Their Powers and Duties. 
 
 Forty-fifth. — All the real estates and chattels real, Fundamental, 
 and all moneys invested in the public stocks or 
 funds, or in or upon any other security respectively 
 belonging to the Institution, shall be respectively con- 
 veyed and assigned unto and invested in the names of 
 the Trustees for the time being of the Institution ; and 
 the said Trustees may, from time to time, invest in their 
 names any monies in their hands, or under their control, 
 belonging to the Institution in any of the public stocks 
 or funds of the United Kingdom, or in Bank or East 
 India Stock, or upon security of any freehold, copy- 
 hold, or customaryhold hereditaments in England or 
 Wales, but not in Ireland, or of leasehold hereditaments 
 in England or Wales, but not in Ireland, held for any 
 term of years whereof not less than 60 years shall be 
 unexpired at the time of such investment, or in or upon 
 the secmity of the debentures, bonds, or mortgages, 
 or debenture stocks, or fuUy paid-up preference or 
 guaranteed shares or stock of any Company incor- 
 porated by special Act of Parliament, or by Koyal 
 Charter, for the purpose of carrying on and then actually
 
 88 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 carrying on bnsiness in the United Kingdom, and pay- 
 ing a dividend upon their ordinary shares or stock ; and 
 may from time to time vary the said investment for 
 other secruities of a Kke nature, but no such invest- 
 ment or variation of investments as aforesaid shall be 
 made without the consent of the Council. And the 
 said Trustees shall from time to time dispose of such 
 real estates and chattels real as aforesaid, either by way 
 of absolute sale, or by demising or leasing such real 
 estates and chattels real, or any of them, and also of 
 such stocks, funds, or other securities as aforesaid, by 
 sale, transfer, or other disposition thereof as the Council 
 shall from time to time direct ; but in order to facihtate 
 every sale which may be made, and every lease wliich 
 may be granted, of any such real estates and chattels 
 real by the Trustees thereof for the time being, such 
 trusts and provisions shall be mserte din every conveyance 
 and assignment which shall be made and be executed, 
 either on the original or any other conveyance or assign- 
 ment of such real estate and chattels real respectively, 
 as will effectually authorize and empower the Trustees 
 or Trustee for the time being, under such conveyance 
 and assignment, to sell and demise the premises therein 
 comprised, and to give effectual receipts to purchasers 
 and others, without the necessity of any consent of or 
 direction by any other person or persons whomsoever ; 
 and also a power, in case of the death, resignation, 
 refusal, or incapacity of any Trustee or Trustees for 
 the time being, under such conveyance or assignment, 
 for the surviving or continuing Trustees or Trustee, or 
 the executors or administrators of the last surviving 
 Trustee, to appoint a new Trustee or new Trustees, 
 without the consent of any other person or persons 
 whomsoever, and all such other powers and provisions 
 whatsoever as the Counsel in the Law of the Institution 
 shall advise as necessary for the purpose of relieving 
 all purchasers, lessees, and others from the obhgations 
 of inquiring into the necessity or propriety of any sale 
 or sales, or seeing to the application or being answerable
 
 Draft of Statutes. 89 
 
 for the misapplication or non-application of any purchase 
 or other moneys paid to or received by the Trustees or 
 Trustee for the time being under such conveyance or 
 assignment. The said 
 
 shall be and are hereby 
 appointed the first Trustees of the Institution. 
 
 The Trustees. — Hoiv to he replaced. 
 
 Forty-sixth. — Whenever any Trustee or Trustees Fundamental, 
 shall die or desire to be discharged, or shall refuse, or 
 become incapable to act, the Council shall nominate and 
 appoint a successor or successors. But this provision 
 shall not supersede the power of appointing new 
 Trustees contained in such original or other conveyance 
 or assignment of any of the real estate or chattels real 
 being the property of the Institution as aforesaid ; but 
 the person or persons for the time being entitled to 
 exercise the said power of appointment, shall be requested 
 to, and shall exercise the same in accordance with the 
 provisions of this Statute, and appoint the person or 
 persons so nominated by the Council as aforesaid. And 
 on every appointment of a new Trustee, or new Trustees, 
 all the property then vested in the Trustees or Trustee 
 for the time being shall be so dealt with as that the 
 same may be effectually vested in such new Trustee or 
 jiew Trustees, and the surviving or continuing Trustee 
 or Trustees ; or if there shall be no continuing Trustee, 
 then in the new Trustees only. The Trustees shall 
 pay all rents, dividends, and other annual produce, and 
 all other moneys received from time to time by them, 
 whether capital or annual income, into the hands of the 
 Bankers for the time being of the Institution, to the 
 account and credit of such Institution ; and such pay- 
 ment shall be a sufficient discharge to the Trustees for 
 the money so paid by them. 
 
 The Treasurers. —Their Qvalifications. 
 Fortii-seventh. — The Treasurers shall be Members of Fundamental.
 
 90 
 
 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 the Cliurch of England, and in full communion there- 
 with. 
 
 The Treasurers. — How Aj)pointed. 
 
 Forty-eighth. — The Treasurers shall be appointed 
 annually by the Council; but the Treasurers of the 
 past year, or either of them, may, on gomg out of office, 
 be re-appointed. And if the Treasurers, or either of 
 them, shall die, resign, or become disquahfied, before 
 their or his period of office shall expire, the Council 
 shall appoint other Treasurers or another Treasurer in 
 the place of such deceased, resigned^ or disqualified 
 Treasurers or Treasurer; and such new Treasurers or 
 Treasurer shall continue in office for the same period as 
 the former Treasurers or Treasurer would have con- 
 tinued in office ; and shall have the like privilege of 
 being re-appointed at the expiration of such period of 
 office. The said 
 
 shall be and are hereby 
 appointed the first Treasurers of the Institution. 
 
 The T 
 
 reasurers. 
 
 Their Duties. 
 
 Forty-ninth. — The Treasm-ers shall keep an Account 
 Book, in which shall be entered all moneys paid to them 
 or to then- credit, and of all moneys paid by them ; and 
 such account shall be audited, on or before the first of 
 May in every year, by the Council, or any two Members 
 thereof (not being either of them a Treasurer) deputed 
 by the Council to be the Auditors for that occasion. 
 
 The Bankers . 
 
 Fiftieth. — The Council shall appoint one or more 
 Bankers, to whom shall be paid all moneys that may be 
 received by the Treasiu-ers, Collector, or any other 
 person or persons on account of the Institution, whether 
 for donations, annual subscriptions, or otherwise ; and 
 such moneys shall be drawn from the Bankers under such 
 regulations and restrictions as shall from time to time be 
 ordered by the Council.
 
 Draft of Statutes. 91 
 
 The Bankers. — Their Custodi/ of Deeds, &fc. 
 
 Fifty-first. — All deeds and other muniments of title, 
 and all such other documents and writings belonging to 
 the Institution or relating thereto, or to the property 
 thereof, as the Council shall think fit, shall be kept at 
 the Bankers for the time being of the Institution, unless 
 the Council shall direct the same or any of them to be 
 kept in any other place. 
 
 The Institution. — Action to he taken in case of Failure. 
 
 Fifty-second. — If from want of funds, or any other Fundamental, 
 cause, the Institution shall fail, the Council shall have 
 power, by the vote of not less than three-fourths of the 
 Members present at each of two successive meetings 
 specially called for that purpose — the second of such 
 meetings being held at an interval of not less than one 
 calendar month, nor more than three calendar months, 
 from the day on which the first of such meetings shall 
 have been held — to dissolve the Institution, and to order 
 the sale and conversion of the whole of the property 
 and effects thereof, both real and personal, into money ; 
 and the clear moneys produced thereby, after paying all 
 expenses attending such sale and conversion, and all 
 debts owing from or on account of the Institution, shall 
 be disposed of to such charitable purposes, in con- 
 nection with the Church of England, and in such man- 
 ner, a,nd, if thought fit, in such shares or proportions as 
 the Council — at a meeting specially called for that pur- 
 pose, and which shall be held not less than three, nor 
 more than six, calendar months after the sale shall have 
 been completed — shall determine, and as shall be ap- 
 proved by the Visitor. 
 
 The Fundamental Statutes. — How they may he altered. 
 
 Fifty-third. — No alteration shall be made in any Fundamental. 
 Fundamental Statute of the Institution unless with the 
 consent, which shall be given in writing, of at least
 
 92 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 three-fourths of the Council ; nor shall any change take 
 effect if the Visitor signifies his dissent within twenty- 1 
 eight days of the communication to him of a resolution 
 of the Council to the above effect. 
 
 The Fundamental Statutes. — Their Numbers. 
 
 Fifty-fourth. — In order more clearly to explain the 
 Statute lastly hereinbefore contained, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 
 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 
 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 
 52, 53, and 54, shall be and are hereby declared to be 
 Fundamental Statutes. 
 
 The N on- Fundamental Statutes. — How they may he 
 A Itered. 
 
 Fifty-fifth. — Statutes not Fundamental may be 
 altered by a majority of two successive meetings of the 
 Council convened for that purpose.
 
 Draft of Statutes. 93 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 1. Name and object of Institution. ¥. 
 
 2. The Officers. F. 
 
 3. The Visitor. F. 
 
 4. The Warden. F. 
 
 5. The Warden. — How appointed. F. 
 g. __ How removed. F. 
 
 7. His duties and obligations. F. 
 
 8. The Sub- Warden. — How appointed. 
 
 9. How removed. 
 
 10. His duties and obHgations. 
 
 11. The Superior. — How appointed. F, 
 
 12. How removed. F. 
 
 13. Term of office. F. 
 
 14. Her duties. F. 
 
 15. The Assistant Superior. — How appointed and removed. 
 
 16. The Sisters.— Their Classes. F. 
 
 17. The Associates. — Their duties, 
 
 18. The Sisters Probationary and Sisters. — How appointed and 
 
 removed. F. 
 
 19. Their uncontrolled hberty to leave the Institution. F. 
 
 20. Their agreement upon admittance. F. 
 
 21. Vows forbidden. — Form to be signed. F. 
 
 22. The Warden and Superior. — Their power to make and vary 
 
 Internal Regulations. F. 
 
 23. The Chapter of Sisters. — Its Meetings and Duties. F. 
 
 24. The President of the Chapter. F. 
 
 25. The Votes of the Sisters in Chapter. F. 
 
 26. The Minutes of the Proceedings of the Chaptei-. 
 
 27. The President of the Chapter. — Her powers. 
 
 28. The Select Chapter. F. 
 
 29. The Sisters. — Their freedom to engage in other Work than that 
 
 defined in first Statute. F. 
 30. Their Contributions. F.
 
 94 Draft of Statutes. 
 
 31. The Sisters.— Their Dress. F. 
 
 32. Their leaving the Institution. 
 
 33. Their term of Probation. 
 
 34. Their Admission to Office of Sister for a term of years. F. 
 
 35. The Books and Publications used by them. F. 
 
 36. The Penitents. — Their Admission and Discharge. 
 
 37. The Number of Sisters and Number of Penitents. — How to be 
 
 determined. 
 
 38. The Council.— Their Number and Duties. F. 
 
 39. Vacancies. — How to be filled up. F. 
 
 40. Controls Expenditure. F. 
 
 41. Its Power to Appoint and Remove Officers. 
 
 42. Its Power to Appoint Committees to make and vary 
 
 Bye-laws. F, 
 
 43. Its Meetings. The Chairman. — His Powers. 
 
 44. The Power of its Members. F. 
 
 45. The Estates and Property of the Institution. The Trustees. — 
 
 Their Powers and Dudes. F. 
 
 46. The Trustees.— How to be Replaced. F. 
 
 47. The Treasurers. — Their Qualifications. F. 
 48. How Appointed. F. 
 
 49. Their Duties. F. 
 
 50. The Bankers. F. 
 
 51. Their Custody of Deeds, &c. 
 
 52. The Institution. — Action to be taken in case of Failure. F. 
 
 53. The Fundamental Statutes. — How they may be altered. F. 
 54. Their Numbers. F. 
 
 55. The Non-Fundamental Statutes. — How they may be altered. 
 
 F. rejn-esents Fundamental.
 
 YU 
 
 FINANCIAL RETURNS, 
 
 {In replij to Question 9), 
 
 BY 
 
 M. J. LOMAX, ESQ.
 
 THE FINANCIAL WORK IN A CHTJTtCH 
 PENITENTIARY. 
 
 -^^s^^m^^-^^^— 
 
 The Officers, Treasurers, Secretary, Auditors, &c., in an Insti- 
 tution of this nature being, as a rule, resident in various parts 
 of the county in which the Home is situated, some fixed method 
 of work, understood by all, becomes an absolute necessity for 
 the efiicient dispatch of business. 
 
 In the Kent County Penitentiary, for which I have for some 
 years acted as Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, I 
 have found the following rule of working satisfactory, saving in 
 time, and occasioning a minimum amount of trouble to those 
 whom it is my function and pleasure to assist, as weU as to 
 those who, by their annual contributions, support the Peni- 
 tentiary. 
 
 The books and papers referred to by me below are, for 
 general convenience, in my own custody. 
 
 The Register of Annual Subscriptions and Donations is, in the 
 first place, to be mentioned. 
 
 Divided into the letters of the alphabet, and each letter 
 subdivided into vowels, where required, it will be found con- 
 venient to appropriate four lines to each contributor {see Form A). 
 The name being confined to line 1, and being commenced at 
 the extreme left of the page, will, from the vacant space below, 
 more readily catch the eye ; lines 2 and 3 are devoted to the 
 addi-ess, to be written to the right of the marginal Ime ; fine 4 
 (the black hue of division of names) is reserved for a note of 
 the mode of payment preferred by each contributor, and with a 
 view of arresting attention when applications for payment are 
 
 H
 
 98 Financial Returns. 
 
 made, tliis line is begiin a little on the left of the margmal line. 
 The second of the fom- lines running across the £ s. d. columns 
 for the years for which the book is prepared is a red line to 
 denote that sums above that hne are Annual Subsci'ijjtions, and 
 that sums below are not annual, but merely Donations^ or 
 Offertories. 
 
 Tliis mode of entry avoids the trouble of keeping a book 
 for annual subscriptions, and one for donations also, and it 
 further shows at a glance each supjDorter's liberality in both 
 subscriptions and donations. 
 
 Every smn promised at the beginning of any year should be 
 at once set out against the annual subscribers' names on the top 
 hne, and, when paid, it should be run through, and the montli, 
 when found to have been paid, should be written (in abbrevia- 
 tion) on the (red) line below. 
 
 Donations promised should be entered on line 3, and, when 
 paid, marked off like annual subscriptions. 
 
 A copy of the printed subscription hst, &c., should always 
 be interleaved with paper of the size of the subscription register, 
 and kept inside its top cover, and whenever a new entry or 
 erasm^e is made in one it should, as a matter of habit, be made 
 in the other. 
 
 This bemg done from memory at the moment, will save 
 time, and will keep the printed list always posted up for any 
 meeting or other occasion, and the writing, contrasting with 
 the printing, will give a general idea of the progress made 
 since the last list was printed. 
 
 Form A contains different modes of entering and noting 
 promises, payments, discontinued subscriptions, &c., with ex- 
 planatory notes in the margin. 
 
 Here it may be added, that all letters promising aid should 
 have the name of the writer written across the left hand top 
 corner, and put away at the end of the year, or before, in 
 alphabetical order, as the authority, if a question should arise, 
 for applying for payment, and this remark apphcs to other 
 letters worth keeping. 
 
 If such, as a matter of habit, be so marked before being con- 
 signed to the " answered " pigeon-hole, the marked and mi- 
 marked letters may, at the end of the year, in an hour or so.
 
 Fina7icial Returns. 99 
 
 be divided, and the former preserved, the latter (probably con- 
 taining only remittances acknowledged and audited) kept till 
 the end of the following year, and then destroyed. 
 
 Havuig entered all promises in the subscription register, and 
 marked off, as indicated above, all payments, the sums not 
 crossed through will be detected at a glance as unpaid. 
 
 The mode of obtaining payment is the next point. 
 
 After sundiy alterations, I have arrived at Form B as about 
 most persuasive, convenient, and comprehensive. 
 
 The two hues at the top form an apology in case the sub- 
 scriptions may, by chance, have been paid to one of the Bankers 
 since the pass books were made up. 
 
 The necessary writing is reduced to a minimum. The address 
 of the Honorary Secretary, not convenient at the time of 
 applying, should be crossed out. 
 
 It ^vill be seen that the motive of the form of application is 
 to press upon subscribers the adoption of the annual order on 
 a Banker. 
 
 Tliis has been done to such an extent in the case of the 
 Kent Penitentiary that the supply of ready money from this 
 and occasional offerings is now large enoug^h to prevent the 
 need for applying for unpaid subscriptions until after the end 
 of June. A note is made m the subscription register, on the 
 last hne belonging to each name, of the Banker by whom the 
 subscription is paid, and the date when payable each year, and 
 all that is required is to mark off all sums appearing in the pass 
 books, and to remind any Banker who has not acted on the 
 order in liis possession sent to him. 
 
 The alternative mode of payment suggested by the form 
 is payment direct to one of the Banks, the Bank on which 
 only cheques are drawn being named first, with a view of at 
 once increasing that balance. The addition of the word 
 "Donation" is useful as a hint that such would be welcomed, 
 if not filled up as actually promised. 
 
 The receipt books should be kept by the person possessing 
 the subscription register. Each officer receiving sums enters 
 them in a memorandum book kept by him, on the opposite page 
 of which he shows when they were paid to the Bank. He sends 
 the note containing any remittance to the person having charge 
 
 h2
 
 100 Financial Returns. 
 
 of the receipt books, who issues a receipt and marks the counter- 
 part at the foot, with the initial of the name of the person who 
 actually received the amount enclosed, and when the payment 
 is marked off in the subscription register, a mark ( /) is placed 
 against the amount on the counterpart of the receipt. Before 
 appHcations for payments are made, every counterpart of a 
 receipt must have the above mark, to show that the subscrip- 
 tion has really been crossed through in the register as paid, and 
 if the last receipt be marked ( y), it will, at a future time, 
 denote that all have been examined up to that point, and avoid 
 the need for a second search backwards. 
 
 After the end of the year, all receipt books are produced, 
 with the Bankers' books and each officer s memorandum book, 
 and compared together, with a view of showing that a receipt 
 has been given in each case, and that the total amount has been 
 paid to the Bank. 
 
 The Treasurer's payments come next. The bulk of these 
 are for expenditure at the Home, in the shape of monthly bills. 
 The Form C combines, with other information, the details of 
 expenditure under various headings, and these headings have 
 been selected so as to include all the items respecting wliich 
 inquiry is made by the Church Penitentiary Association when a 
 gi'ant is appHed for, with the view to an accurate and hnmediate 
 answer being given to the Association. 
 
 Payment of these bills is requested at the foot thereof by 
 the Lady Superior, who keeps duplicate copies in a book, and 
 submits each bill Avith the tradesmen's accounts at the monthly 
 meetings of the Sub (or Local) Committee, by whom the internal 
 domestic affairs of the Home are inspected. The bills are then 
 sent to the writer of this paper, who procures a cheque from the 
 Treasurer. 
 
 When the bills are paid and the vouchers certified at the 
 foot thereof by the Chairman of the Local Committee as having 
 been produced, the bills are preserved for presentation to the 
 Auditors. 
 
 The style of book used for keeping the accounts will be seen 
 by the Form 2). Li the left hand column of page 1 the 
 Treasurer (or his Assistant) begins the year by entering the 
 cheques drawn by him, and on the right of that page shows
 
 Financial Returns. lOl 
 
 items of expenditure to makeup the amounts, and so on to the 
 end of the year. 
 
 From these items the totals for 12 months may, at the end 
 of the year, be found by setting out the items horizontally at 
 the top of a page, and the months (December in one year to 
 November in the next) dc»wn the left hand thereof {See 
 Form E.) 
 
 The first step in auditing is the production of the receipts 
 for payments, including the monthly bills, with the certificate 
 of the Chairman of the Local Committee that vouchers for the 
 various payments in these bills have been produced, and the 
 comparison of the whole with the entries in the Treasurer's 
 account book (Form Z>, page 1, left hand column). 
 
 The pass books are then submitted, and the actual sums 
 received direct from Subscribers by each Bank are elicited by 
 showing on paper {see Form F) the various totals at each quarter 
 or half year, and deducting therefrom any subscriptions returned 
 as paid twice over, any sums transferred from another Bank, or 
 any amount not being an actual item to be accounted for by the 
 Treasurer. 
 
 The net receipts by each Bank shown by this process and 
 added together give the total receipts during the year. The 
 expenditure is ascertained by taking the pass book on which 
 cheques are drawn and deducting from the total any sums not 
 really items of expenditure. 
 
 The balance j!?ro or contra on December 31 is to be found by 
 adding all balances together, or, if some Banker's account be 
 overdrawn, by adding the other balances together, and deduct- 
 ing this from the total. 
 
 The net results of receipt, expenditure, and balances are 
 entered in the balance sheet, which is given on Form D, page 2, 
 in the Treasurer's account book. 
 
 The only step remaining is that by which the accounts may 
 be prepared for publication, showing the actual amounts received 
 and paid under the various headings. 
 
 The nature of the various payments has been already ascer- 
 tained by adding up from the Form £',— not so the receipts. 
 To show these, the subscription register must be gone through, 
 and all donations, offertories, &c., extracted. These, added to
 
 102 
 
 Financial Ret 
 
 urns. 
 
 the gum received frOm the Home for washing, and other special 
 items, and deducted from the total income, will leave the residue 
 as annual subscriptions. 
 
 The balance sheet (elaborated afterwards for publication) is 
 entered in the account book at the end of each yearns account^ as 
 on Form Z), above mentioned. 
 
 A statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year 
 follows.
 
 Financial Returns. 103 
 
 (A.) 
 
 \_Name and Address of Penitentiary here.'] 
 
 REGISTER 
 
 OF 
 
 SUBSCRIPTIONS, DONATIONS, AND 
 OFFERTORIES. 
 
 [/Yawie and Address of Hon, Sec. here.] 
 
 N.B.— All 8iims above the (red) line are Animal, but not tliose 
 
 beloAv it. 
 
 [And any other ohservation.']
 
 104 
 
 Fhiancial ReUirns. 
 
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 Financial lietuims, 105 
 
 (B.) 
 K FEMALE PENITENTIARY. 
 
 {Name) 
 
 Unless sent to one of the Banks since last quarter {ivhen no notice should 
 be taken of this application), 
 
 will much oblige by kindly paying the Subscription promised to this 
 Institution by one of the following modes: 
 
 1. By filling up and returning to the Hon, Sec, or Asst, Sec. the form of 
 Annual Order on a Banker attached hereto, 
 
 2. By payment direct to the account of the Penitentiary, at Messrs. 
 
 W and Go's Bank, M ; Messrs. H ayid Co.\ 
 
 Bank, C ; the London and County Bank, D ; or Messrs.. 
 
 Hoare's, 37, Fleet Street, London, E.G. 
 
 Annual Suhscriptioii £ ,, „ 
 
 An^ears . , . . £ „ „ 
 
 Donation .... £ ,, ,, 
 
 Total . 
 
 If a formal receipt be desired, a cheque crossed '-'- Hoares and Go.^^ or a 
 Post Ofjice Order on the Ghief Ofiice, London, should be sent to the Hon. 
 
 Sec, Mr. T , M,P., as below, or to the Assistant Secretary, Mr. M. J. 
 
 T^omax, \1, Islip Street, London, N,W. A form for obtaining a Post 
 Office Order is appended, 
 
 J G. T , Hon. Sec, 
 
 187 
 
 N.B, Subscriptions are considered as due on. the \st of January in 
 each year.
 
 106 
 
 Financial Relurns. 
 
 Messrs. 
 
 Bankers. 
 
 Address of Bankers _ 
 
 Please to pay my Annual Contribution of £ 
 
 for the K Female Penitentiary, to Messrs. W- 
 
 AND Co., M , NOW, and also on the 1st day of 
 
 ., M- 
 
 in future years., unless I revoke this order. 
 
 Signed 
 
 Date 
 
 MONEY ORDER REQUIRED 
 
 For £ 
 
 Pnycd)le at the Chief Office^ London, 
 
 to ^ 
 
 Sent by 
 
 residing at
 
 Financial Returns, 
 
 (C.) 
 1^ — ^eititeitiiai-D.— STATEMENT for 
 
 Average of Residents : Ladies Servants Inmates _ 
 
 107 
 
 187 . 
 
 Amount earned hy Washing £ 
 
 Expenditure. Details. Totals 
 
 (1) Rates, Taxes, and Insurance 
 
 (3) Printing, Stationery, Books, Postage, 
 and Advertisements 
 
 (3) Repairs 
 
 (4) FurnisJiing and Souse Linen 
 
 (5) Medical Attendance and Medicine 
 
 (6) Laundry Expenses 
 
 d.
 
 108 
 
 Financial Bet urns, 
 
 Expcwlitnre. Ddaih. Tnlah. 
 
 (7) Qardenhig Ex;penses 
 
 (8) Housekeeping 
 
 (9) Clothing 
 
 (10) Sundries 
 
 Payment of the above requested 
 
 Approved for Payment 
 
 Date 
 
 s. d. 
 
 Total . £ 
 
 Compared ivith Vouchers, and found correct 
 Date
 
 (D.) 
 
 SPECIMEN 
 
 OF 
 
 TREASURER'S ACCOUNT BOOK,
 
 110 
 
 Financial Returns. 
 
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 112 
 
 Financial lietnrnfi. 
 (E.) 
 
 ^^BSTR..A.CT OF 
 
 Date, &c. 
 
 Rates. 
 
 Printmg 
 
 and 
 Stationery. 
 
 (3.) 
 Repairs, 
 
 (4.) 
 
 Furnishing. 
 
 (5.) 
 
 Medical. 
 
 Warden 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Assistant Secretary 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Do. do. Petty Cash ... 
 
 ... 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 January (Iloare's) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lomax 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 December Bills 
 
 ... 
 
 1 16 4 
 
 
 
 
 February 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 48 5 
 
 
 
 
 December 
 
 
 2 7 7 
 
 
 
 
 January Bills 
 
 
 3 1 
 
 15 14 10 
 
 
 30 11 6 
 
 Warden 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Assistant Secretary Petty Cash... 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 February Bills 
 
 3 
 
 1 17 9 
 
 3 10 
 
 12 6 
 
 1 16 Z\ 
 
 March ,, 
 
 
 1 1 6 
 
 V 11 8 
 
 
 ... 
 
 April „ 
 
 
 1 10 
 
 4 14 9 
 
 
 
 Warden 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 Assistant Secretary 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 Petty Cash... 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 July (Hoare's) 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 ... 
 
 May Bills 
 
 8 6 
 
 12 
 
 
 ... 
 
 2 9 
 
 June ,, 
 
 
 18 3 
 
 
 6 10 8i 
 
 
 July „ 
 
 
 1 11 5 
 
 11 3 4 
 
 1 8 91 
 
 ... 
 
 Warden 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 Assi tant Secretary Petty Cash ... 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 August Bills 
 
 
 3 16 3 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 September 
 
 3 8 3 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 September Bills 
 
 
 18 1 
 
 
 11 9 10 
 
 9 9 
 
 Assistant Secretary Petty Cash ... 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 October Bills 
 
 1 10 2 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 2 9 
 
 November Fiills 
 
 
 1 7 
 
 4 11 4| 
 
 
 11 7 
 
 April, May, and Oct. (Iloare's) ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 Totals 
 
 8 C 11 
 
 90 1 8 
 
 45 16 91 
 
 31 9 10 
 
 33 14 11
 
 Financial Retwms. 
 
 113 
 
 E:x:i^EisriDixxji^E, isTS. 
 
 (6.) 
 
 (7.) 
 
 Gardening, 
 
 (8.) 
 House. 
 
 (9.) 
 Clothmg. 
 
 (10.) 
 Sundries. 
 
 (Not Paid by Monthly Bills.) 
 
 Laundry. 
 
 Salaries. 
 
 Interest. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 58 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 30 
 
 
 20 5 6 
 
 8 ^ 
 
 65 7 6i 
 
 
 15 16 3 
 4 
 
 
 - 
 
 11 17 1 
 
 2 9 7| 
 
 57 3J 
 
 5 15 4 
 
 2 9 5 
 
 25 
 10 
 
 ... 
 
 43 7 10 
 
 1 11 1-J- 
 
 59 8 2 
 
 37 11 
 
 19 2 
 
 
 ... 
 
 20 19 2 
 
 2 14 4 
 
 52 12 9 
 
 22 15 9 
 
 13 6 
 
 
 ... 
 
 38 19 10 
 
 7 6 
 
 73 10 
 
 11 18 10 
 
 1 8 6 
 
 25 
 10 
 
 55 5 2 
 
 33 12 
 
 1 15 
 
 52 15 3 
 
 13 5 4 
 
 1 13 5 
 
 
 ... 
 
 16 19 11 
 
 1 1 3| 
 
 50 15 6 
 
 29 2 3 
 
 1 19 3 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 50 13 01 
 
 1 3 3 
 
 46 2 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 15 7 
 
 25 
 10 
 
 
 25 15 3 
 
 10 10 
 
 42 16 7 
 
 19 17 4 
 
 6 6 1 
 
 
 •• 
 
 23 9 
 
 1 13 6 
 
 43 19 2i 
 
 11 6 6 
 
 2 3 7^ 
 
 
 
 30 17 6 
 
 15 2 
 
 40 7 
 
 12 16 6 
 
 3 17 9 
 
 
 ... 
 
 38 14 41 
 
 4 
 
 62 14 2 
 
 
 3 7 11 
 
 ... 
 
 33 17 11 
 
 355 2 3 
 
 14 14 
 
 647 2 41 
 
 168 18 9 
 
 48 14 5^^ 
 
 180 
 
 147 13 I
 
 114 
 
 Financial Betur 
 
 (F.) 
 K FEMALE PENITENTIARY RECEIPTS IN 1872. 
 
 ABSTRACT FROM BANKERS' PASS BOOKS. 
 
 Bank, May 9 
 
 Less Ealance, Jan. 1 
 
 August 12 . . 
 
 Less July 1, Balance 
 
 December 31 
 
 Less Dec. 10. Contra 
 
 
 
 £ s. 
 
 d. 
 
 £ s. 
 
 d. 
 
 £ s. 
 
 d. 
 
 Wigan's Bank, June 30 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,327 10 
 
 4 
 
 Less Jan. 1, Balance 
 
 
 
 145 18 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 „ „ 27, Hoare's Bank 
 
 
 
 100 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 „ Mar. 28, Small Debts 
 
 
 
 300 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 „ „ Hammond's Bank . . 
 
 
 
 80 14 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 , April 8, D „ . . 
 
 
 
 12 8 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 , „ 13, Hoare's » . . 
 
 
 
 70 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 , June 29, Hammond's „ . . 
 
 
 
 8 11 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 717 12 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 609 18 
 
 
 
 December 31 
 
 
 
 1,270 10 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Less July 1, Balance 
 
 . 37 15 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 
 
 ,, „ 4, D Bank 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , Aug. 7, Hoare's „ 
 
 80* 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 > . 30, „ „ .. . 
 
 40 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , „ 30, D „ 
 
 31 14 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , Sept. 30, Hammond's Bank . . 
 
 22 1 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , Oct. 18, Hoare's ,, . . 
 
 GO 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 , Dec. 30, Wigan's „ .. 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , Nov. 27, Contra 
 
 . 296 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 571 14 
 
 5 
 
 «OQ IK 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 Total 
 
 £1,308 
 
 13 
 
 9 
 
 15 
 1 
 
 8 
 11 
 
 6 
 6 
 
 
 13 17 
 
 34 14 2 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 . 
 
 31 14 2 
 
 48 3 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 38 3 
 
 Total 
 
 £83 11 5
 
 Financial Returns. 
 
 115 
 
 Hammond's Bank, Feb. 15 
 
 Less Extension Fund (per Hoare's 
 
 June 11 
 
 September 7 
 November 21 
 
 June 15) 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 80 14 8 
 
 10 
 
 8 11 
 
 22 1 10 
 
 10 6 
 
 £101 18 
 
 Hoare's Bank, Dec. 31 
 Less Jan. 1, Balance 
 
 „ 26, Extension Fund 
 
 J) 35 
 
 Nov. 26 
 
 
 
 843 8 9 
 
 90 6 
 
 6 
 
 
 19 10 
 
 
 
 
 76 5 
 
 
 
 
 267 5 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 10 10 
 
 
 
 468 16 6 
 
 Total 
 
 £374 12 3 
 
 ExPENDITrEE. 
 
 Wigan's Bank, June 30 
 Less Jan. 1, Extension Fund 
 
 „ May 30, 
 
 ,, June 30, Balance 
 
 122 15 
 
 300 
 
 37 15 11 
 
 1,327 10 4 
 
 460 10 11 
 
 866 19 5 
 
 December 31 
 
 Less Nov. 27, Extension Fund . . 
 „ Dec. 31 
 
 Hoare's Bank, April 10, for Interest 
 May 27, 
 Oct. 9, 
 
 296 12 
 103 9 
 
 1,270 10 2 
 
 399 12 9 
 
 19 10 
 
 2 2 1 
 
 12 5 10 
 
 Total 
 
 870 17 5 
 1,737 16 10 
 
 33 17 11 
 £1,771 14 9 
 
 Balakce in Hand, December 31st, 1872. 
 
 Wigan's Bank 
 Hoare's „ 
 
 r> ■ » 
 
 Hammond's Bank 
 
 Total 
 
 103 9 
 
 71 ]0 
 
 38 3 
 
 £212 1 10 
 
 l2
 
 yiii. 
 
 RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR INSTRUCTION. 
 
 {In reply to Question 14.)
 
 RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR INSTRUCTION 
 
 -'i-e^^^s^ir^^fl^S^:*^?^^-— 
 
 We must take into consideration the different classes of women 
 that will come under onr care. 
 
 1st. There will be those who have fallen or been diiveninto 
 the sin for the first time. Young girls who have been placed in 
 chcumstances where they were powerless, or amidst tempta- 
 tions which their weakness or ignorance were unable to cope 
 with. These will come for help almost, perhaps, on the brink of 
 despair, overwhelmed Avith shame, afraid to let their mother or 
 friends know of their misfortune, and needing a home where 
 they can find shelter, a friend who will comfort them, and time 
 to repent. 
 
 2nd. There will be those who have been brought up care- 
 lessly, Hving from childhood in the midst of vice, who have 
 gone from sin to sin as the natural course of events, but who, 
 sickened with their fearful hfe, and with some sHght ghmmering 
 of better things, deshe to learn how to Hve a decent life. 
 
 3rd. There will be those who have dehberately made it their 
 means of hvelihood. 
 
 Now, first, as to secular instruction. I should suppose, for 
 the most part, that those belonging to the last two classes would 
 be found to be very ignorant, and needing more instruction than 
 those of the first class ; but, to whatever class they belong, 
 none should be permitted to leave the Home (unless, of com'se, 
 they go by their own desire) without a sufficient knowledge of 
 reading, wi'iting, and arithmetic as would enable them to be 
 quite independent of the help of others. 
 
 With regard to rehgious education it must be plam and 
 definite; there must be no half-and-half teaching, but plain, 
 definite, church instruction, such as will make real practical
 
 120 Religions and Secular Instruction. 
 
 Christians, and not either sentimental enthusiasts or hj-pocritical 
 Pharisees. 
 
 Here, again, we must consider the different classes with 
 whom we shall have to deal. While the first mil natm^ally long 
 for teachmg and help, will welcome all that will bring them 
 peace for the present and strength for the futm^e, the second 
 and third classes will require a different and, in a way, more 
 skilful treatment. I should advise that for the last two classes 
 there should, at the first, be no religious teachhig whatever, 
 except what they would naturally gather from the morning and 
 evening prayers and the Sunday services. I believe there are 
 many who might be won to Christ who are repelled by the 
 violent change from their free and easy life to the strict and 
 severe system of a so-called Penitentiary ; many who would 
 gladly enter if they knew that they would find a quiet home, 
 where they might rest and think, instead of a semi-prison, 
 where they must commence at once, according to a fixed pattern, 
 then* reformation. 
 
 Let them be admitted, then, for a few weeks, simply as 
 inmates of a Home, requiring of them only quiet behavioiu-, 
 obedience, and work, and giving them secular instruction if 
 they needed it and wished for it, leaving them perfectly free as 
 regards religion, and entirely free to go away if they dislike the 
 place. They need religious education ; the desire must come 
 from them ; the httle spark of life must be alloAved to spread 
 gently, and not be suddenly blown into a flame which will as 
 speedily sink and die. If the leading of Christ has brought 
 them thus far, they will not care to be left out in the cold ; they 
 will of themselves ask for the knowledge of the better way, 
 and seeking it thus are more hkely to hold it fast. When the 
 woman taken in adultery was thrust into the presence of Christ, 
 He did not upbraid her with the sin. He only asked, " Woman, 
 where are thine accusers — hath no man condemned thee?^' 
 She said, "No man, Lord;'^ and Jesus said unto her, "Neither 
 do I condemn thee. Go, and sin no more.^^ The woman was 
 hardened in the midst of the Pharisees, as they laid down the 
 strict, unbending law ; but the personal kindness, the patient 
 waiting of Jesus softened her heart and brought true repentance. 
 
 When the desire for religious instruction has been kindled
 
 Religious and Secular histruction. 121 
 
 in their hearts, when the yearning for peace has found expression 
 in words, then let them at once have ready access to the 
 Chaplain. Let there be no system of instruction, no stereo- 
 typed plan ; but let it be remembered that each individual soul 
 requires individual teaching. They do not then need long in- 
 structions, they want to be alone with Jesus, to pour out their 
 soul's anguish, to rid them of the burden that presses them 
 down; and this must be done individually, and by those to 
 whom God has entrusted the work of His priests. Let the 
 Chaplain, and him alone, have the care of the individual spiritual 
 work. The woman must be alone with Jesus if she is to be 
 brought to repentance, alone with Him in that repentance, and 
 alone with him in the working out thereof in the amendment of 
 life. There must be no system of rules, no general Penitentiary 
 plan, no inquisitive, I had almost said irreverent, interference 
 between, or surveillance over God and the soul. 
 
 With regard to the general rehgious instruction I would 
 Eke to say a few words. 
 
 Let the rehgious instruction in class be given either by the 
 Chaplain himself or under his immediate dhection. If the 
 inmates are unable to attend the parish church, let the chapel 
 services and sermons be such as for an ordinary congregation. 
 Hearty services ; plain Cathohc teaching ; but on no account 
 let the services and sermons be adapted to the inmates ; no con- 
 tinual harping upon one sin ; no continual putting before them 
 theh misery. They are Christians ; they have sinned ; they are 
 Penitents; they need the same help and teaching as other 
 Christians. True, it is with the Psalmist, that if they are reaUy 
 penitent their sin will be ever before them, but it is not ever 
 to be put before them. In the secret depths of their own soul, 
 alone with God, their sin will ever be before them ; but if that 
 sin has been pardoned, if the guilt thereof has been washed 
 away, it is not to be continually thrown m their faces.
 
 IX. 
 
 VISITATION OP DEiNS. 
 
 DRAWN FROM SARAH ROBINSON'S JOURNAL. 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR OF " WORK AMONG THE LOST." 
 {In reply to Question 16.)
 
 THE VISITATION OF DENS. 
 
 In 1864, Sarah Robinson, the well-known worker among our 
 soldiers, being then in temporary charge of the Aldershot 
 Military Mission Hall, was led to take an interest in the outcast 
 women who form one of the hideous concomitants of standing 
 armies. She began her work among them by the usual agency, 
 a midnight meeting, of which, in a journal written at the time, 
 she gives the following account : — " We got the tea ready for 
 10 o'clock ; the two Bible women were to help me in the Hall, 
 and Mr. Michael was to be in the streets to bring in any he 
 could find and persuade to come. About 30 girls came. 
 Nearly all were the worse for drink, and it took an hour's hard 
 tea di'inking to get them sober and fit to listen. Whilst Mr. 
 Michael was speaking to them, they kept slipping out, on one 
 pretence and another, till only a dozen remained ; and one of 
 these went into a fit, and made a long interruption, and another, 
 also, became faint and hysterical, and the Bible women were 
 wholly occupied with smelling salts and cold water. I found it 
 quite hopeless to expect them to Hsten to what was bemg said, 
 so tried to speak separately to a few. One girl greatly in- 
 terested me ; she is well educated and lady-like, the daughter 
 
 of a shire magistrate. She had come in, not to tea, 
 
 but entirely out of curiosity to see if any lady really would 
 notice such girls, as she had supposed that Mr. Michael was 
 joking when he spoke to her in the streets. I took her alone 
 and talked to her just like a sister. She told me all her story, 
 but, though she seemed quite to love me for my interest in her,
 
 12G Visitation of Bens. 
 
 I could not get her to go into the Refuge ; she said she should 
 soon go mad, for she dared not let herself think. I spoke most 
 earnestly to her of the end ; she knew everything, but said it 
 was too late, and all I could tell her of the love of Jesus and 
 His power to save to the uttermost, was of no use. The only 
 thing that seemed to touch her was my caring for her, so I 
 pressed that point, and begged her to let me be her friend, even 
 if she continued as she was. She promised to meet me the 
 next day, Sunday, and go with me on my usual visit to the 
 Refuge, and I promised no one should know who she was. 
 AVhen I shook hands Avith her at parting, she looked at me, 
 and thanked me with tears in her eyes. I talked mth four 
 others ; altogether we hoped to gain seven girls from the 
 evening's meeting ; they made appointments to see Mr. Michael 
 and myself, and go with us to the Refuge. The next day not 
 one made her appearance.^' 
 
 In consequence of tliis apparent total failure of the Midnight 
 Meeting, Miss Robmson was led to turn her whole attention to 
 morning and afternoon visitation of the dens where these poor 
 creatures congregate. At that time they herded together in 
 colonies, inhabiting a roAv of small tenements, all communicating 
 with one another internally, by means of passages, and named 
 after the pubhc-house which generally formed the corner house, 
 — a state of things which, I am thankful to say, no longer 
 exists. 
 
 Miss Robinson thus describes her first attempt at penetrating 
 into these dens : — " I was very foolish about going into the 
 girls' rooms. I walked up and down praying for strength, and 
 feeling wretchedly incapable, and without self-control. The 
 people even in the low lodging-houses advised me not to venture, 
 as I should certainly be insulted. At last I dashed into it, and 
 found it really not so very difficult. Most of the girls were 
 not up ; nearly all, after their first surprise, received me kindly. 
 One poor creature, Lizzie, I found in tears ; she is ill, and fears 
 she shall die. I talked and prayed with her ; she clung to me 
 as if I could save her, and I promised to come again. Nearly 
 100 girls live in this SJiamrock, 2 in each room, " chums,'^ as they 
 are called ; girls of all grades, some shockmgly diseased. I then 
 visited the Infirmary, to ask where the girls there came from,
 
 Visitation of Dens, 127 
 
 and so got directed to other dens, and spent most of the day 
 in going amongst them. I could not write down, I cannot even 
 bear to think of the horrible things I saw and heard ; but I 
 only met with unkindness in One place, where the women who 
 were ironing would have burnt me with the iron if I had 
 stayed." 
 
 With regard to the two modes of working, — midnight meet- 
 ings and visitation of dens, — Miss Robinson says: — "I should 
 always prefer the morning work, when the diink is out of them, 
 and their time is heavy on their hands. At night they are 
 di'essed up, half drunk, eager to be after their wretched gains ; 
 in the morning everything is real about them, no glitter, no 
 deception, no self-deception, no excitement, but real misery, 
 pain, remorse, and the words you say are more hkely to be felt 
 as real, too. I have no doubt much of what took place in the 
 Hall last night seems to the girls like a dream this mornmg. 
 God helping me, I will work among them by day in futm'e." 
 
 And nobly was the resolve fulfilled. Once more to quote 
 from her journal, she writes, " When I look back on the work 
 among these poor girls, it seems almost miraculous to me. 
 Now I can go into any of these dens, and wherever they are 
 herding, I have only to mention my name to brmg them all 
 round me ; while talking to them they seem to become softened 
 and womanly again, quite different creatures ; if I meet that 
 horrid customary stare now, I know at once it is a new gii"l who 
 does not know me. Such a number come m with every fresh 
 regiment, the town is overflowing with them, and if there is a 
 hell upon earth it's the streets of Aldershot of a night. No one 
 can imagine it ; they may think they can, but it is impossible. 
 It is an infernal carnival. My watch-word for May has been, 
 ' The precious blood of Christ ;' just the word to take among 
 these poor lost sisters. I have felt it so good that we cannot 
 go beyond Christ's 'uttermost,' and I am very sure He would 
 not have sent the message as He has into these dens without 
 meaning something by it ; whether I see results or not I am 
 satisfied His word carried there will not be in vain. Lately I 
 have become quite hardened, physically, to the work, and the 
 joy I feel in it is quite divine ; no other word can express it ; 
 it is, in one sense, entering into the joy of my Lord. As to the
 
 128 Visitation of Dens 
 
 natural aptitude for this work, as lar as 1 can see, it consists in 
 straightforwardness and strength, as well as kindness; these 
 poor things feel, when not excited with drink, &c., so utterly 
 forlorn and helpless that they want to lean on some one. I try 
 to work on this point in them, to get them to cast themselves on 
 the Saviour.^' 
 
 So many did Miss Robinson rescue, and such terrible cases, 
 that at last she was actually requested to desist, as the Refuge 
 could no longer bear the medical expenses, the Acts being not 
 then in force. 
 
 Now, after reading the above experience, 1 don't think it is 
 possible to deny that this Christian visitation of dens by women 
 in the daytime, is a far better agency than midnight meetings, 
 with addresses by men. In the former there is no excitement, 
 no publicity, and, I may add, when funds are needed for other 
 branches of the work, no expense, and all may be reached 
 instead of some. But its immense advantage lies m the oppor- 
 tunity it gives for the rescue of young girls who may have been 
 entrapped or led into sin by some careless, thoughtless step, 
 the consequences of which they did not fully foresee. Take 
 an exceedingly common case. A young servant girl, a mere 
 child in years, stays out later than she intended with some un- 
 steady companion ; she is afraid of returning to face her mistress, 
 and is taken to a den for the night. And it is precisely these 
 cases that are too ashamed of themselves to make any eiFort 
 to rescue themselves, yet, before they have grown hardened to 
 their degraded life, shrink from it with disgust. Can a girl be 
 rescued before she has been more than a few days or a few 
 weeks in sin ? no evil habit has been formed, and the task of 
 her reformation is comparatively easy, the difficulty increasing 
 with the length of time she remains in degradation, not in an 
 arithmetical but in a geometrical ratio. 
 
 Neither is it possible to doubt that if a lady can do this 
 Avork, and grapple with the evil in the worst and most intensi- 
 fied form m which it has ever existed in England, the Aldershot 
 dens, it is possible for Christian women to undertake it in the 
 milder form in which it exists in our large towns. There is a 
 general impression that it is impossible or difficult to gain ad- 
 mittance ; I can only distinctly state that this difficulty is, in
 
 Visitation of Dens. 129 
 
 almost all cases, purely imaginary. Encouraged by Miss 
 Robinson's example, two ladies and myself undertook the 
 visitation of the Brighton dens. We never met with any 
 difficulty of access, nor any insult. In one house we received 
 a message from the landlady, ill in bed, requesting us to go, 
 which certainly broke no bones and did not even materially hurt 
 our feelings. In three weeks we had rescued seven, one girl, 
 whom we had never seen, coming away simply from hearing 
 that ladies were visiting the dens, and thus realising that there 
 were some Christian hearts who did not despise their lost 
 sisters, but would, like the good Samaritan, even '' come where 
 they were." In another case, where den visitation was tried, 
 six were rescued in a fortnight to three weeks. 
 
 It certainly is not pleasant work, but, with simple womanly 
 kindness and the strength which comes from faith in Christ, 
 any earnest-minded woman, after thirty, married or unmarried, 
 can do it. 
 
 I do not know whether I need notice that contemptible 
 argument which is so often used against all efforts of this kind, — 
 that, in rescuing one, you only make room for another. The 
 same argument, so far as there is anything at all in it, applies 
 equally to reclaiming a thief, and, indeed, with far more justice 
 than in the present case. There is no fixed number of these 
 dens that must be kept constantly filled ; any house may turn 
 into a den, and turn back into a respectable house ; the im- 
 morality of a town can be just as much lessened as its intem- 
 perance. Let us remember that temptation does not come only 
 from man, as is sometimes supposed; that these poor lost 
 creatures, with whomsoever the blame of their first draggmg 
 down may rest, are the worst seducers to sin, and that, in this 
 case, lessening the supply must lessen the demand and dimmish 
 prevailing immorality. 
 
 I would, therefore, suggest that every Penitentiary should 
 organize a band of Christian women, drawn from existing 
 agencies, district visitors, Bible women, etc., for the \dsitation of 
 dens ; that a list of all such places be obtained from the police, 
 and portioned out among the workers, a lady and a Bible 
 woman going together, or two or three ladies going in company, 
 and dispersing into different rooms of the same house, so as not 
 
 K
 
 130 Visitation of Dens. 
 
 to hamper one another ; and that all the workers should meet 
 together once a month for prayer and mutual counsel.* 
 
 With regard to the enormous numbers that would be rescued 
 by a sustained agency of this kind, we must leave that in faith 
 to our God, believing that there can be no such thing as bemg 
 too successful in His service, and that He can and will supply all 
 our needs. Many, arrested on the very threshold of sin, might 
 be sent home, or in other ways provided for, without ever enter- 
 ing the Penitentiary. Nor can we yet tell what further progress 
 we may make under the pressure of necessity towards making 
 our Reformatories more self-supporting, and, therefore, far more 
 numerous. At least our part would be done ; there would be 
 no longer a certain number of spots in our large towns held 
 sacred to the devil, the threshold of which no Christian foot ever 
 crosses, and where large numbers of young girls are, practically, 
 imprisoned from the want of moral courage to effect their own 
 escape. And when Our Lord asks us "Where is thy sister,*' we 
 should no longer have to say " I know not, ' but even from 
 the dens of our great cities could answer, ^' Here, Lord, and I 
 am Avith her, striving, in Thy strength, to be her keeper and 
 preserver." 
 
 * Should the Conference think further action in this direction desirable, 
 I would gladly work up this paper into the form of a short address or tract 
 to the Christian women of England, for distribution by the Warden or Lady 
 Superintendent anxious to form a working body outside the Penitentiary, the 
 idea of such visitations being really new and unthought of, and often for that 
 reason not undertaken.
 
 X. 
 
 ON LIABILITY CARDS 
 
 ISSUED BY THE 
 
 CHURCH PENITENTIARY ASSOCIATION 
 TO ASSOCIATES. 
 
 A PAPER 
 
 BY 
 
 J. G. TALBOT, ESQ., M.P, 
 
 {In reply to Question 16.) 
 
 K2
 
 LIABILITY CARDS, 
 
 ^<:^^S))l(*^■yr>^ 
 
 With reference to Question 16, on the distribution of cards in 
 large towns, giving the addresses of the Houses of Refuge, for 
 the information of fallen women, by the agency of P. M. 
 Women, I am enabled to state that the packets of such cards, 
 prepared by the Church Penitentiary Association for London, 
 and entrusted to several of the Ladies Superintendent and 
 P. M. Women, have led to useful results in several mstances. 
 The ladies would be glad to have a supply of them always at 
 hand, and they much approve of the plan by which any 
 associate may, before partmg with a card, convert it into a 
 " liabihty card," by which means the woman can afterwards be 
 either received into Houses of Refuge or (if not retained owing to 
 want of room or funds) sent off to friends or to another Home, 
 the sovereign which the " liabihty card " brings in generally 
 sufficing for that purpose. I believe that the introduction of a 
 similar system of " hability cards " into such towns as Liverpool, 
 Birmingham, &c., might be attended with very useful results. 
 The explanation of the " liability card " is given below, and a 
 copy of a card is added for the information of readers who, hving 
 out London or not Associates, may never previously have seen 
 them. 
 
 Cards to be given to Fallen Women. 
 
 These cards have been printed by the Church Penitentiary 
 Association. They are sold to Associates only, at the price of 
 printing (two shillings per packet of 50). They are intended 
 for distribution in the streets of London by Associates. It is 
 hoped that they may also be given by Associates to Clergymen, 
 to Sisters in the various Houses of Mercy, &c., to Parocliial 
 Mission Women, to the Chaplains and Medical Officers of the 
 Hospitals that have Lock wards, in some cases to tradesmen, and 
 perhaps to some policemen.
 
 134 Liability Cards. 
 
 Liability Cards. 
 
 An ordinary card can be transformed into a liability card 
 in the following manner : — The Associate will fill up the blanks 
 opposite the words Number, Initials, Symbol, Date. 
 
 If a fcillen woman presents a liability card so filled up to the 
 authorities at any one of the Houses m union in London, that 
 authority, if the fallen woman is admitted, may send the liabihty 
 card to the address of the Associate. The authorities of the 
 London houses will have been informed annually by the 
 Secretary of the Church Penitentiary Association of the symbols 
 and addresses of all Associates who have purchased cards. 
 
 The Associate, if the date when the returned liability card 
 was presented shows that the interval that had elapsed between 
 the date he had placed on the card and the reception of the 
 woman is less than a calendar month, will instantly send to the 
 Home a post-office order or a cheque for a sum not less than £1. 
 The note from the authority of the House, which accom- 
 panies the returned card, will give the name of the nearest 
 post-office and of the writer. 
 
 The rescue of the woman who presents the card should be 
 considered by the authorities at the House to have the primary 
 claim on the payment received, but the Associate is not at 
 liberty to demand information regarding the expenditure of the 
 money or the disposal of the woman. 
 
 It is evident that the Associate who issues liability cards 
 can hmit his hability to any amount he thinks proper, as it only 
 lasts for one month ; the number of liability cards he issues is 
 under his own control, and he will always know how many are 
 out with less than a month to run. 
 
 The number of liability cards presented has never exceeded 
 one-tenth of the number issued. 
 
 The ordinary card has been found very useful in directing 
 women to the Houses of Mercy, but it is hoped that Associates 
 will be encouraged to turn the ordinary cards into liability 
 cards, and distribute them widely. The payment of the £1 
 will often be sufficient to send the holder of the card to her 
 home under pro2)er charge, or to a Penitentiary.
 
 Liability Cards 
 
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 XI. 
 
 SMALL FOUNDLING HOMES, 
 
 {Papp.r in reply to Quastion 17.) 
 
 BY A SISTER IN CHARaE OF A REFUaE WHICH RECEIVES OVER 
 100 PENITENTS IN THE COURSE OF THE YEAR.
 
 SMALL FOUNDLING HOMES. 
 
 There is an evil abroad, daily increasing, daily becoming more 
 formidable, wliicli it behoves us, as Christian men and women, 
 to try and stem by every means in our power. We allude to 
 the sin of infanticide, to the murder of little helpless children 
 by those who ought to love and cherish them, even by the 
 mothers who bore them. It is a terrible curse — we would 
 not for one moment seek to palliate or to excuse it — but let 
 us glance at the causes which lead to the foul deeds, and 
 see if there are no means by which the fierce torrent of the 
 growing sin can be checked. There are places we know 
 where poor sinners can go and find shelter for a little Avhile, and 
 bring into the world those unfortunates who are to be branded 
 all through their hves with the brand of shame. Three weeks 
 pass away, and then these poor girls, many of them almost 
 children, are told to go back into the world and earn their own 
 hving. They go, carrying their Httle ones in then- arms, and 
 they wander about the streets, all through the long weary hours 
 of the day, hungry, and cold, and wi-etched, and they can find 
 no work — they dare not even ask for it. Who would engage a 
 servant with a three-weeks' old baby in her arms? Who would 
 let a gM stand behind the counter of ever so small a shop with 
 her infant at her breast I They know all these tliuigs, these, 
 our poor fallen sisters, they know that there is no hope for them 
 so long as their children are alive, and the tempter whispers to 
 them in soft insidious accents, and tells them that no one will 
 know of their sin if they make away with the little wailmg, 
 suffering baby. There is something of a mother's love in the 
 hearts of many of them; they would show their sorrow and 
 their penitence, if they might, by working for the unconscious 
 little ones, but they cannot do it, the thing is an utter impossi- 
 bility, it seems to them as if both must starve. And life is 
 sweet even to such as they are, and death and the judgment 
 have their terrors for these erring, misguided girls ; and so 
 they sacrifice their children — they get rid of them somehow,
 
 140 S}nall Foundling Homes. 
 
 no matter how, the cohTmns of the daily papers tell us of the 
 means they employ. They go back to then' old life then, to 
 work it may be, but to sin and to shame too, and no hand is 
 stretched forward to help them, no loving voice finds its way to 
 the heart blackened by that deadly terrible sin. 
 
 Can we prevent this, can we save one soul ahve ? 
 
 There is a strong feeling in the hearts even of the most 
 benevolent amongst us against providing refuges for this class 
 of unfortunates, they tell us that to do so encourages the sin, 
 and adds to the number of the sinners. This we respectfully 
 and emphatically deny ; we contend that when the sm is com- 
 mitted, when the woman, in a moment of love, or of passion, 
 or it may be of utter despair, and want, and misery, falls into 
 the terrible temptation, she is utterly heedless of the conse- 
 quences, she never for one instant thinks of the future, and all 
 the trouble that is in store for her in the months that are to 
 come, and therefore it is that we ask you to help these fallen 
 sisters of ours back to the ways of vntue, and we would lay 
 before you the best means of accomplishing this end. 
 
 Let us establish homes where they and their little ones can 
 be received, where they may stay and watch over those poor 
 little creatures during the first few months of then- mfancy, 
 learning meanwliile to repent foi- the past, and to hope for the 
 future. No influence can be brought to bear upon them so well 
 as the unconscious influence which these children of sin, and of 
 shame, exercise over them ; for them they work cheerfully, for 
 them they endure all that a proud, happy mother endures for 
 her child. It seems strange, but so it is, those poor outcasts are 
 humanized and softened by the tears and smiles of the children 
 they have borne. 
 
 Then when the time comes for them to leave their babies, 
 when we have trained them during those months to be dihgent, 
 and cleanly, and useful, we would send them into the world 
 once more, we would find situations for them, we would make 
 no secret to their employers of the sin of their past lives, we 
 would ask them, for His dear sake Who spoke such loving 
 words of pardon to St. Mary Magdalene, to help these poor 
 sinners back to lead an honest life. They should support then- 
 children still, they should be allowed to see them, and to feel
 
 Small Foundling Homes, 141 
 
 that they really belonged to them, that the test of then- hearty 
 repentance would be found in their loving care for their Httle 
 ones. 
 
 For the children themselves we would plead too, even more 
 earnestly than for then' mothers ; I know of no home in all 
 this Christian country of ours (if we except the over-crowded 
 Foundling Hospital) open to receive them, except on payment 
 of at least bs. a-week, the brand of illegitimacy is upon them, 
 the sins of the parents are, indeed, heavily visited upon their 
 heads. How the poor creatures live is a mystery, but Hve they 
 do, growing up to add to the numbers that throng our prisons 
 and penitentiaries, and to us it is open to prevent much of this, 
 to save these little ones from ruin here, to help them to the 
 better endless life hereafter. For the sake of om- own little 
 innocent children, for the sake of Him Who was once a little 
 child, even the incarnate Jesus, let us be up and doing now, let 
 us begin this great work at once. In the seventeenth century 
 there lived in France a great saint, whose name is familiar as a 
 household word in our mouths, because of all the works of 
 mercy which he performed for his Master's sake, we allude to 
 St. Vincent de Paul. Now if his friends accused the holy man 
 of having one failing, it was that of extreme slowness, and what 
 seemed to them unnecessary deliberation in all he undertook , 
 there was only one occasion on which he acted with strange 
 precipitancy, when he almost refused to listen to reason. 
 
 He was walking one night through the streets of Paris, and 
 he saw a woman distorting the limbs of her child so that she 
 might make it an object of pity and charity ; he snatched the 
 poor little victim fi'om its inhuman mother, and carried it in his 
 arms to a house where all such unfortunates were taken by the 
 poHce, there he found three or four hundred of them half 
 clothed, half starved, under the care of one old woman, and 
 two servants. The loving tender heart of the Saint bled for 
 these poor little cliildren-- at all costs they must be rescued 
 from their cruel fate — their wails and cries were for ever 
 ringing in his ears, calling him to help them. He went to the 
 queen, to the nobles, and to his own Sisters of Charity, and told 
 his tale, and pleaded the cause he had at heart m words of 
 burning eloquence. War had drained the resources of the
 
 142 Small Foundling Homes. 
 
 country, money was very scarce, but money must be found for 
 this end, and found at once. 
 
 A house was taken, and some of the poor children were 
 carried thither, and then God put it into the hearts of others to 
 lielp in the work, and great ladies sold their jewels, the queen 
 herself setting the noble example, and at last the Hospital des 
 Enfants Trouves was founded, where Vincent de Paul saw the 
 poor little outcast children cared for, and tended, and taught 
 all they ought to know. 
 
 Are there none amongst us who will do as he did? Are 
 there none amongst us who will follow the example of Anne of 
 Austria and the French ladies of the seventeenth century ? 
 
 God grant that some may be found in this country of ours 
 to begin a great work, which, by His mercy, will bring with it 
 a great reward. 
 
 The Homes I refer to should always be under the charge of a thoroughly trust- 
 worthy person ; they should be inspected periodically, and also unexpectedly, by a 
 lady or ladies— five should be the largest number of such children in one of these 
 Homes. 
 
 It should be a regulation that no infant under nine months be admitted, except 
 it is accompanied by its mother. If the mother is dead, or for any reason does not 
 accompany the infant, only one such, under three months old, should be in the 
 Home at the same time, and if there is an infant in the house between three months 
 and twelve, there should not be more than two between one year and two years 
 old. — I am quite aware of the danger of segregating a number of infants, and 
 entirely concur in the condemnation of this practice which is contained in the 
 following statement by Mr. Curgenven. 
 
 HOW HAVE SOME FOUNDLING HOMES WORKED? 
 
 From extensive enquiry mto the working of Foundling Homes 
 in this and other countries,* I have found that the great mor- 
 tality amongst the infants consigned to them is universal, except 
 in those where the infants are placed with foster-mothers during 
 the first three years of their life. 
 
 J. BRENDON CURGENVEN, M.R.C.S., 
 
 Ho7i. Secretary to the Infant Life Protection 
 Society of London. 
 
 * See Mr. Curgenven's Papers on the Laws of France relating to Foundlings 
 (Head, Hole and Co., 1, Ivy Lane, E.C.). See also the Laws of Belgium relating 
 to Foundlings ; the Waste of Infant Life, and Baby Farming (Transactions of the 
 Social Science Association, 1867). The evidence given in 1872 before a Select 
 Connnittee of the House of Commons on " The Protection of hifant Life " by 
 Mr. Curgenven, Dr. C. West, Mr. Ernest Hart, Mr. G. Gregory, M.P., Treasurer of 
 the Foundling, and others, may be seen in the Parliamentary Blue Book. Of their 
 evidence Mr. Curgenven writes : — "One and all condemn the segregation of infants 
 in houses. It may seem good in theory, but it is fatal in practice."
 
 LONDON : 
 HARRISON AND SONS, PRINTERS IN ORDINARY TO HER MAJESTY, 
 
 ar, martin's lane. 
 
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 m^mtv-