Whatever was raised for or applied to the use of the poor, ought to
be paid over to the Corporation; and where there are any donations
for maintaining the poor, it will answer the design of the donor, by
reason there will be better provision for the maintenance of the
poor than ever; and if that maintenance be so good, as to induce
further charities, no doubt the Corporation ought to be entitled to
them. But there are two objections to this article; first that to
make a medium by a time of war is unreasonable. Secondly, to
continue the whole tax for one-and-twenty years, does not seem to
give any benefit to the kingdom in that time. To the first, it is
true, we have a peace, but trade is lower now than at any time
during the war, and the charge of the poor greater; and when trade
will mend is very uncertain. To the second, it is very plain, that
although the charge may be the same to a parish in the total, yet it
will be less to particular persons, because those who before
received alms, will now be enabled to be contributors; but besides,
the turning so many hundred thousand pounds a year (which in a
manner have hitherto been applied only to support idleness) into
industry; and the employing so many other idle vagrants and sturdy
beggars, with the product of their labour, will altogether be a
present benefit to the lands of England, as well in the rents as in
the value; and further the accidental charities in the streets and
at doors, is, by a very modest computation, over and above the poor
rates, at least 300,000 pounds per annum, which will be entirely
saved by this proposal, and the persons set at work; which is a
further consideration for its being well received, since the
Corporation are not allowed anything for this service.
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