How can we face these problems? They are on every hand. We have no effective State provision. The Tramp Ward is a mockery, a robbery and insult to womanhood. The common lodging-house is a snare and a trap. Surely _it belongs to womanhood to befriend womanhood_. It is little use to multiply Rescue Homes while we leave untouched the causes that are stranding more and more of our sisters.
What is needed is--in every town an industry for destitute women; in every town a Shelter to pick up strays and guide them to self-support; in every town Women's Hostels under kind, wise, but not restrictive supervision; in every town provision for glad, free girl life, and joined to this distinct, clear, national purity teaching. What is needed is a pure, free, enlightened womanhood, ready to stand side by side with man to mother the world.
[_Read at Conference of Reformatory and Refuge Union and National Association of Certified Reformatory and Industrial Schools, Birmingham, June 21st, 1905._]
The laws of evolution apply to social phenomena. Tested by these we see that _the Shelter_, the _Municipal Lodging-house_, and the _Rowton House_ are replacing the _common lodging-house_. Is there any reason why they should not, when for the rich the hotel has replaced the inn? It is a question of national moment what provision should be made for the floating population of men and _women_.
In smaller towns the common lodging-house is _disappearing_ (see Minutes of Evidence before Vagrancy Committee, section 1752). In London the accommodation is _decreasing_ (see _ibid._, section 5784). Is this to be deplored or hastened? The poor must sleep _somewhere_. Let us first of all distinguish between the _Free_ Charitable Shelter and _Free_ Meals, and the question of provision of adequate housing accommodation for our floating population.
The provision for _absolute destitution_ belongs to the _State_. Only the State, or the State through the Municipality, can exercise sufficient authority to sift the incapable and "won't-works" from the simply "unemployed." The former should be in some State or State-subsidised institution, unless supported by relatives. The "won't-works" require coercion. Any form of charity that impedes right State action is harmful. It has arisen because the State has shirked its duty. The public should be satisfied that every _destitute_ man and woman gets bed and board, with even-handed justice, in return for a task, if capable, or with proper care if incapable. Then Free Shelters and Free Meals would disappear.