This fact alone throws some light upon the nature of city life.

A close analysis of metropolitan workhouses discloses the fact that the aged, infirm, and children composed the vast majority of inmates.

A very small percentage was found to be capable of actual work.
About one-third of the paupers are children, about one-tenth lunatics, about one-half are aged, infirm, or sick.

This leaves one-fifteenth as the proportion of able-bodied male and female adults.

As a commentary on the administration of the Poor Law, these figures are eminently satisfactory, for they prove that people who can support themselves do not in fact obtain from public relief.