Open begging is not practised in many places, but there is no law by which the poor can be prevented from returning to a place which they may have quitted voluntarily, or from which they have been expelled (as I was told).

Were it not for this obstacle compulsory local regulations might, I think, be applied in many districts with good effect.
It would be unfair to myself to quit this momentous subject without adding that I am a zealous friend to the great principle of the Poor Laws, as tending, if judiciously applied, much more to elevate than to depress the character of the labouring classes.

I have never seen this truth developed as it ought to be in parliament.
The day I dined with Lord F.L.Gower at his official residence in the Phoenix Park, I met there with an intelligent gentleman, Mr.Page, who was travelling in Ireland expressly to collect information upon this subject, which, no doubt, he means to publish.

If you should hear of this pamphlet when it comes out procure it, for I am persuaded it will prove well worth reading.

Farewell.
Faithfully yours, WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.[94] 58.