[22] It is probable that a larger proportion of the inmates of casual wards in London are of the "work-shy" class than in the north, because London acts as a kind of national cesspool attracting the dregs, partly by reason of its charities. The same may be said of a large centre like Manchester. But if sufficient skilled observation had been given over long periods, it would probably be found, as I have indicated, that there are great changes in the _personnel_ of the tramp ward. It is indicated in the Report (section 87) that the free shelters attract the _lowest_ class. Hence the rise in the standard of cleanliness may mean that the tramp ward now actually accommodates a higher social stratum than formerly.
[23] See Chap. XV., Vagrancy Report. It is doubted that the percentage is so high. It will vary in different localities.
[24] "Evidence before us shows that severity of discipline in one union may merely cause the vagrants to frequent other unions."
[25] It is acknowledged that the present dietary is insufficient, not only owing to absence of a mid-day meal (section 160), but also as a minimum for "a fair day's work," which requires (section 307) at least 2,500 calories in heat-producing value and 55 grammes of proteid. The proposed amended dietary is as follows:--
Breakfast: Bread, 8 oz.; margarine, 3/4 oz.; cocoa (made with cocoa husk), 1 pint.
Supper: Bread, 8 oz.; margarine, 3/4 oz.; potatoes (cooked), 6 oz. Salt, 1 oz. per five men daily.
This would provide 2,500 calories with 63 grammes of proteid.
[26] The superiority of the prison dietary is freely acknowledged in the Report (see sections 203-206).
[27] See sections 197-201, Vagrancy Report. "Many tramps openly declare that they prefer prison to the casual wards."... "Vagrants assigned as a reason for refusing to work that they wished to lay up for a fortnight during the winter in gaol." Window-breaking and tearing-up clothes are freely resorted to in order to get into prison. On the 28th of February, 1905, 3,736 male prisoners out of 12,369 were reported by the prison governors as persons with no fixed abode, and with no regular means of subsistence (section 59). In London, in 1904, 1,167 casuals shirked work or tore their clothes (section 107).