Chapter XVII: Part V (3)

Among some of the State projects put forth in Hungary more than a century since to improve the condition of the Gipsies, the following may be mentioned: (1) They were prohibited from dwelling in huts and tents, from wandering up and down the country, from dealing in horses, from eating animals which died of themselves and carrion. (2) They were to be called New Boors instead of Gipsies, and they were not to converse in any other language but that of any of the countries in which they chose to reside. (3) After some months from the passing of the Act, they were to quit their Gipsy manner of life and settle, like the other inhabitants, in cities or villages, and to provide themselves with suitable and proper clothing. (4) No Gipsy was allowed to marry who could not prove himself in a condition to provide for and maintain a wife and children. (5) That from such Gipsies who were married and had families, the children should be taken away by force, removed from their parents, relations, or intercourse with the Gipsy race, and to have a better education given to them. At Fahlendorf, in Schutt, and in the district of Prassburg, all the children of the New Boors (Gipsies) above five years old were carried away in waggons on the night of the twenty-first of December, 1773, by overseers appointed for that purpose, in order, that, at a distance from their parents or relations, they might be more usefully educated and sent to work. (6) They were to be taught the principles of religion, and their children educated. Their children were prohibited running about their houses, streets, or roads naked, and they were not to be allowed to sleep promiscuously by each other without distinction of sex. (7) They were enjoined to attend church regularly, and to give proof of their Christian disposition, and they were not to wear large cloaks, which were chiefly used to hide the things they had stolen. (8) They were to be kept to agriculture, and were only to be permitted to amuse themselves with music when their day's work was finished. (9) The magistrates at every place were to be very attentive to see that no Gipsy wasted his time in idleness, and whoever was remiss in his work was to be liable to corporal punishment.

All these suggestions and plans of operation may not suit English life; be that as it may, they were suitable to the condition of the Hungarian Gipsies, and no doubt laid the foundation for the improvement that has taken place among them. The Hungarian Gipsies are educated, and are tillers of the soil. If a plan similar in some respects had been carried out with our Gipsies at the same period, we should not by this time have had a Gipsy-tent in the country, or an uneducated Gipsy in our land. What a different aspect would have presented itself ere this, if the 5,000 Gipsies among us had been tilling our waste lands and commons for the last century. With proper management, these 5,000 Gipsy men could have bought and kept under cultivation some 20,000 acres of land for the well-being of themselves and for the good of the country. There is neglect, indifference, and apathy somewhere. The blame will lay heavily upon some one when the accounts are made up.

It is appalling and humiliating to think that we, as a Christian nation, should have had in our midst for more than three centuries 15,000 to 20,000 poor ignorant Asiatic heathens, naturally sharp and clever, and next to nothing being done to reclaim them from their worse than midnight darkness. A heavy sin and responsibility lays at our doors. Take away John Bunyan, a few of the Smiths, Palmers, Lovells, Lees, Hearns, Coopers, Simpsons, Boswells, Eastwoods, Careys, Roberts, &c., and what do we find?--a black army of human beings who have done next to nothing--comparatively speaking--for the country's good. They have cadged at our doors, lived on our commons, worn our roads, been fed from our tables, sent their paupers to our workhouses, their idiots to our asylums, and not contributed one farthing to their maintenance and support. Rates and taxes are unknown to them. There is only one instance of them paying rates for their vans, and that is at Blackpool.

It is a black, burning shame and disgrace to see herds of healthy-looking girls and great strapping youths growing up in ignorance and idleness, not so much as exerting themselves to wash the filth off their bodies or make anything better than skewers. Their highest ambition is to learn slang, roll in the ditch, spread small-pox and fevers, threaten vengeance, and carry out revenge upon those who attempt to frustrate their evil designs. Excepting skewers, clothes-pegs, and a few other little things of this kind, they have not manufactured anything; the highest state of perfection they have arrived at is to be able to make and tie up a bundle of skewers, split a clothes-peg, tinker a kettle, mend a chair, see-saw on an old fiddle, rap their knuckles on a tambourine, clatter about with their feet, tickle the guitar, and make a squeaking noise through their teeth, that fiction and romance call singing. The most that can be said in their favour is, that a few of them have become respectable Christians and hard-working men and women, and have done something for the country's good--and whose fault is it that there are not more? They have been the agents of hell, working out Satan's designs, and we have stood by laughing and admiring their so-called pretty faces, scarlet cloaks, and "witching eyes." For the life of me I can find no more bewitching beauty among them than can be found in our back slums any day, circumstances considered--and where does the blame lay?--upon our own shoulders for not paying more attention to the education and welfare of their children. It is truly horrible to think that we have had 15,000 to 20,000 young and old Gipsies at work, carrying out the designs of the infernal regions at the tip end of the roots of our national life, vigour, and Christianity.

Only the other day the country was much shocked, and rightly so, at a hundred poor Russian emigrants landing upon our shores; and yet we have two hundred times this quantity of Gipsies among us, and we quietly stand by and take no notice of their wretched condition. The time will come, and that speedily, when we shall have the scales taken off our eyes, and the thin, flimsy veil of romance torn to shreds. Sitting by and admiring their "pretty faces" and "witching eyes" will not save their souls, educate their children, or put them in the way of earning an honest livelihood. It is not pity--whining, sycophantic pity--alone that will do them good. The Rev. Mr. Cobbin's Gipsy's petition, written fifty years ago,

"Oh! ye who have tasted of mercy and love,
And shared in the blessings of pardoning grace,
Let us the kind fruits of your tenderness prove,
And pity, oh! pity, the poor Gipsy race."

has been little better than beating the air, and it may be repeated a thousand times, but if nothing further is done more than "pity," the Gipsies will be worse off in fifty years hence than they are now, nor will presenting to them bread, cheese, ale, blankets, stockings, and a dry sermon, as Mr. Crabb did half a century ago, render them permanent help. We must do as the eagle does with her young: we must cause a little fluster among them, so that they may begin to flounder for themselves. Take them up, turn them out, and teach them to use their own wings, and the schoolmaster and sanitary officers are the agencies to do it. The men are clever and can get money sufficient to keep their families comfortable even at skewer-making and chair-mending, &c., if they will only work. All the police-officer must do will be to take charge of those who prefer to fall to the ground rather than to struggle for life with its attendant pleasures and enjoyments. The State has taken in hand a more dangerous class--perhaps the most dangerous--in India, viz., the Thugs, and is teaching them useful trades and honest industry with most encouraging results. Before the Government tackled them, they were idling, loafing, rambling, and robbing all over the country, alike to our Gipsies; now they have settled down and become useful and good citizens. In Norway the Gipsies are put into prison, and there kept till they have learnt to read and write. In Hungary the Government has appointed a special Minister to look after them, and see that they are being properly educated and brought up. In Russia, the laws passed for their imprisonment has had the effect of causing them, to a great extent, to settle down to useful trades, and they are forming themselves into colonies. And so, in like manner, in Spain, Germany, France, and other European countries, steps have been taken to bring about an improvement among them. In these countries nearly the whole of the Gipsies can read and write; and we, of all others, who ought to have set the example a century ago in the way of educating the Gipsy children, have stood by with folded arms, and let them drift into ruin. I claim it to be our duty--and it will be to our shame if we do not--to see to the welfare of the Gipsy children for four reasons. First, that they are Indians, and under the rule of our noble Queen; second, that they are in our midst, and ought to take their share of the blessings, duties, and responsibilities pertaining to the rest of the community; third, that as a Christian nation, professing to lead the van and to set forth the blessings of Christianity and civilisation; and, fourth, their universal desire for the education of their children, and to contribute their quota, however small, to the country's good, and for the eternal welfare of their own children; and I do not think that there will be any objection on their part to it being brought about on the plan I have briefly sketched out.

I fancy I can hear some of the artists who have been delighted with Gipsy models--the novelists who have hung many a tale upon the skirts of their garments--the dramatists who have trotted them before the curtain to please the public, and some old-fashioned croakers, who delight in allowing things to be as they have always been--the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever--saying, "let everybody look after their own children;" and then, in a plaintive tone, singing--

"Woodman, spare that tree!
Touch not a single bough;
In youth it sheltered me,
And I'll protect it now."

First,--I would have all movable or temporary habitations, used as dwellings, registered, numbered, and the name and address of the owner or occupier painted in a prominent place on the outside, _i.e._, on all tents, Gipsy vans, auctioneers' vans, showmen's vans, and like places, and under proper sanitary arrangements in a manner analogous to the Canal Boats Act of 1877.

Second,--Not less than one hundred cubic feet of space for each female above the age of twelve, and each male above the age of fourteen; and not less than fifty cubic feet of space for each female young person under the age of twelve, and for each male under the age of fourteen.

Third,--No male above the age of fourteen, and no female above the age of twelve, should be allowed to sleep in the same tent or van as man and wife, unless separate sleeping accommodation be provided for each male of the age of fourteen, and for each female of the age of twelve; and also with proper regard for partitions and suitable ventilation.

Fourth,--A registration certificate to be obtained, renewable at any of the offices of the Urban or Rural sanitary authorities throughout the country, for which the owner or occupier of the tent or van should pay the sum of ten shillings annually, commencing on the first of January in each year.

Fifth,--The compulsory attendance at school of all travelling children, or others living in temporary or unrateable dwellings, up to the age required by the Elementary Education Acts, which attendance should be facilitated and brought about by means of a school pass-book, in which the children's names, ages, and grade could be entered, and which pass-book could be made applicable to children living and working on canal-boats, and also to other wandering children. The pass-book to be easily procurable at any bookseller's for the sum of one shilling.

Sixth,--The travelling children should be at liberty to go to either National, British, Board, or other schools, under the management of a properly-qualified schoolmaster, and which schoolmaster should sign the children's pass-book, showing the number of times the children had attended school during their temporary stay.

Seventh,--The cost for the education of these wandering children should be paid by the guardians of the poor out of the poor rates, a proper account being kept by the schoolmaster and delivered to the parochial authorities quarterly.

Eighth,--Power to be given to any properly-qualified sanitary officer, School Board visitor or inspector, to enter the tents, vans, canal-boats, or other movable or temporary habitations, at any time or in any place, and detain, if necessary, for the purpose of seeing that the law was being properly carried out; and any one obstructing such officer in his duty, and not carrying out the law, to be subject to a fine or imprisonment for each offence.

Ninth,--It would be well if arrangements could be made with lords of manors, the Government, or others who are owners of waste lands, to grant those Gipsies who are without vans, and living in tents only, prior to the act coming into force, a long lease at a nominal rent of, say, half an acre or an acre of land, for ninety-nine years, on purpose to encourage them to settle down to the cultivation of it, and to take to honest industry--as many of them are prepared to do. By this means a number of the Gipsies would collect together on the marshes and commons, and no doubt other useful and profitable occupation would be the outcome of the Gipsies being thus localised, and in which their children could and would take an important part; and in addition to these things the social and educational advantages to be reaped by following such a course would be many.

I have not the least doubt in my mind but that if a law be passed embodying these brief, but rough, suggestions, on the one hand, and steps are taken to encourage them to settle down, in accordance with the idea thrown out in clause nine, on the other, we shall not have in fifty years hence an uneducated Gipsy in our midst. Many of the Gipsies are anxious, I know, for some steps to be taken for the children to be brought up to work. The operation of the present Hawkers' and Pedlars' Act is acting very detrimental to the interests of the Gipsy children, as none are allowed to carry a licence under the age of sixteen, consequently all Gipsy children, except a few who assist in making pegs and skewers, are neither going to school nor yet are they learning a trade or in fact work of any kind; they are simply living in idleness, and under the influence of evil training that carries mischief underneath the surface.

It is truly appalling to think that over seven hundred thousand sharp, clever, well-formed human beings, and with plenty of muscular power, have, as I have said before, been roaming about Europe for many centuries with no object before them, and accomplishing nothing. Something like ten millions of Gipsies have been born, lived, died, and gone into the other world since they set foot upon European soil, and what have they done? what work have they accomplished? Alas! alas! worse than a cipher might be written against them. They have lived in the midst of beauty, songsters, romance, and fiction, and they have been surrounded by everything that would help to call forth natural energy, mechanical skill, and ability, but they have been in some senses like children playing in the street gutters. They have the elements of success within them, but no one has taken them by the hand to put them upon the first step, at any rate, so far as England is concerned. It is grievous to think that not one of these ten millions of Gipsies who have gone the way of all flesh has written a book, painted a painting, composed any poetry, worth calling poetry, produced a minister worthy of much note--at least, I can only hear of one or two. They have fine voices as a rule, and except some half-dozen Gipsies no first-rate musicians have sprung from their midst. No engineer, no mechanic--in fact, no nothing. The highest state of their manufacturing skill has been to make a few slippers for the feet, as some of them are doing at Lynn; skewers to stick into meat, for which they have done nothing towards feeding; pegs to hang out other people's linen, some tinkering, chair-bottoming, knife-grinding, and a little light smith work, and a few have made a little money by horse-dealing. There are others clever at "making shifts" and roadside tents, and will put up with almost anything rather than put forth much energy. Since the Gipsies landed in this country more than one hundred and fifty thousand have been born, principally, as they say, "under the hedge bottom," lived, and died. They are gone "and their works do follow them." Their present degraded condition in this country may be laid upon our backs.

This book, with its many faults and few virtues, is my own as in the case of my others, and all may be laid upon my back; and my object in saying hard and unpalatable things about the poor, ignorant Gipsy wanderers in our midst is not to expose them to ridicule, or to cause the finger of scorn to be pointed at them or to any one connected with them, but to try to influence the hearts of my countrymen to extend the hand of practical sympathy, and help to rescue the poor Gipsy children from dropping into the vortex of ruin, as so many thousands have done before. It is not unlikely but that I shall, in saying plain things about the Gipsies, expose myself to some inconvenience, misrepresentation, malice, and spite from those who would keep the Gipsies in ignorance, and also from shadow philanthropists, who are always on the look out for other people's brains; but these things, so long as God gives me strength, will not deter me from doing what I consider to be right in the interest of the children, so long as I can see the finger of Providence pointing the way, and it is to Him I must look for the reward, "Well done," which will more than repay me for all the inconvenience I have undergone, or may have still to undergo, in the cause of the "little ones." That man is no real friend to the Gipsies who seeks to improve them by flattery and deception. A Gipsy, with all his faults, likes to be dealt fairly and openly with--a little praise but no flattery suits him. They can practise cunning, but they do not care to have any one practising it upon them.

I dare not be sanguine enough to hope that I shall be successful, but I have tried thus far to show, first, the past and present condition of the Gipsies; second, the little we, as a nation, have done to reclaim them; and, third, what we ought to do to improve them in the future, so as to remove the stigma from our shoulders of having 20,000 to 30,000 Gipsies, show people, and others living in vans, &c., in our midst, fast drifting into heathenism and barbarism, not five per cent. of whom can read and write, at least, so far as the Gipsies are concerned; and those children travelling with "gingerbread" stalls, rifle galleries, and auctioneers are but little better, for all the parents tell me their children lose in the summer what little they learn at school in the winter, for the want of means being adopted whereby their children could go to school during the daytime as they are travelling through the country with their wares, _i.e._, at their halting-places.

In bringing this book to a close, I would say, in the name of all that is just, fair, honourable, and reasonable, in the name of science, religion, philosophy, and humanity, and in the name of all that is Christ-like, God-like, and heavenly, I ask, nay I claim, the attention of our noble Queen--whose deep interest in the children of the labouring population is unbounded--statesmen, Christians, and my countrymen to the condition of the Gipsies and their children, whose condition is herein feebly described, and whose cause I have ventured to take in hand, praying them to adopt measures and to pass such laws that will wipe out the disgrace of having so many thousands of poor, ignorant, uneducated, wretched, and lost Gipsy children in our midst, who cannot read and write, on the following grounds--

First. Their Indian origin, which I venture to think has been satisfactorily proved, and over which country our Queen is the Empress; consequently, our Gipsies ought and have as much need to be taken in hand and their condition improved by the State as the Thugs in India have been, with such beneficial results, a class similar in many respects to our Gipsies.

Second. As the Government in 1877 passed an act, called "The Canal Boats Act," dealing pretty much with the same class of people as the Gipsies and other travelling children, they ought, in all fairness, to extend the principle to those living in tents and vans.

Third. As small-pox, fevers, and other infectious diseases are at times very prevalent among them--a medical officer being called in only under the rarest occasion--and as the tents and vans are not under any sanitary arrangements, there is, therefore, urgent need for some sort of sanitary supervision and control to be exercised over their wretched habitations to prevent the spread of disease in such a stealthy manner.

Fourth. As the Government took steps some three centuries ago to class the Gipsies as rogues and vagabonds, but took no steps at the same time to improve their condition or even to encourage them to get upon the right paths for leading an honourable and industrious life, the time has now come, I think, both in justice and equity, for the Government to adopt some means to catch the young hedge-bottom "Bob Rats," and to deal out to them measures that will Christianise and civilise them to such an extent that the Gipsies will not in the future be deserving of the epithets passed upon them by the Government for their sins of omission and commission.

Fifth. By passing an Act of Parliament, as I suggest, or amending the Canal Boats Act, in accordance with the plan I have laid down, and embodying the suggestions herein contained, the Government will complete the educational system and bring under the educational and sanitary laws the lowest dregs of society, which have hitherto been left out in the cold, to grope about in the dark as their inclinations might lead them.

Sixth. The families who are seeking a living as hawkers, show people, &c., apart from the Gipsies, are on the increase. By travelling up and down the country in this way they not only escape rates and taxes, but their children are going without education, as no provision is made in the education acts to meet cases of this kind. By bringing the Gipsy children under the influence of the schoolmaster our law-makers will be adding the last stroke to the system of compulsory education introduced and carried into law through its first difficult and intricate phases by the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, M.P., when he was at the head of the Education Department under the Liberal Government, and through its second stages by the Right Hon. Lord Sandon, M.P., when he was at the head of the Education Department under the Conservative Government.

Seventh. There is an universal desire among people of the classes I have before referred to for the education of their children, in fact, I have not met with one exception during my inquiries, and the Gipsies will be glad to make some sacrifices to carry it out if the Government will do their part in the matter.

Eighth. The Gipsies and other travellers of the same kind use our roads, locate on our commons, live in our lanes, and send their poor, halt, maimed, and blind to our workhouses, infirmaries, and asylums, towards the support of which they do not contribute one farthing.

Ninth. As a Christian nation professing to send the Gospel all over the world, to preach glad tidings, peace upon earth and good-will towards men everywhere, to take steps for the conversion of the Gipsies in India, the African, the Chinese, the South Sea Islander, the Turk, the black, the white, the bond, the free, in fact everywhere where an Englishman goes the Gospel is supposed to go too, and yet--and it is with sadness, sorrow, and shame I relate it--we have had on an average during the last three hundred and sixty-five years not less than 15,000 Gipsies moving among us, and not less than 150,000 have died and been buried, either under water, in the ditches, or on the roadside, on the commons, or in the cemeteries or churchyards, and we, as Christians of Christian England, have not spent 150,000 pence to reclaim the adult Gipsies, or to educate their children.

Tenth. As a civilised country we are supposed to lead the van in civilising the world by passing the most humane, righteous, just, and liberal laws, carrying them out on the plan of tempering justice with mercy; but in matters concerning the interests and welfare of the Gipsies we are, as I have shown previously, a long way in the rear. We have passed laws to improve the condition of the agricultural labourer's child, children working in mines, children working in factories, performing boys, climbing boys, children working in brick-yards, children working and living on canal-boats, and a thousand others; but we have done nothing for the poor Gipsy child or its home. In things pertaining to their present and eternal welfare they have asked for bread and we have given them a stone; and they have asked for fish and we have given them a serpent. We have allowed them to wander and lose themselves in the dark wilds of sin and iniquity without shedding upon their path the light of Gospel truths or the blessings of education; and to-day the Gipsy children are dying, where thousands have died before, among the brambles and in the thicket of bad example, ignorance, and evil training, into which we have allowed them to stray blinded by the evil associations of Gipsy life.

"An aged woman walks along,
Her piercing scream is on the air,
Her head and streaming locks are bare,
She sadly sobs 'My child, my child!'"

A faint voice is heard in the distance calling out--

"My dying daughter, where art thou?
Call on our gods and they shall come."

"So mote it be."

* * * * *

* * * * *

London: Printed by HAUGHTON & CO., 10, Paternoster Row, E.C.

WORKS PUBLISHED BY HAUGHTON & CO., 10, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON.

* * * * *

_Just Published_, _price_ 1_s._ 6_d._, _cloth boards_.

THE LIFE OF GEORGE SMITH, OF COALVILLE.

"The name of George Smith, of Coalville, is familiar as household words, and the unpretending memoir just published by Messrs. Haughton & Co. of him, to whose deep sympathy and ceaseless effort the populations of our brick-yards and canals owe so much, will be read with interest by all."--_The Graphic_.

"Readers of Mr. Smith's letters in numerous papers, and of his descriptive articles in the _Illustrated London News_, _Graphic_, and other journals and magazines, will be glad to possess this little work, which tells the story of his career in a brief but interesting manner. The book is elegantly printed on good paper, and is embellished with an excellent portrait and with an engraving of Mr. Smith among the Gipsy children."--_Capital and Labour_.

"This is 'a chapter' in philanthropy, yet it contains three times as much in the way of practical philanthropy as would suffice to make any man a benefactor to his generation. His devoted, self-denying, persistent, and successful endeavours on behalf of the brick-yard children, the canal population, and more recently the Gipsy 'arabs,' of our country and time, are concisely and vividly set forth in this neat volume."--_The Christian_.

"The name of George Smith, and his noble work amongst the canal-boat folk and the Gipsies, have become familiar and welcome to multitudes in Great Britain. This volume is an excellent sketch of Mr. Smith; it contains a capital likeness, and should be read by all who desire to possess increasing zeal in rescuing the perishing."--_Christian Age_.

"A smartly written biography of a man who may be justly termed the Children's Friend. It is well got up, and contains an excellent portrait of the great social reformer. It is well that this fascinating sketch should be given to the world."--_Literary World_.

"In this book we are presented with a sketch of the life and labours--labours which have been attended with a large measure of success--of one of the most devoted of living philanthropists."--_Scotsman_.

"A fine biography, which every one should read in order to understand the noble character of a man who must be pronounced a great benefactor."--_Free Press_.

* * * * *

_Price_ 3_s._ 6_d._, _cloth boards_, _with Illustrations_.

OUR CANAL POPULATION: A CRY FROM THE BOAT CABINS, WITH REMEDY.

New Edition, with Supplement.
By GEORGE SMITH, F.S.A., Coalville, Leicester.

"A little book called 'Our Canal Population,' lately published and written by Mr. George Smith, of Coalville, furnishes the most incredible details of what is going on on our silent highways."--_Morning Advertiser_.

"The notorious state of 'Our Canal Population,' the women and children who live on barges, and in whose condition Mr. George Smith, of Coalville, has awakened public interest, is described as 'revolting and intolerable.' If only a part of the statements made were true it would be enough to make the ears of them that hear it tingle for pity and shame."--_Daily News_.

"Although the statements made by Mr. George Smith, of Coalville, in 'Our Canal Population,' were doubtless, in some instances, open to the charge of exaggeration, in the main they were largely correct. Mr. Smith has earned the thanks of the community in this philanthropic object, as he previously earned our thanks for his efforts to ameliorate the condition of children in the brick-yards."--_Standard_.

"Canal Boats.--On the 1st inst. came into operation an Act (the 40 and 41 Vic., c. 60) which is calculated to do much good. Hitherto 'Our Canal Population' were left pretty much to themselves. They were considered outside the pale of local and educational authorities. They were permitted to live in their boats as they pleased, and to bring up their children without any interference from school authorities. Mr. George Smith, of Coalville, whose efforts on behalf of the children employed in brick-fields were attended with such beneficial results, turned his attention to 'Our Canal Population,' and the credit likely to be won by the passing of the Act of last Session will be mainly his."--_The Times_.

"Mr. George Smith, of Coalville, who has done so much for the well-being of 'Our Canal Population,' is now busied in attempts to ameliorate the condition of juvenile Gipsies."--_Daily Telegraph_.

"This gentleman represents by name, at least, a very large family, but he has won for himself considerable distinction among the 'Smiths' for his unparalleled efforts to ameliorate the wretched condition of 'Our Canal Population' on the English canals, the women and children working in the brick-yards, and the Gipsy children."--_Christian Herald_.

* * * * *

_Price_ 3_s._ 6_d._, _cloth boards_, _with Portrait of Author and other
Illustrations_.

THE CRY OF THE CHILDREN FROM THE BRICK-YARDS OF ENGLAND, AND HOW THE CRY HAS BEEN HEARD,

With Observations on the Carrying-out of the Act.

By GEORGE SMITH, of Coalville, Leicester.
SIXTH EDITION.

"We heartily commend to our readers' notice a new edition of a work which is full of thrilling interest to those who sympathise with childhood, whose hearts bleed at the story of its wrongs and leap for joy at any humane or beneficial measures on its behalf."--_Sunday School Chronicle_.

"This book, now in its sixth edition, has many capital illustrations, and is a monument to the patient self-denial and unwearying zeal brought to bear in favour of the poor children by the author."--_Weekly Times_.

"His cry for the protection for the helpless little ones is one that must assuredly command attention."--_Daily Chronicle_.

"This book is the record of a splendid service nobly done. The author is likewise the hero of it. The value of the book is enhanced by the careful and tasteful manner in which Messrs. Haughton have fulfilled their share of the undertaking."--_Derby Reporter_.

"This is a title of an interesting work. The whole forms a most interesting record of a noble-hearted work. We hope the book will meet, as it deserves, with an increasingly large circulation."--_Derbyshire Advertiser_.

"'The Cry of the Children' and 'Our Canal Population' are unique in many ways. They have brought prominently before public attention two unsuspected blots upon our civilisation. We wish any word of our's could give still wider publicity to his self-denying labours."--_Live Stock Journal_.

"Mr. Smith writes with vehement energy, which he puts into everything he does. Some will perhaps think that his language is occasionally too little measured, but then it is probable that a man of more delicacy of feeling and expression would have never undertaken, and we think it is certain that he would never have carried through, the work which Mr. George Smith has accomplished. That work is of no small value."--_Staffordshire Sentinel_.

"A good deal of new matter is inserted in this edition, including an interesting account of the history and progress of the movement. . . . The volume is certainly worthy of a careful perusal."--_Birmingham Gazette_.

"In it is written the author's account of his single-handed struggle for the emancipation of the poor children of the brick-yards--a struggle long and patiently sustained, and which at last, in 1872, met with its past merited reward in freeing 10,000 of these little ones from their dark slavery."--_The Graphic_.

"This is a deeply interesting book, both from the facts which it sets forth and the cause it advocates."--_Christian Age_.

"Every true philanthropist will read with deep interest Mr. Smith's account of the history and the passing of the Act, which marks one of the brightest victories yet won over prejudice and self-interest in the United Kingdom."--_Derby Mercury_.

"This excellently got-up work will strike a cord of sympathy in the bosoms of all who are interested in the works of Christianity and philanthropy. . . . Should find a place upon every book-shelf because its contents are of thrilling interest. . . . The book is essentially a statement of facts, and no one can peruse its pages without feeling the impulse of the living spirit which breathes in this 'Cry of the Children.'"--_Potteries Examiner_.

"Mr. George Smith has, in his 'Cry of the Children from the Brick-yards of England,' raised issues too serious, and advanced pleas too passionate, to be treated with indifference."--_Daily Telegraph_.

"In the present volume, which contains a number of excellent woodcuts, we have gathered up the full story of the evils which used to prevail, which in the hands of a person of less moral courage and perseverance than Mr. Smith would have failed."--_Leicester Daily Post_.

* * * * *

_Crown_ 8_vo_, 216 _pages_. _Price_, _paper covers_, 1_s._; _post free_,
1_s._ 2_d._ _Cloth binding_, _with Portrait_, 2_s._, _post free_.

Life of the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P.

"A carefully prepared story of the public life of Mr. Gladstone in the several spheres of politics and literature. It would be well if similar books to this were as sensibly compiled. It is a handy and useful little book, honestly worth its price."--_Christian World_.

"Written with great fairness and impartiality, as well as with considerable literary ability. It furnishes the reader with a key to the study of that which is undoubtedly one of the greatest characters of modern times. We can hardly conceive of a more useful political publication at the present moment. It is clear, pains-taking, and dispassionate. We commend it to the favourable attention of all."--_Leads Mercury_.

"Those who desire to know what Mr. Gladstone's life has been, and what are the objects to which he has devoted himself, what have been the growth of his political mind and the tendency of his political conduct, will do well to get this book. It is neatly and simply written, and contains a great many facts which have a bearing even beyond the life of its subject."--_Scotsman_.

"No one can read this book without advantage. The author has presented Mr. Gladstone in a manner easily recognisable by friends and foes alike. The volume forms an important chapter in Parliamentary history, extending over half a century."--_Literary World_.

* * * * *

_Bound in cloth_, _with four Illustrations_, _price_ 1_s._ 6_d._

The Life of the Great African Traveller, Dr. LIVINGSTONE. By J. M. MCGILCHRIST.

"The appearance of this little work is very seasonable, and to young readers especially it will be very acceptable."--_North British Daily Mail_.

* * * * *

_Cloth binding_, _post free_, 2_s._ 6_d._

Methodism in 1879: Impressions of the Wesleyan CHURCH AND ITS MINISTERS.

"A new contribution to an important chapter of church history, and promises to be of much interest."--_Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone_.

"The remarks in this work on the general relations of the Methodists to the tendencies of the age are full of instruction."--_Dean Stanley_.

"We have read this book with considerable interest and pleasure, feelings which any reader who approaches it from the Church of England point of view can scarcely fail to share."--_Spectator_.

"Bearing, as it does throughout, the impress of thought and calm judgment, as well as of an intimate knowledge of the varied aspects of the subject dealt with, it should be of universal interest."--_Morning Post_.

"The author has rendered a splendid service to Methodism. Much that the writer tells us with respect to the various agencies of Methodism is extremely interesting."--_Edinburgh Daily Review_.

* * * * *

HAUGHTON'S POPULAR ILLUSTRATED BIOGRAPHIES.

PRICE ONE PENNY EACH.

* * * * *

Life of Her Majesty the Queen.

"Written with great ability, and is full of interest. It contains a complete review of the principal events of Her Majesty's reign. This biography should be circulated by thousands among the masses of the people."--_Review_.

Life of H.R.H. the Prince Consort.

"A grand biography of a grand man, and replete with sterling interest. It is as fascinating as a work of fiction."--_Review_.

Life of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.

"Very full, just, and interesting, and very brilliant is this account of the Prince of Wales. His visits to the United States and to India are well and fully described."--_Review_.

Life of the Right, Hon. W. E. Gladstone.

"The penny 'Gladstone' has a mass of facts in small bulk."--_Liverpool Courier_.

"Contains the leading events of Mr. Gladstone's life in a small compass."--_Echo_.

"We can hardly conceive of a more useful political publication at the present moment. It is clear, pains-taking, and dispassionate. We commend it to the favourable attention of all."--_Leeds Mercury_.

"An admirably drawn sketch."--_Edinburgh Daily Review_.

Life of the Earl of Beaconsfield, K.G.

"These penny biographies have a laudable spirit in common. They are free from party bias."--_Liverpool Courier_.

Life of the Right Hon. John Bright, M.P.

"Sets forth the principal events in the career of this remarkable man."--_Review_.

* * * * *

_Recently Published_, _beautifully bound in cloth_, _bevelled boards_,
_price_ 5_s._

From the Curate to the Convent.

"This comely volume is intended to open the eyes of Englishmen to the Romanising influence of the High Church, and to the wiles of the Jesuits, who are using the Establishment to their own ends."--_Rev. C. H. Spurgeon in_ "_Sword and Trowel_."

"In this work the natural, logical, and most mischievous results of the confessional in our Church, are portrayed with fidelity and power."--_The Standard_.

"The book is the product of a master-mind, and ought to be in every Protestant family as well as in the school or parochial library of every parish. We cannot speak of the work in too high terms." _The Gospel Magazine_.

* * * * *

_Now Ready_, _post free_, 3_s._ 6_d._, _handsomely bound_, _new edition_,
_with Frontispiece_.

Vestina's Martyrdom: A Story of the Catacombs. By MRS. EMMA RAYMOND PITMAN.

"This Story of the Catacombs is readable and well-written. The historical portion does not occupy any undue position, and the moral is good and sound. The book is very suitable for Sunday-school libraries."--_Christian World_.

"One of the best stories of the kind we ever read--the very best, we think, of this particular era. The volume abounds in deeply interesting matter, while the religious teaching is of the very simplest and purest."--_Literary World_.

"The description of Vestina's martyrdom, or rather of her timely release from martyrdom, is simple and touching. The present story will revive many interesting associations."--_Athenaeum_.

"It is told in language of beauty and power."--_Rock_.

"Many of the descriptions are far beyond the common range of tale-writing. The book is remarkably well-written."--_Watchman_.

* * * * *

_Now ready_, _handsomely bound in gilt cloth_, _crown_ 8_vo_, _with
full-page Illustrations and Medallion on cover_, 4_s._; _or_, _with gilt
edges_, _extra gilt cloth_, _for presentation_, 5_s._

Profit and Loss: A Tale of Modern Life, for YOUNG PEOPLE. By Mrs. EMMA RAYMOND PITMAN, Authoress of "Vestina's Martyrdom," "Margaret Mervyn's Cross," "Olive Chauncey's Trust," &c., &c.

"This is evidently a tale in favour of Sunday-schools, but written with a freshness, a vivacity, and truthfulness, which must render it eminently calculated for usefulness, and must touch every heart."--_Literary World_.

"The story is interesting and well told."--_Evangelical Magazine_.

"The incidents are by no means of a commonplace character, and the heroine will certainly win the reader's admiration, so that the book is likely to prove attractive and useful."--_The Rock_.

"The book is sure to have many readers."--_Methodist Recorder_.

* * * * *

_Beautifully bound_, _price_ 2_s._, _post free_.

Sheen from my Thought-Waves. By Rev. W. OSBORNE LILLEY.

"The author walks on solid ground, and looks at men and things with the eye of a close observer and a thoughtful man."--_U. M. F. Church Magazine_.

"We think the author has done well to collect and re-issue these papers."--_Christian Age_.

"Nearly three hundred paragraphs, varying in length from a couple of lines to two or three pages, afford as many striking thoughts. The points are pithy and taking. Our advice is, 'Buy the book and make free use of it.'"--_The Lay Preacher_.

* * * * *

_Just Published_. _Price_ 1_s._ 6_d._, _in cloth_, _bevelled boards_.

Comforting Words for the Weary, and Words OF COUNSEL AND WARNING, with Original Hymns. By F. M. M. With an Introduction, by the Rev. HUGH MACMILLAN, D.D.

* * * * *

_Price_, _cloth boards_, 2_s._ 6_d._; _handsome binding_, 3_s._ 6_d._,
_post free_.

Leisure Hours with London Divines. Second Edition.

"The features of the London Divines in all denominations have been caught by an observant eye and reproduced by a faithful hand. We cordially commend the book to those who desire to learn what the intellectual ecclesiastical life of London really means."--_Standard_.

"Theological portraits of very considerable value."--_Leeds Mercury_.

"There is a brilliancy about this book which only a scholar could impart."--_Literary World_.

"Written from an elevated standpoint. In his eminently careful essays the author has furnished material for study such as might be vainly looked for in a more pretentious book."--_Morning Post_.

"Only a man naturally liberal-minded, and brought into frequent contact with intellects of the most diverse order, could have written such a work."--_Edinburgh Daily Review_.

"A series of studies of eminent preachers in which the author deals with the nature and causes of the influence they exercise, and the distinctive principles which they advocate. This work has been performed appreciatively and intelligently."--_Scotsman_.

* * * * *

Hanani: A MEMOIR OF WILLIAM SMITH, Father of GEORGE SMITH, of Coalville. A Local Preacher. By the Rev. Dr. GROSART, St. George's, Blackburn, Lancashire. Best Edition, Crown 8vo, toned paper, cloth, with Portrait, price 1s. 6d.; small Edition, cloth, with Portrait, price 1s.; cloth, flush, without Portrait, 8d.; paper cover, 6d.

* * * * *

_Elegantly bound and illustrated_, _gilt edges_, _price_ 3_s._ _6d._

From out the Deeps: A TALE OF CORNISH LIFE. By an Old Cornish Boy. With Introduction by Rev. S. W. CHRISTOPHERS.

"A vein of deep religious feeling runs throughout it, or, rather, religion pervades its every page. The volume is tastefully 'got up,' and its matter excellent."--_The Christian Miscellany_.

"This is an admirable story, which we heartily commend for presents, school prizes, &c."--_The Christian_.

"The lessons taught by Mr. Christophers are excellent; his spirit is always admirable. . . . Our readers had better get the book."--_Spurgeon_.

* * * * *

_Illustrated and beautifully bound_, _gilt edges_, _price_ 5_s._

The Poets of Methodism. By the Rev. S. W. CHRISTOPHERS.

"This is a charming book. Its exquisite getting-up is not inappropriate to its contents."--_City Road Magazine_.

"This is a thoroughly good book. It is filled with life-like sketches of the men who are amongst the most endeared to the Methodist people. It would be difficult to name any more acceptable gift-book than this work, for which we heartily thank Mr. Christophers."--_Rev. Mark Guy Pearse_.

* * * * *

_Bound in cloth_, _price_ 5_s._

The Voyage of Life: HOMEWARD BOUND. By a SEA CAPTAIN.

This is intended as a companion-book for the "Pilgrim's Progress," and therefore something new for the reading world. Its originality will make it interesting to all classes of readers.

* * * * *

_In very large type_, _price_ 3_s._ 6_d._

An Illustrated Edition of Precious Truths. By S. M. HAUGHTON.

"We wish that a copy of this 'PRECIOUS' book could be placed in the hands of every one who is able to read, as it contains the very marrow of the 'GLORIOUS GOSPEL.'"

* * * * *

_Cloth_, _boards_, _illustrated_, _price_ 1_s._ 6_d._

Annals of the Poor. By LEGH RICHMOND.

These short and simple annals have been translated into more than 50 languages and blessed to hundreds of souls.

* * * * *

_Cloth_, _bevelled boards_, _price_ 2_s._

Remarkable Conversions. By the Rev. JAMES FLEMING.

"In each of these chapters a number of remarkable cases of conversion is given. Some of them do indeed afford extraordinary proof of the long-suffering and infinite mercy of our God. We are here shown a number of examples which should stimulate our hope and zeal to the utmost. Well may the author call his book 'Remarkable Conversions,' and well may every reader have greater faith than ever in the Divine Word, 'He is able to save to the uttermost.'"--_Living Waters_.

* * * * *

_Elegantly bound_, _cloth_, _boards_, _with Portrait_, _price_ 2_s._;
_limp cloth_, 1_s._

The Autobiography of Foolish Dick (RICHARD HAMPTON) THE CORNISH PILGRIM PREACHER; with Introduction and Notes by Rev. S. W. CHRISTOPHERS.

"We hope this deeply interesting book will obtain a wide circulation."--_Christian Age_.

"This singular book is quite a little curiosity in its way. The whole of the little volume combines instruction with interest in a very high degree, so that we can heartily commend it."--_Spurgeon_.

"A man of one talent, he put it out to usury, and it multiplied under the mighty hand of God, so that during his long itinerant ministry, multitudes were led to the Saviour. . . . Those who would be fishers of men will find their souls kindled by the weird narrative of this strange, yet saintly man."--_The Christian_.

* * * * *

_Cloth_, _boards_, _price_ 1_s._ 6_d._

God's way of Electing Souls; or, GLAD TIDINGS FOR EVERY ONE.

* * * * *

_Cloth_, _bevelled boards_, _with four full-page Illustrations_, _price_
2_s._

The Glory-Land. By J. P. HUTCHINSON, Author of "Footmarks of Jesus," "The Singer in the Skies," &c.

"This is in every sense a beautiful volume. To the spiritually-minded and the careworn, and, indeed, to the earnest inquirer, we commend it as a precious help."--_Watchman_.

"It will cheer many a mourner, and stimulate their aspirations after things unseen and eternal."--_The Christian_.

* * * * *

_Cloth_, _boards_, _price_ 1_s._ 6_d._

Seeking after Peace. A book for Inquirers after True Religion. By M. M.

* * * * *

_Cloth_, _boards_, _price_ 1_s._ 6_d._

Pioneer Experiences in the Holy Life. With Expository Chapters. Edited by T. BOWMAN STEPHENSON, B.A., Hon. Director of the Children's Home.

"'Pioneer Experiences' consist of personal testimonies by eminent Christians of Europe and America, respecting the attainment of 'The Higher Christian Life.'"

* * * * *

_Handsomely bound_, _with Illustrations_, _price_ 2_s._

Brave Seth. By SARAH DOUDNEY.

"We know of no better book than this to place in the hands of our young people to inculcate the importance of truthfulness, courage, and reliance upon God. The incidents are thrilling, the lessons are unexceptionable, and the language and style are beautiful. It reminds us, in its pathos and deeply interesting character, of 'Jessica's First Prayer.'"--_Living Waters_.

* * * * *

_Cloth_, _bevelled boards_, _price_ 2_s._

Misunderstood Texts. BY DR. MAHAN.

"All who wish to have clear views of the doctrine taught by those who believe in _entire consecration_ should peruse this able, decided, and unanswerable volume."--_Living Waters_.

"This is an able book, and the teaching it embodies is that of the Wesleys, Fletcher, Clarke, Benson, Watson, and many others. . . . We recommend young ministers to read the book."--_The Watchman_.

* * * * *

_Handsomely bound_, _gilt edges_, _price_ 1_s._ 6_d._

The Children's Treasury Text Book, interleaved with Writing-paper for Collecting the Autographs of Friends and Acquaintances. It contains a Text of Scripture for Every Day in the Year, with an appropriate Verse of Poetry.

The Rev. C. DUKES says of the "CHILDREN'S TREASURY TEXT BOOK:"--"I admire it very much, and were it left to my option, every young person in my circle and beyond it should have a copy."

A. L. O. E. writes:--"Accept my thanks for your truly beautiful and valuable book. It appears to be a 'Treasury' indeed."

* * * * *

_Cloth_, _elegant binding_, _Illustrated_, _price_ 1_s._ 6_d._

By the Still Waters. Meditations and Hymns on the 23rd Psalm. By the Rev. S. W. CHRISTOPHERS and B. GOUGH.

"The prose meditations of this excellent volume have all the sweetness and grace of poetry; and the poems contain the true spirit of devotional piety, with great power of poetic expression. Every reader of this precious book must be greatly refreshed and blessed."

* * * * *

Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, 2_s._ 6_d._ Printed on toned paper, illustrated, beautifully bound, red edges, 400 pages.

"This is undoubtedly the cheapest edition of this marvellous book ever published."

* * * * *

_Uniform with the above_, _price_ 2_s._ 6_d._

Bunyan's Holy War. 348 pages, with frontispiece, printed on toned paper, red edges.

"Every one should read this most instructive volume."

"If the 'Pilgrim's Progress' did not exist, the 'Holy War' would be the best allegory that ever was written."--LORD MACAULAY.

* * * * *

_Uniform with the above_, _price_, 2_s._ 6_d._

Foxe's Book of Martyrs. 352 pages, well illustrated, printed on toned paper, red edges.

"The arguments in this book are such as the plainest man can understand, and the facts should be constantly kept in remembrance by every Protestant."

* * * * *

_Cloth_, _elegantly bound_, _with_ 150 _striking Illustrations_, _price_
2_s._

Calisthenics, Drilling, and Deportment Simplified. By DUNCAN CUNNINGHAM.

This book is highly recommended by eminent medical gentlemen. It is intended more especially for female teachers and parents, who are desirous that children under their care should possess a strong mind in a healthy body.

The engravings are beautifully executed, the explanations extremely simple, and the words and music specially adapted to instruct and attract the young.

* * * * *

_Crown_ 8_vo_, _cloth_, _gilt edges_, 3_s._

From Egypt to Canaan; OR, FROM BONDAGE TO REST. BY T. J. HUGHES.

"This delightful book really drops pearls of thought from almost every page."--_The Christian's Pathway of Power_.

"There are some books on which a special blessing rests, even beyond their apparent excellence, because they have been steeped in prayer, and we think that this is one of them. We heartily commend it to the numerous young converts who are now being gathered into the Church of Christ."--_The Christian_.

* * * * *

HAUGHTON & CO., 10, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON.

Footnotes: