Note 181 — CHAP. XIX.
Reading edition
London Workhouse is a large building, which might, with great advantage, be turned into a house of industry, or Penitentiary House for Petty offenders, for which purpose it was used in ancient times. Although it is said to be sufficient to lodge about 500 people, it is now used only as an asylum for a few old persons; and is a sinecure for the Keepers and Officers, who live comfortably as the servants of the Community without doing any good. This house is amply endowed by a power of levying contributions on all the parishes for its support.