“WU
THE LIBRARY
OF THE
NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL
OF
INDUSTRIAL AND LABOR
RELATIONS
AT
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
THE EQUIPMENT
OF THE WORKERS
THE EQUIPMENT
OF THE WORKERS
AN ENQUIRY
BY THE
sT, PHILIP’S SETTLEMENT EDUCATION AND
. ECONOMICS RESEARCH SOCIETY,
INTO
THE ADEQUACY OF THE ADULT MANUAL
WORKERS FOR THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR
‘ RESPONSIBILITIES AS HEADS OF
HOUSEHOLDS, PRODUCERS
AND CITIZENS
SUNWISH TURN, Ive,’
LONDON: GEORGE ALLEN & UNWIN LTD.
RUSKIN HOUSE, 40 MUSEUM STREET, W.C.1
wilt
First published in 1919
(All rights reserved)
TO
OUR COMRADE
W. C. ANDERSON
WHO LIVES YET
AND WILL LIVE ALWAYS
IN THE HEARTS OF
THE WORKERS OF SHEFFIELD
NOTE
In publishers’ lists and elsewhere ‘The Equipment of the
Workers’ has been advertised as containing a preface by the
President of the Board of Education. Such a preface was
promised by Mr. Fisher, but he writes on April 1st, 1919 :—
“IT am afraid that as things are, it is impossible for me to tackle
it. I should not like to commit myself to print on important
questions of present and future policy without careful thought
and preparation and detailed study of your book and other
recent publications. While I am very loth to disappoint the
St. Philip’s Settlement Research Society, I feel sure you will
believe me when I say that my multifarious duties here leave
me no leisure either for study or composition.”
The Society has decided that a pilot inferior in standing to the
President of the Board of Education is not worth having! This
volume, therefore, is left to make its own way out to sea.
COMPILERS’ PREFACE
THE enquiry which has produced this volume was commenced
in the autumn of 1916 by five of us who, desirous of a revolu-
tionary reconstruction of society, believed that this could be
effected only through such a “‘ Great Education” as that out-
lined in our Introduction. As the work went on, we secured
the co-operation of many other men and women who shared
this view. In the autumn of I917, a meeting was called of
all those who were accumulating material, and it was then without
a dissentient decided that the five of us who had pioneered the
investigation should continue to organize it and latey on edit
the results. It was unfortunately not practicable to circulate
the voluminous MS., TS. or proofs among a large number of
collaborators so as to get their criticisms and embody them in
the published volume. A final general meeting was, however,
held early in Ig19, and .those present then decided to
accept what might be called an indirect responsibility for the
volume as a whole, but obviously without becoming, either
generally or individually, accountable for any particular point
of view or statement. The few of us who have organized the
enquiry and drafted the manuscript have a more direct respon-
sibility. It is not our desire to repudiate it. We refrain from
underlining our five names only because to do so would be to
give ourselves an illegitimate importance. This volume has
arisen out of the collaboration of a number of people, some of
whom, according to commercial standards, have contributed
much; some, little. But the story of the widow’s mite is a
reminder that there are methods of measurement subtler than
those employed in business offices. And we have accordingly
reached the conclusion that the only decent democratic thing
to do is to give a mere list of all those who have assisted in the
collection of the data and the writing up of the results t:—
1 We are a little conscience-stricken at not including in the list of
“helpers” all those University Tutorial Class and W.E.A. students and-
others who copied out questionnaire forms, wrote and typed and duplicated
communications, etc.
x
xii
FLORENCE ALLSHORN,
Worker.
E. Dorotuy ARNOLD, Church
Worker.
Epitu A, Bacon, School-teacher.
ALBERT BALLARD, Engine-tenter.
J. H. Bincuam, Accountant.
GwEN Brown, Housewife.
Henry Ceci, Vicar.
A. J. CHAPPELL, Assistant Steel-
works Engineer.
N. H. Crarxe, Curate.
Apa Davison, Shop-assistant.
EtizaBETH Davison, Shop-assist-
ant. :
Frep E. Dopson, Cashier.
FLoRENCE Dopson, Housewife.
ARNOLD FREEMAN, Warden of a
Settlement (ex-University Tu-
torial Class Lecturer).: ,
Laura E. GrppENs, School-
teacher.
MarGareEt GILL, Housewife (ex-
School-teacher).?
Church
THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Epwin GREEN, Clerk.
OutvE HarcGREAVEs, Unoccupied.
Etten Harrison, Sanitary In-
spector.
Jessie Hirst, School-teacher.
G. Mary HortpswortH, House-
wife.
MartuHa JouNson, School-teacher.
Sam. Kaye, Collier.
ARTHUR Lockwoop, Inspector ot
Colliery Requisites.?
Joun Prant, Railwayman.
GRacE SKELTON, School-teacher.
Frances M. Swmity, School-
teacher. ‘
MaBEL Smi1TH, M.I.R.C.
Nrva G. R. Taytor, School-
teacher
turer).
Mary E. Tuomas, School-teacher,
GEORGE W. WHITE, School-teacher.
ALBERT Woop, Fitter.
Mary J. WricLey, Warden of a
Settlement. :
(ex-University Lec-
The following men and women, without directly participating
in the enquiry, have helped us in various ways and in various
degrees.
in the book.)
Professor BowLry.
CyrRiIL Burt.
Rt. Hon. H. A. L. FisHEr.
Mrs. ARNOLD FREEMAN.
Professor J. A. GREEN.
Dr. F. H. Haywarp.
The late J. St. Gzorce HEatH.
(They are in no way responsible for what appears
ALBERT MANSBRIDGE.
Mrs. MANSBRIDGE.
T. W. QUINE.
R. H. Tawney.
GraHAM WALLAS.
A. E, ZIMMERN.
At the meeting held early in 1gr9, those present decided
to form themselves into a permanent organization for localized
research,
By the invitation of those entrusted with the
running of the Y.M.C.A. Settlement in St. Philip’s, Sheffield,
1 Since the enquiry was undertaken some of us have changed our
jobs, and Margaret Gill has got married and become Margaret Henley.
2 This is the technical description of Arthur Lockwood’s job; he asks
us to state the fact that he is a manual worker.
COMPILERS’ PREFACE xili
they further decided to make the Settlement their meeting-
place and centre 6f investigation. The St. Philip’s Settlement
Education and Economics Research Society thus came into
being. Although the Society was only in an ante-natal
condition when the present volume was being compiled, it
was agreed to put it on the market as a first publication.
During the next few years two volumes, supplementary to
this, will be issued by the Society.
One of these, ‘‘ The Education of the Workers ’’—to be called
Volume I because it is logically the first of the trilogy—will be
a historical study of the factors which have produced the existing
educational equipment of the adult workers.as portrayed in
this volume. It will attempt to show why the workers are
what they are by revealing the schooling which from 1850
onwards has been bestowed upon them in their childhood and
adolesceiice.
Volume III, ‘‘ The Environment of the Workers,” will con-
sider those agencies and influences, such as Work, Home, Church,
Evening School, Reading, Public-house, Picture Palace, Music
_,Hall, which are at the present time moulding the personalities
of the adult workers. In it will be tabulated much of the
information which in these pages is scattered throughout a
number of personal studies.
Our enquiry has been confined to one section of the com-
munity—the manual working class. We have put upon the
impregnable basis of statistical fact the existence among the
workers of much that is altogether fine in intellect and character,
We have equally demonstrated the existence of much that is
deplorable from the point of view of those who want to see the
workers in control of industry and politics. Some of our “ anti-
Labour” readers, eager to find support for their prejudices,
will hold that we have revealed the inferiority of the poor. Let
them wait. Perhaps when we have completed the present
enquiry we shall investigate the educational equipment of other
social strata consisting of people not so poor as the workers in
material things. Would an investigation prove them to be
richer in things of the spirit ?
It is certainly not an indication of their spiritual wealth
that in this enquiry—as in- almost all sociological research,
wherever undertaken—our difficulties were doubled and our
results impoverished because we were too miserably poor to
do things properly. But for the generosity of a few friends who
insist upon remaining unknown, we should be unable to con-
tinue at all effectively with Volumes I and III. If rich people
xiv THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
were really well-equipped educationally, it would be a hundred
times as easy as it is to get funds for research or any other
genuinely educational work.
By way of humanising the personal studies of which this
volume mainly consists, we have labelled them with names,
not with initials, but in ‘no instance does a name belong to
any individual of whom an account is given, nor are the
names used selected upon any principle which could lead to
identification. If we should happen to have used the name
of a living person, the statement attached to the name has no
reference to that person.
Y.M.C.A. SETTLEMENT,
OxFORD STREET,
St. Puvir’s,
SHEFFIELD,
Labour Day and St. Philip’s Day, 1919.
CONTENTS
PAGE
COMPILERS’ PREFACE : ; : ‘ ‘ . xi
CHAPTER
I, INTRODUCTION: THE GREAT EDUCATION : : oF
Il, THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION ‘ : . 32
Ill. CLASSIFICATION. . ‘ ‘ ; i (G2
IV. EXTENSIVE STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED . . 67
Vv. EXTENSIVE STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED. 83
VI. EXTENSIVE STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED. . 109
VII. THE INTENSIVE ENQUIRY. : j ‘i . 116
VIII. INTENSIVE STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED . . 125
IX. INTENSIVE STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED. 226
INTENSIVE STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED . « 299
xv
THE EQUIPMENT OF THE
WORKERS
CHAPTER I
THE GREAT EDUCATION
AN INTRODUCTION DEALING MAINLY WITH THE EFFECTS OF
THE WAR UPON THE WORKERS AND THE POSSIBILITIES OF
LARGE SCHEMES OF ADULT EDUCATION.
§ 1.
What Are the Workers Going to Do now the War is Over ?
It is a platitude that such preparations as are being made for
Reconstruction, not by the Government alone but by every
organized body in the community, will prove practicable only
in so far as they are based upon accurate anticipation of what
will happen in the immediate future. Not less incontrovertible
is it that, unless the preparations are adequate, there is a
possibility—many are saying a “ probability ’"—of what we will
provisionally term “‘ Labour Troubles” enormously more trouble-
some than any known in this country in recent times.
Would it not be statesmanship, therefore, if instead of wonder-
ing in whispers whether there will be a Revolution; we set about
a courageous (and public) interrogation of the future? Are
not the chances ahead too relevant to each of us personally
for their exploration to be entrusted to those officially charged
with that “secret plot” called the Peace-Book ?
There are a hundred “‘ unknowns” in the problem; neverthe-
less it is not entirely unsolvable. Those of us who have made
the investigation with which this volume deals make no claim
ta a supernormal foreknowledge of the coming decade. But
2 4
2 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
an intimate study during the last two years of the thoughts and
feelings of all sections of manual workers in a great industrial
city has instructed us upon certain outstanding features of the
after-War situation. We claim to know something of what
the workers are capable of doing, and of what, later on, they
are likely, to do.
With enough investigators and thinkers turning their lamps
upon the future, it will be possible to dispel, sufficiently for
practical needs, the sable fog that increasingly baffles con-
structive enterprise. Moreover, the nation will summon up the
strength to battle with the perils that threaten it, if only it
sees clearly what they are.
§ 2.
The Root Causes of Unrest.
So radically has the War obliterated our memory of pre-War
days, that it is necessary to remind ourselves that ‘ Unrest ’’
has been for many years the normal condition of society.
Furthermore, the Unrest was not diminishing but increasing,
and increasing not slowly, but with alarming swiftness.
The following figures are more emphatic than words :—
Year, Number ot Disputes Beginning Number of Workpeople Involved.
1904, 355 87,208
1905 358 93,593
1906 , 486 217,773
1907 601 147,498
1908 399 295,507
1909 436 300,819
Igto 531 515,165
IQII 903 961,980
1912 857 1,463,281
1913 1,497 688,925
1914 836 . 423,000
{First seven months}
But for the War, it seems certain that the last few years would
have kindled conflagrations blazing higher than any known to
the historians of the last hundred years.
Underlying all the superficial factors to which this Unrest
was attributed may be discovered two correlated causes that
2
THE GREAT EDUCATION 3
are fundamental. These two may be comprehensively called
‘** Education ” and “ Poverty.” As Education we here include
not merely the preparatory instruction given during childhood
in the class-room, but also the influence upon adolescents
and adults of newspapers, magazines and books, kinemas,
‘music halls and theatres, public-houses and clubs, study-
circles, adult. schools, university tutorial classes, etc., as well
as the effects of participation in friendly society, trade-union
and co-operative store and in local and national politics. By
Poverty we mean not merely the sort of thing that can be
measured and tabulated, but the whole complex of limitations
which collectively enslave the worker; not merely the smallness
of his wage and the wretchedness of his dwelling, but the com-
pulsion to spend every hour of vigour in work offering a minimum
of opportunity for self-expression, combined with the lack of
humanizing outlets for energy in his leisure-time.
There was Unrest before the War because the workers began
increasingly to feel (Education) that their environment con-
stituted a prison (Poverty). They commenced to beat their
wings against their cages (and even to use their beaks and claws
a little) because something—call it ‘‘ Evolution ” or ‘‘ Progress ”’
or “ Reform Acts” or “ Education Acts’”’ or “ Socialists” or
“Lloyd George” or anything else you will—set them gazing
hungrily, through the bars that confined them, at the sky and
the sun.
Had the community consisted exclusively of poor and
“‘ working class’”’ people, the Unrest might well have resulted
in a wholesome collective endeavour to intensify the happiness
of life, not only by increasing the dividend of commodities wrested
from nature, but also by such industrial and social arrangements
as would give the fullest scope for self-expression as well as by
such educational arrangements as would most effectively culti-
vate the individual power of service and enjoyment. Prejudicially
to such developments, however, there existed in the country,
not only the many who were poor, but the few who were rich;
and what we have called the Education of the workers opened
their eyes, not merely to their own Poverty, but equally to the
comfort and superfluity of those whom in childhood, at week-day
school and Sundayschool, they had been encouraged to regard
as “above” them. They saw their material poverty—as the
Fabian Society took good care they should—always in contrast
with the material wealth of those better off. The pounds,
shillings, and pence, that were so easily and constantly compared,
inevitably came to be regarded, even by thinkers who knew
4 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
‘better, as the root. of the social problem. It became a fashion
to believe and state that all that was wanted was a redistribution
of income so that the poor might have more material goods.
And Unrest seemed to be fundamentally a materialistic revolt
against the rich, dominated by motives of class-hostility.
Nevertheless, we would insist upon it that the essence of the
Unrest is not, and never has been, class-feeling at all. ‘‘ What
is the matter with the poor is Poverty.” Not a sense of
inequality, but Poverty. And not material. poverty alone, but
a complicated network of circumscriptions. This Poverty would
be galling to the workers, educated to the point that they have
now reached, even if there were not a solitary capitalist-employer
in England.
The workers were becoming querulous and insurgent before
the War because there was a spiritual stirring within them for
a life bigger than was, bounded by twelve hours in a factory
followed by supper and sleep in a slum.
Upon such a reading of Unrest the. memalaing sections of
this Introduction are based.
§ 3.
The Facts Discovered by the Enquiry.
Without anticipating details fully set forth in later chapters,
we may state here the general conclusions reached through our
enquiry into the Equipment of the Workers... We believe we
have proved, with much the same certainty as that with which
Booth and Rowntree established their statistics of material
poverty in London and York, that of the male and female adult
manual workers of Sheffield somewhere about one-quarter
are ‘‘ Well-equipped . approaching three-quarters are ‘ In-
adequately-equipped ’; somewhere about one-fifteenth are
“‘ Mal-equipped.” *
The one-quarter of the working-class whom we call “ Well-
equipped ”’ consists of men and women who have been awakened
(by what cause does not matter) to the seriousness and the
splendour of existence. They are active individuals ; they can
cope with life; they desire fine things ; they live for hoble ends,
1 The exact statistics are given on p. 65, and the terms ‘‘ Well-equipped,”’
etc., are explained in detail on p. 57 et seq. For the purposes of the Intro-
duction we have lumped men and women together. The enquiry did not, of
course, bring out exactly the same results for each sex, but the results
corresponded sufficiently to legitimatize this joint reference,
WELL- EQUIPPED
Semu- Well - Equipped
INADEQUATELY
EQUIPPED
Semi-Mal -Equipped
MAL-EQUIPPED
DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS.
{The marginal sub-divisions of the Inadequately-equipped Class are suggested
by the shading, but it is not intended to indicate their relative size,]
6 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Mingling in-them variously, according to their individualities,
are intellectual, esthetic and moral elements that give them a
positive spiritual value to the community.
The two-thirds to three-quarters of the workers whom we
call “‘ Inadequately-equipped ’’ are men and women whose
distinguishing characteristic is that they are asleep. A fraction
of them, of course, are sufficiently awake to see something of
what the Well-equipped see with clear vision. But the mass
of them “let shameful slumber thrall them”; they muddle
through life ; they are spiritually inert ; they desire to rest and
be left alone ; they do not live for any ends. beyond immediate
satisfactions ; they are emphatically not “‘ bad” people—though
another fraction of them are marginal to the “ ‘Mal-equipped i
class—but at present their value to the community is economic ?
rather than spiritual, that of beasts of burden rather than that
of free human beings.
’ The handful of “‘ Mal-equipped ”’ are those not fit for inclusion
among the “ Inadequately-equipped.” By. deficiency or per-.
‘version, they are incapable of discharging reasonably the. duties
of man in society. Their existence (so long. as their defects
remain uncured) is a positive evil for the community.
§ 4.
Applicability Outside Sheffield of the Results of the Enquiry.
These results, established: for. one town, must, by the nature
of things, be roughly true of others. Speaking generally, the
people of. Sheffield are neither recognizably superior: (as_ they.
are themselves inclined to believe) nor recognizably. inferior
(as those whom they call “ foreigners” are inclined to allege)
to those living elsewhere. Just as the dimensions which material
poverty was found to assume in London and York are taken
as generally applicable to other urban areas,3 so may it be assumed
1 In the diagram we have used for brevity the terms ‘ Semi-well-
equipped”. and ‘‘ Semi-mal-equipped.” But the space allotted. in the
diagram to each marginal class must not be taken as any esHiaiale of its
relative size.
2 And, during war, military, of course—Kanonenfutter, as the Germans
say. .
‘3 On July 25, 1901, Mr. Booth wrote as follows to Mr. Rowntree:— -
“ Dear Mr. ROWNTREE,
“You know with what interest I have watched your investigation
into the conditions of life at York, and in response to your question I cer-
tainly think that the slight difference in our methods ought in no way to
prevent the possibility of a comparison being made between your results
and mine...
THE GREAT EDUCATION 7
that spiritual poverty is much the same in Leeds and London,
in Luton and Lincolp, as it is in the town where it has been
first investigated. In what way the results are applicable to
predominantly rural districts need not concern us. Four-fifths
of the workers of England live in industrialized urban areas.
What we discovered, therefore, of the workers of Sheffield, we
shall not hesitate to state of the workers of England.
§ 5.
The Effects of the War upon the Women Workers.
When the War broke out, there were in Sheffield well over
a hundred thousand women belonging to the manual-working
class. What has the War meant to them? What has been
the effect upon them of being engulfed along with the rest of
us in an event so immense that all the immensities of history
look small in comparison with it? How deeply has this thing
bitten into their natures? Has it really stirred them—all this
war-talk and war-news and raids and darkening and waiting
in queues and limitations of food and drink and appeals to
-patriotism and meeting new people and all the rest of it? What
has it meant to the many who have had considerable increase
of (real) income ? What has it meant to the many whose income
has declined ? In what ways, to what extent, does their entry
into new occupations and their political emancipation mean.
the “awakening” of women? What alchemy has been worked
in the hearts of those wives and mothers (in three working-
class homes out of four) who for two, three, four, or five years
have been separated from husbands and sons? What will be
the emotions reigning in the souls of the ten thousand Sheffield
women who have lost their ‘‘ man” for ever ?
The greatest risk we run in trying to answer these questions
is that of exaggeration. The tendency is to postulate a veritable
metamorphosis of the collective soul of the workers. But if
one talks to an individual working-woman, no matter how over-
whelming may have been her war-time experiences, one usually
comes to reflect that she is much what she was before this all
happened. Her being is presumably not much more changed
““, .. Our totals may be correctly compared, and the comparison, as
you have shown, is very close. At this I am not surprised. I have indeed
long thought that other cities, similarly tested, would show a percentage
of poverty not differing greatly from that existing in London. Your most
valuable enquiry confirms me in this opinion.”
8 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
by these impacts than that of any one of us is by the great per-
sonal disasters and triumphs that fall to our lot. How far does
falling in love, marriage, having children, losing a dear one,
suffering illness, affect the individual? It modifies our natures
in varying ways, according to the “‘ personal equation” and
the circumstances of the case, but we remain through all but
the most terrific experiences much the same after the event
as before it. It seems to us probably true that the individual
working-woman has not been much altered by the War. But
the important point to keep in mind is that all women have at
one and the same time been appreciably affected. The extent
and character of the impression made by the War obviously
differs in each case. Generalization tends to be either disputable
or platitudinous. The statements we make are not in them-
selves of much value. But as parts of an attempt to visualize
the total effect of the War upon the whole of the workers, the
following facts assume a certain significance.
(1) The Well-equipped women (about one-fourth of the whole)
were “ effective’’ before the War began. They will be consider-
ably more “‘ effective’ now the War is over. They tend to
see the War—as they have been told to see it—as a struggle
between Good and Evil. They desired, no doubt, to see the over-
throw of an Evil Civilization in Germany. But they are not
less determined to see the enthronement of a Good Civilization
in England. The Well-equipped women are, we are confident,
more socialistic and more revolutionary than they were previously,
and at the same time more able, by reason of their deepened
character and increased knowledge, to give effect to their
aspirations. They will revolt against poverty, both material
and spiritual, in constructive endeavours to enable themselves
and their worse-equipped fellows to live like human beings.
(2) The two-thirds of the women who are Inadequately-equipped |
were asleep when the War began. Are they asleep now it is -
over? If being asleep means being indifferent to ideals and
education and statesmanship, there is not much question that
they are likely to be as lethargic in 1920 as in 1g910., But being
asleep may mean contentment with things as they are. In
this sense the Inadequately-equipped women were asleep in
Igr0; in this sense, they are waking up to-day. Unlike the
Well-equipped, they have in all probability not been made
much better or worse than they were, either in character or
in intellect; but they have become less satisfied. They have
seen more of life, been given new ideas of their own im-
portance, been shaken out of their old ways of thinking and
THE GREAT EDUCATION 9
living and rendered less stable and amenable. They, too, will
be ‘in a sense more revolutionary, but they will not know
what they want except vaguely and they will not make
disciplined effort for reform.?
§ 6.
The Effects of the War upon the Male Workers Exempt
from Military Service.
The male workers who remained at home number about two-
thirds of all the male workers of Sheffield, some 70,000 out of
upwards of 100,000. The bulk of them are men over military
age, who would be for that reason less susceptible to the
influences born of the War. A fraction of them are men rejected
as medically unfit ; a smaller fraction of them are skilled men,
especially skilled engineers, of military age. Some at least of
the medically unfit men, and also a relatively high proportion
of the young skilled men, belong to the Well-equipped class
and would be deeply stirred by the War. On the remainder,
as on the older men, the influence would be less marked. Our
judgment is that the War will have had less effect on the men
remaining at home than on either the women or the men
seeing service in the Army.
Nevertheless, the effect is by no means negligible. One of our
number was requested in the summer of 1917 to act as Secretary
to the Commission which enquired into Labour Unrest in York-
shire and the East Midlands. A little experience convinced
him that the methods adopted by the Commission (the interviewing
of officials mainly) gave no clue to the realities of the Unrest
and no measurement of its dimensions. He therefore under-
took a personal enquiry into the feelings of the ‘“‘ rank and file ’’
of three important groups of Sheffield workers: the skilled
engineers, the railwaymen, and the colliers. Ten representatives
of each of these groups were approached by random methods,
which avoided any kind of selection, except that in the case of
1 It is not necessary for the purposes of this Introduction to consider
the effects of the War upon the Mal-equipped among the women or the men
remaining at home or the men who have been to the Front. Our opinion, stated
generally, is that the War has rendered them less desirable members of society
than they were. In the schemes propounded for adult education in the con-
cluding sections of the Introduction, the Mal-equipped are again omitted from
consideration. This is not because we consider that education is the wrong
method of dealing with them. We believe it is the only method of dealing
with them. But the education they require is of variously specialized
kinds that we have not, the space to elaborate—even if we had the knowledge,
10 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
the railway workers an assortment of men of various grades was
taken. Each of these thirty men was engaged in a long friendly
conversation and asked to state frankly what he felt about Labour
Unrest. From so circumscribed an enquiry statistical conclu-
sions could not be reached. Nevertheless, the state of mind of
these men is some indication of what their fellows were thinking
in 1917 and are thinking now. We omit the conclusions of
the report upon profiteering, War-bread, shortage of drink,
etc., and quote only those passages relevant to the theme of
this Introduction :—
(a) The Colliers—‘‘ To a man the colliers are ‘fed up’ with
the War, but eight out of the ten were decided that we ought
to go on with it until the Germans were beaten. Two of them
—certainly the most intelligent of the whole ten—thought the
Government should at once make a vigorous attempt at peace
by negotiation. One of the two remarked that * thé public ought
to come in and stop this War.’ The other affirmed that talk
of revolution was quite common among workers. It is impos-
sible to say on the basis of so small a sample how many these two
represent. My impression is that even if the leaders are, or are
becoming, pacifist and revolutionary, the rank and file (with
fathers, brothers, and sons in the Army) ‘think otherwise.’
So long as the average collier is adequately supplied with bread
and beer, agitators will find it difficult to shake his patriotism.”
(b) The Railwaymen.—“ All the ten were utterly sick of the
War, but six of them were prepared to continue until we had
carried it victoriously to the end. In spite of their provocations
and in spite of a pretty general distrust of both the companies
and the Government, these six seemed averse from any extreme
measures for enforcing attention to their own grievances or
for other larger purposes. On the other hand, one man
remarked: ‘The Government ought to try to make peace.
They'll have to do it in the end. The greater part of the men
in this station. are of that opinion. They think we are just as
much forward to-day as we shall be twelve months hence. . . :
If there’s a strike, it will be over the high cost of living and for
peace negotiations.’ Two others definitely shared his views.
“Four men presaged trouble ahead. The first would not
venture to predict whether it would be before or after the War.
The second'‘said, ‘ Nd doubt the Unrest’s real. If things don’t
alter there’s certain to be trouble.’ The third said (apprecia-
tively) that revolutionary talk was unmistakably increasing.
The fourth said: ‘If trouble was to break out anywhere on
the railways. I can tell you it would spread like wildfire
THE GREAT EDUCATION 11
They’re all ready for it.... And if the railways started it
wouldn’t take much to bring the miners out... . There’s the
Triple Alliance. If there isn’t alteration before the War’s over
there'll be trouble.’ ”
(c) The Skilled Engineers.—‘‘ Six of the engineers were not
‘ pacifist’; one was, if such a thing is possible, neutral—or
perhaps undecided ; three were in favour of immediate nego-
tiations for peace,.etc. Only one pooh-poohed any talk of
a Revolution. Among the other nine the debatable question
was whether it would come during or after the War. I give the
statements, for what they are worth, of the four who favour
the earlier date: (1) ‘ Revolution is in the air, without a possible
doubt. It'll bé before the end of. the War unless things alter
greatly.” (2) ‘The men want to have a complete revolution
in the present system. . . . Everybody I’ve met up to now in
the last few weeks has spoken that way. Russia has affected
them. They’re not so bothered about the War as about the
Revolution. The workers will stop the War.’ (3) ‘ They only
want to tread on our corns just once and it’s done. We shan’t
be as quiet as we were before. It'll be a general stoppage
throughout the country.’ (4) ‘ We shall have to have a Revolu-
tion before long—before the War comes to an end, if they don’t
stop it. They keep taking away our liberties. We shall. all
amalgamate and down tools.’ ”
e do not take too seriously these imperfect indications
of working-class opinion. The workers were probably more
irritated in Ig1t7 than in 1918 or 1919, and therefore more
disposed to braggadocio about a Revolution. Yet the
warnings uttered by those prophetically-inclined colliers and
railwaymen and engineers ought not to be merely dismissed
and forgotten. They voice an immense resentment of the
wage-earners against the governing classes and against things
in general which has shown itself too palpably in various
directions (e.g. in the police strike of 1918 and the strikes
of 1919) for its existence to be in question. As we said at
the commencement of this section, we do not believe that the
men at home have been so greatly affected as the women
or the men at the Front by the events of the last few years.
Nevertheless they have been profoundly unsettled. And great
sections of them are full of an anger—which, even supposing
it vague and unreasonable, is a fact to be reckoned with—
that has been bottled up for more than four years.
12 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
§7-
The Effects of the War upon the Workers in the Army.
Some forty thousand engineers, colliers, railwaymen, building
operatives, labourers, shop-assistants, and other working men
of Sheffield have been called upon to relinquish all that they
loved, in order (so every advertisement-hoarding has told them)
that they might fight for “justice”? and “‘ honour” and “ free-
dom.” Hour after hour, day after day, month after month,
they have been compelled to face death “‘for the ideals of
civilization.” _ Year after year they have been undergoing new
experiences, ‘‘ mixing up together,’ and, in their own way,
thinking and talking. The workers who have been subject to
such influences cannot but be radically changed by them.
Some ten thousand of them belong to the ‘‘ Well-equipped ”
class, and these men are mostly returning with a savage deter-
mination to strive for a decent civilization in England as uncom-
promisingly as they have striven to drive German civilization
out of France. These men will not merely “‘ make trouble ”’:
they will be to a large extent prepared for the self-discipline
necessary to get the information and skill required of those who are
to lead the workers in the long series of struggles ahead of them.
Most of the Sheffielders who have been at the Front belong
to the Indifferently-equipped class. Generally speaking, there
is no doubt that the War has made little esthetic, moral, or
intellectual difference to them. They will come back with as
little idealism, perhaps, as they possessed in 1914. But they
will also come back far more embittered against the old routine
of drudgery and the old environment of slum. And they will
come back more detached from the existing order of things ;
less willing (and indeed less able) to accept the pre-war circle
of ideas and ways; less docile in behaviour; more ambitious
in outlook ; vaguely but intensely feeling that they have a moral
tight to the England they were called upon to save.
It is of these men that the Rev. A. Herbert Gray, after
eighteen months’ experience in the Army, is speaking: ‘I find
many people talking as if the camaraderie of the trenches between
officers and men would of necessity solve labour troubles after
the War. But there is an element of pathetic delusion in that
expectation. What trench life has proved is that when officers
and men are divorced from.the artificial relationship of our
industrial and commercial system, they discover each other as
men, and arrive at a new appreciation of each other. It has
THE GREAT EDUCATION 18
been found that they are capable of happy co-operation. But
if, after the War, men are asked to accept the old relationship
of commerce and industry, they will be more, and not less, likely
to resent them, and to rebel. Tommy will come back having
suffered untold things for his country, and he will have a sense
that his country owes him more than it did in the old days.
He will come back knowing that if he had not suffered, there
could have been no security for land or capital or any home
investmerits. ...I hear men saying that they hope soldiers
will come home having learnt to obey. Obey! they will obey
less than before any authority that has not deserved and won
their respect, for the iron of a mere system of discipline has
bitten deep into their souls. There will be a new and firm
strength of purpose behind the demand for drastic change.”
(“As Tommy Sees Us.”) -
§ 8.
Summary of the Effects of the War upon the Workers.
It is our conclusion that the Well-equipped men and women
workers (about one-fourth of the whole) will be intelligently
determined, beyond all possibility of statesmanlike denial, to
achieve extremely far-reaching changes in the existing civiliza-
tion; and that the Inadequately-equipped workers (comprising
the bulk of the remainder), without knowing definitely what
they want, and without much willingness for self-discipline and
patient endeavour, will violently react against a continuance of
the pre-War industrial and social order or of any approximation
to it.
We do not regard the bulk of the Inadequately-equipped
workers as capable of responsible and thoughtful participation
in political and industrial affairs. This is one of the most serious
aspects of the present situation. It looks as if the nation
may have to pay an extremely high price for its criminal
failure to educate its future citizens in the ’sixties, ’seventies,
’eighties, ‘nineties, and recent years. All that can be done now
is to attempt, without consideration of cost, to give to the mass
of men and women in adult life what should have been their
endowment in childhood and adolescence.
The Well-equipped workers, lacking though they may still
be in knowledge of affairs and experience of administration,
are both in numbers and quality powerful enough to control
the immediate future of this country. (Proof of this is perhaps
the most important result of our enquiry.)
14 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Eight millions of workers, each of them effective in trade
union, co-operative society, local and national politics; all of
them—as our investigation partly reveals—increasingly homo-
geneous in their political and industrial purposes; these men and
women will be the makers of English history from 1920 to 1950 ;
upon a bridge made of their stalwart backs our children will
cross from the shame and wretchedness of to-day to the Land
in which the dreams of humanity are coming true.
§ 9.
The False, Materialistic Solution. |
The national problem ahead of us before the War was to
organize industry and social life in such a way as to remove the
causes of Unrest. After the War we shall have to solve the same
problem, but it will be a thousand times more formidable. How
are we going to do it?
The orthodox (Fabian Sociéty) solution of the problem, which
even the ‘capitalist Coalition Party finds itself compelled to
accept, is a State redistribution of the national’ income in the
direction of material equality. Both before and during the
War, we have been slowly increasing the confiscation of the wealth
of ‘the rich (death duties, super-tax, excess profits tax, etc.) and
‘slowly increasing the doles of wealth to the poor (school meals,
old-age pensions, free or cheap medical attendance, etc.). Mr.
Sidney Webb has spent his life in working out the details of
‘such a programme. And Mr. Bernard Shaw often says, and
seems to believe, that if this programme is carried to its logical
conclusion, and material equality produced, we shall have arrived
at the human millenhium, and can then set about the breeding
of the Superman.
Against this demand for equality of scope in material things
we have none of the usual arguments to pit. It seems to us
that on economic grounds no other condition will be finally
practicable among civilized men, and that on ethical grounds
no other condition is defensible. Yet we cannot but feel that
Messrs. Webb and Shaw and their fellow-Fabians, in fixing
their attention upon the equalizing of material conditions, are
laying the emphasis on the wrong thing. Ultimately it is a
philosophical question. The Fabian philosophy would appear
to be that the sources of human life and progress reside ultimately
in physical things like food, clothing, fuel and shelter; Fabians
THE GREAT EDUCATION 18
contend, in the words of Bernard Shaw already quoted, that
‘What is the matter with the poor is poverty ” (and by poverty
they mean material poverty); and they have half convinced
the community that the solution of Labour Unrest lies solely
in a materialistic amelioration of the lot of the four-fifths of
the nation who are poor.
Our own contention is that the ultimate sources of human
life and progress are in spiritual things; that what is the matter
with the poor (and the rich) is spiritual poverty ; and that the
fundamental solution of the problems ahead of us is education.
The antithesis is, of course, put too strongly. The Fabians,
feeling intensely in the ’eighties the problem of downright
physical poverty, concentrated their attention upon it, and have
never given much thought to ‘education. We ourselves are
quite ready to admit the importance of the National Minimum
of Wage or Leisure, but we say that if we seek first Educa-
tion, all these other things will be added unto us.
The truth is that Fabianism is too successful. We gravely
distrust the increasing yeadiness of politicians to fling panem
et civcenses at the workers. We see not a little truth in the
old-fashioned argument against Socialism, that “if you give
the poor more, they'll only abuse it.’”” Has Mr. Shaw forgotten
that he once called a critic a “ fool’’ for protesting that it was
false to probabilities to make Lickcheese in prosperity as big
a scoundrel as Sartorius the plutocrat ?
Is it not time the Labour Party recognized officially what
every member of it knows privately, that we effect not a reform,
but a demoralization, by the naked gift of extra money or extra
leisure to people unfitted for its use? Those who deny the
truth of this statement should make themselves better acquainted
with the effects of the increased wages paid to certain sections
of the workers during the War.t Or they should ask them-
selves whether the man or woman who spends all his small
margin of leisure and money in unelevating gratifications is likely
to make any better use of a large margin or be any the happier
with it.
.We admit that the minority of 'workers we have termed
“‘ Well-equipped ’’ would greatly profit by more spare time for
self-chosen activities and by more money for personal expendi-
ture. We have no doubt that a considerable fraction of the
Inadequately-equipped would also make reasonable use of
improved ‘circumstances. But it is not less certain that not
1 A monograph upon this point would be a most valuable contribution
to the science of social economics.
16 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
only the Mal-equipped, but a vast number of the Inadequately-
equipped—in our judgment combining to make quite one-half
of the workers—are not yet fit to make a worthy use of mere
blank cheques of additional leisure and means. To the extent
that they are given these things they will abuse them as
disreputably as the similarly poor and destitute in spirit among
the rich do now abuse their freedom and their possessions.
Social reforms of the wholesale, popular and indiscriminate
kind that Mr. Lloyd George carried through so brilliantly
before the War, and is bursting to carry through again after
the War, are likely not only not to ease the national situation,
but to render it doubly perilous.
§ Io.
The True, Educational or Spiritual Solution.
The right way to grapple with coming difficulties is to devote
the whole of our energies to the education, i.e. the spiritualiza-
tion, of the community—to realize, in fact, that Reconstruction
is Education. What needs attention is not the material side
of Poverty, but the spiritual. This does not mean that we
‘must cease making such reforms as benefit men’s bodies. All
it means is that we should put education first in all our plans
for Reconstruction, and that whenever we carry out a “ social
reform ’’ we should adopt such means of building up and pre-
serving men’s bodies as will simultaneously refine their natures.
What the working-class housewife needs is not merely a house,
but a house that inspires her in her work. What the wage-
earner needs is not merely a wage, but an occupation that is
an art. What the hungry child needs is not merely a gratuitous
dinner, but a meal under civilizing conditions.t What the workers
as a whole need is not reckless doles of leisure and remuneration
(given in terror of the consequences of strikes), but a vast array
1 If our personal experience is valid, free dinners are often served under con-
ditions near the barbaric. ‘‘ If this generation were wise,” said Graham Wallas
forty years ago, “it would spend on education not only more than any other
generation has ever spent before, but more than any generation would ever
need to spend again. It would fill the school buildings with the means not
only of comfort, but even of the higher luxury; it would serve the associated
meals on tables spread with flowers, in halls surrounded with beautiful pic-
tures, or even, as John Milton proposed, filled with the sound of music;
it would seriously propose to itself the ideal of Ibsen, that every child should
be brought up as a nobleman, Unfortunately, this generation is not
wise,”’—Fabian Essays.
THE GREAT EDUCATION 17
of such outlets for their energy as will give them not fleeting
pleasures, but the permanent thing called happiness.
The test of every social reform, no matter how infinitesimal, |
should be: ‘‘ Does it educate?” If it does, it is good. If
it does not, it is diabolical. There is no item of social better-
ment that cannot be made a spiritual force. And no social
betterment betters anything if it does not, in its ultimate effect,
better the human being in his inmost self.
By non-spiritualizing methods we can make a nation of
wage-slaves or a nation of fighting men ; but only by educational
methods can we make a democracy. ;
Are the rich prepared for this programme? Themselves
schooled by the War, will they give to the adult workers the
education which they shamefully failed to lavish upon them
in their childhood and adolescence ? Are the rich ready to give,
not merely money (it requires no intellect or character.to give
money), but themselves? Education worth the name can be
given only through self-sacrifice, and if the possessing classes
are not ready for the dedication of their lives to the service
of the community, the Great Education for which we ask cannot
be achieved.:
1 This point cannot be everemphasized. Everywhere we find wealthy
business men discussing—as if they were in business for that one purpose
—what they shall do for their workers. Everywhere they are framing
schemes for canteens and clubs and all the rest of it. In most cases it would be
much better if the pseudo-Cadbury or Rowntree kept his money in his pockets,
for the workers, knowing that the motives which prompt these benefactions
are self-regarding, are merely stirred into bitterer resentment. Unless the
employer is prepared to sacrifice himself for his employees, i.e. to do for them
what the genuine minister or teacher will do for those he serves, he will
be well-advised in the future to keep his benevolence to himself. (The true
minister or teacher relies for support upon his personal influence; he puts
himself on equality with his people or pupils; he does not make a fortune
out of them; he lives to serve them.)
One of us once had an intimate talk with the virtual king of a large
colliery and colliery village near Sheffield. This plutocrat complained,
and seemingly believed, that he could find no way of “ elevating” the
colliers. He said he’d ‘tried giving them institutes—everything!” And
we gathered that they were irresponsive to his every endeavour and sinfully
went on their way as before, working, sleeping, eating and drinking. The
housing and sanitary arrangements in this village—every stick and stone
put up and owned by the Company—are so unspeakably vile that any
refined, well-to-do person would rather destroy his own children than let
them live under such conditions. Our friend had apparently persuaded
himself that ‘‘if you give ’em decent houses, they turn ’em into pigsties.”’
If this remark was true, it was merely a confession that he had not succeeded
in doing the one and only important thing that he ought to have done:
making better and happier the human beings under his control.
We are convinced that that gentleman’s failure is mainly due to—what
shall we call it ?—the nineteenth-century way of looking at things. He
does not mind playing the benevolent autocrat. What he will not do is
to identify himself with the people for whose welfare he makes himself
18 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
But other things will happen... .
For let us face the facts. If we cannot achieve a Recon-
struction by spirit force, we shall have a Revolution by brute
force.
§ x1.
Towards a National Adult-Education Programme.
The proposals made in this section are put forward largely
in the interests of the Inadequately-equipped workers, who
amount to some two-thirds of the whole. It is a truth not
yet grasped by educationists (because their noses are buried
so deep in what -they call ‘‘ education’) that we have to save
the lost and not those who are already educationally well-
equipped. The W.E.A., for example, in but the feeblest realiza-
tion of the aims of its founder, reaches out directly to no workers
except those who belong to the Well-equipped class, and only
to the best of these. Such men and women, as our enquiry
shows, are already studying and acting for themselves; they
have already a sense of the greatness of the Universe; left to
themselves, they would “come out all right.” It is good to
assist a small section of the workers to speak and write and
think, but to have a claim to its comprehensive title of ‘‘ The
Workers’ Educational Association,’’ the W.E.A. will have to
responsible. The business man’s power to educate his workpeople is in exact
vatio to his capacity for service. There are spiritual laws at work in this
connexion as in every other.
4 In any case, the urgent problem is ‘‘Can Thurson and Hallamsbury
and Miss Robfrey and Miss Irebury and Miss Youngling and Mrs. Goodtop
be saved?" (See the studies of these Inadequately-equipped workers in
Chapter IX.)
We confess to an increasing detestation of the principle upon which
-—though it is expressly championed by no thinker worth arguing with—
a considerable part of our education system is still based, that of helping
the bright boy and neglecting the average or dull boy. In our view, the
more uneducated and uneducable a person is, the more money and care
should be bestowed upon him. This is the only decent and democratic
way of regarding the matter—as obvious, one would have thought, as the
claim of the sick person to special attention. The Education Committee
of the Sheffield City Council contemplates the spending of large sums of
money upon a scheme for “ higher education,” trade schools, etc., which,
at a time when every elementary school is desperately in need of more funds,
will do nothing whatever for the mass of Sheffield workers, and will merely
assist a small number of ‘‘ Well-equipped’”’ boys and girls to become
clerks, foremen, etc. We do not say that the promoters of this scheme have
anti-democratic intentions; what we do say is that their proposals, taken
as a whole, are on the old “ ladder of education lines. Education Committees
at any rate have not yet learnt what is implied in Mr, Mansbridge’s pregnant
phrase—“ The Highway of Education ” |
THE GREAT EDUCATION 19
undertake an altogether bigger and nobler task than it has yet
attempted or, apparently, contemplated.
We make no pretence of having elaborated a ‘“‘ scheme of
reform,” either for the State or for the large organizations.
The notes that follow are nothing but a few extremely general,
tentative indications of the line which in our opinion Recon-
struction must take in order to be effectual.1 We hold that
without public enterprise of this character upon a large scale,
the increasing of wages and the reducing of hours will have
seriously demoralizing and disturbing consequences.
We are not against raising wages and reducing hours.
Rather we desire that wages should be progressively increased
until no household has coming into it less than—shall we say ?
—fIo a week, and that hours should be progressively reduced
until no wage-earner works (under economic compulsion) for
more than—shall we say ?—four hours a day. But we urge
that it is insane to move in those directions without concurrently
moving in the direction of enabling people to spend wisely
their money and their time.
1. Housine.
It is recommended ‘‘ on educational grounds,” by the Committee
of the Ministry of Reconstruction on Adult Education, that
“the preparation of schemes of housing and town-planning
should be accelerated.” What is required is the rapid rehousing
of the whole working-class population so that every family
may have at least six living-rooms, a large garden surrounding
the house, etc.2
2. MEDICAL SERVICE.
“The healthy body is the product of the healthy mind.”
The way to make the nation healthy and to ensure the health
of the next generation is to nationalize the medical service,
thus enabling every doctor to be an agent in a great educational
campaign for health. Medical men ought to be set free to teach
people how to keep well, and to teach society what environ-
ment of houses, factories, schools, etc., it must establish in
order to build up a fit population. Through such a medical
service every individual would have brought home to him his
responsibility for his own physical well-being and for that of
the community.
1 We hope to enter into more detail in a future volume.
* The student is requested to note how insistently the desire for’ better
houses is voiced in the “ Intensive Studies” in the later part of this volume.
20 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
3. THE DEMOCRATIC CONTROL OF INDUSTRY.
The superiority of State Sogjalism to the private ownership
and administration of industry is that it educates the voters
by giving them added responsibility. But viewed in this light,
and apart from other considerations, Guild Socialism, in which
the citizen-consumers, organized as the State, would own all
industrial capital, and the actual producers, organized as a
Trade Union or Guild, would directly manage each industry,
is altogether superior to “‘ Sidneywebbicalism.” Every effort
must be made to thrust the utmost responsibility practicable
upon the rank and file of the workers, even if experimentation
should result in loss of efficiency. If it is true that the workers
are children in their capacity for management, then, as with
children, we must sacrifice everything to their education. The
business man can do few greater services to the community
than that of encouraging his employees towards industrial
self-government.
4. THE PREss.
Perhaps nothing is more important to the future well-being
of society than the public control of the Press and its utilization
for educational ends. And perhaps no problem is more difficult
than that of discovering how to effect control without producing
evils greater than those resulting from the present licence.
The following attempt at a solution has been contributed to
this Introduction by Dr. F. H. Hayward 2 :—
“The most feasible remedy (ie. the remedy that seems
most in keeping with British traditions as shown in the treatment
of a kindred problem, that of denominational schools) is to
take over publicly a part of every newspaper. We suggest the
front page and the back page. These are to be State pages
(i.e. pages which responsible persons only can employ, without
hindrance or influence from the profit-making editors and
managers.
“ The front page will contain statements sent by the Govern-
ment of the day or by any accredited representative of science,
art, institutions, etc., or by any Person of Merit, ie. one who
has been awarded a distinction for ability or bona fide public
service. (It is important to establish this class of Persons
1 Your plutocratic employer sees no harm in allowing his incompetent
son to fool about for years in his business in order that by the elimination
of his more palpably dangerous defects he may achieve a safe mediocrity ! .
2 In more ways than one this section stands in Dr. Hayward’s debt.
The reader should consult the Appendix to his book on Professionalism and
Originality.
THE GREAT EDUCATION 21
of Merit; it might include workmen, teachers, etc., of excep-
tional skill, as well as holders of the Victoria Cross, University
Degrees, etc.)
“The back page will have a different but equally important
function. It should be devoted to advertisements (inserted ,
free) of all cultural activities, such as good concerts, drama,
lectures, meetings, etc., and to information as to opening of
art galleries, museums, zoological gardens, etc. By rotation,
the Pros and Cons of all great controversial topics should appear
here; perhaps also passages from standard literature, etc.
““A State subsidy should be paid for the use of the above
two pages. The remaining pages will be at the disposal of the
proprietors. The whole scheme should be organized by the
Board of Education.”
5. THE CHURCHES.
We believe that the main reason why the Churches have so
little influence upon the life of the nation is because, instead of wit-
nessing to Everlasting Truth, they spend their energies in trying
to be popular. “‘ Where numbers are, there religion is not,” says
Emerson. In our view, it would be far better if the Churches
ceased altogether to bother about “ getting hold of people ”’
and devoted themselves to delivering, as far as that is humanly
possible, a message from the God Whom they exist to glorify.
We should like to see the minister of religion set free to spend
practically the whole of his time in visiting and in preparing
perhaps not more than one address a week. At the same time
we should like to see the religious service so transformed as to
incorporate far more of the world’s literature and music and
art than at present. The Churches could yet lead the nation
if they would have the sense to modernize their methods and
the interpretation of their message, so that, without loss of
spiritual force or dignity, they made themselves acceptable to
the after-War race of men and women.
6. THE SCHOOLS.
Far more could be done to “ get at ” the adults through the
schools. Teaching staffs ought to be augmented so as to enable
every school to be a social centre as well as an agency for class-
room instruction. Parents could be attracted to social evenings,
concerts, etc. The teachers, coming into contact with the
fathers and mothers under these conditions, could get themselves
invited to tea at the homes of their pupils, in the same subtle
22 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
way that a university tutorial class lecturer manages to do it.
Such visiting would not only serve to intensify the interest of
the parents in their children’s welfare, but would incidentally
educate them in numberless other directions.
At least once a week in every school there should be a splen-
didly produced celebration of a great personage or a great idea,
at which parents should be pressed to attend.t Such celebrations
(of which Empire Day and Shakespeare Day are the prototypes)
would utilize all the resources of both sacred and secular literature
and music and art, in order to give children and adults a rever-
ence for such things as the League of Nations, Democracy,
Agriculture, Freedom, Science, and for such men and women
as Socrates, St. Francis, Joan of Arc, Cromwell, Goethe. For
every celebration there should be a beautifully printed little
handbook, like that prepared for the St. David’s Day Celebration
by the Welsh Board of Education, containing a statement of
why that particular celebration is important, as well as a collection
of the passages read, the songs sung, the pieces of music played,
etc., at the ceremony.
Through the circulation of such handbooks, and by partici-
pation in the celebrations, the people of England would be
educated in the most important things that a civilized people
should know.
7. THE LIBRARIES.
Nothing has saddened us more in our enquiry than the
poverty of the reading of the workers of Sheffield, including
that of the Well-equipped, and nothing is more certain to us
than that tens of thousands of men and women would read -
standard novels and other elevating books if only they were
introduced to them. The libraries of Sheffield are notoriously
unsatisfactory, but we are inclined to think that in every town
methods must be found of taking books to people, instead of
merely putting up a building and leaving people to enter it
or not as they please.
1 For elaboration of the celebration idea in schools, as well as for further
consideration of the ways of enriching the religious service in church, see
The Spiritual Foundations of Reconstruction by F. H. Hayward and Arnold
Freeman (P. S. King & Son).
Increase of State publication is another of the suggestions that might
have been developed in this section. The Home University Library is the
kind of publication the State ought not to leave to private enterprise. If
Mr. H. A. L, Fisher could edit that series as a private person, he could edit
it equally wel as Minister for Education, :
THE GREAT EDUCATION 28
8. CORRESPONDENCE COURSES.
It is a commentary on the effectiveness of our various official
and voluntary educational organizations that almost the whole
of a vast system of education by correspondence (much of it
exceedingly important) should be left to commercial agencies.:
For instance, any person of average intelligence unconsciously
does all that a Pelman Course would teach him to do; but
unfortunately for England, several millions of her citizens (includ-
ing one hundred and fifty generals and admirals) do not possess
average intelligence. These require Pelmanism, and they cannot
take such education except by correspondence. Why isn’t
the Board of Education or the W.E.A. running Pelmanism—
or rather, a big improvement upon it? By correspondence,
also, many kinds of subjects can be quite well taught and
multitudes who cannot enjoy “the personal contact of the
teacher can be reached.”
9g. PUBLIC-HOUSES.
It-is essential for the “ Great Education ’’ that public-houses
should be, not abolished, but run as social and educational
centres. This can be effected only if the drink traffic is taken
over by the State, the right sort of men and women installed
as “ publicans,” and the sale of alcoholic drink obscured by
emphasizing other forms of refreshment, as well as by giving
prominence to games, music, reading, discussion, etc.
10. THE KINEMAS.
Though no other agency affects so universally the lives of
English people, educationists have so far made no serious
attempt to utilize the Kinema for educational ends. Yet it
could be done without difficulty, without any hardship to the
present owners of Kinemas, and with incalculable addition to
the pleasure and profit which Kinema-goers derive from the
films. The Board of Education should at once make a register
of all films which can legitimately be considered “ educational,”
including travel pictures, good novels, etc. It should then
1 So far as we know, the only non-commercial agencies engaging in such
work are the National Home Reading Union, the National Adult School
Union and Ruskin College. These are all doing excellent service, but
together they do not cover one-thousandth part of the field covered by the
commercial agencies.
2 There are immense possibilities in a really great educational course
mapped out by experts and organized by the State. Something in the
direction of what is wanted has been worked out by M. de Mengel, of the
Schog] of Eutrophics (102, Myddleten Road, N. 22),
24 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
insist that not less than one-half of every show in every picture,
palace should consist of. educational films.
Something of the same sort could be done with the Music
Halls and other forms of popular entertainment, e.g. the
statutory inclusion of so much “‘ classical’ music.
11. ADVERTISEMENTS.
We can never become a cultured community unless we take
means to rescue ourselves from the stream of useless and untrue
and unesthetic ideas constantly being poured into our conscious-
ness from every wall and vehicle. An example of the “ dis-
educational ” effects of advertisement is the power of the writer
of this section to disinter, after years of burial in his mind, scores
of the unsavoury, false, and asinine announcements of a certain
popular weekly paper. Instead of allowing a myriad betrayals
of Beauty, Truth and Goodness to be ever impinging upon
our minds, the Board of Education (or the Board of Culture
or the Board of Fine Arts) should see to it that our spirits are
fed with scientific facts, inspiring ideas and beautiful images.
We gained considerably as a community by the prohibition
of all newspaper placards. We should gain still more by the
compulsory reduction of all other (commercial) advertisements
to small dimensions—say to one square foot as a maximum—
and by the limitation of the number of advertisements for each
advertiser and for every area. In place of them, the State should
post its vo and con statements on vital controversial matters ;
its wall-charts of astronomy, geology, biology, history, etc. ;
its reproductions of great pictures; its extracts from great
literature.
Other forms of private advertisement should be similarly
controlled. Other “ outdoor ’’ methods of educating the commu-
nity (e.g. equipping parks with models of the solar system, the
provision of sculpture *) should be devised.
1 Upon few things could the nation more educationally spend its money
than upon the embodiment in wood and metal and stone of the ideals to
which it aspires, and upon statues of its great men and women (among
whom royal personages, generals, and admirals make rare appearance).
The unrelieved hideousness of Sheffield, not in Attercliffe and Brightside
only but even more in its central parts, is intimately related with its failure
to materialize any fine sculpture. Perhaps the most direct way of making
the city beautiful would be by giving its 500,000 inhabitants some great
glorious things in stone or bronze to look at.
THE GREAT EDUCATION 25
§ 12.
The Fellowship of Reconstruction.
In the nineteenth century we worshipped the “ brute-god
Mammon.” Has the War shamed us into the enthronement
of a “Spirit God’’ in his place? If it has not, Reconstruction
along the lines indicated obviously cannot take place. But
let us suppose that great masses of people have been awakened
by the War to a deeper desire for the spiritual things that unite
us and to a loftier disregard for the material things that separate
us. How are we to utilize this accumulating earnestness for
the ends we have in view? How are we to “ get together” ?
How are the forces of righteousness to be mobilized against
the English representatives in politics and press and private
life of the things England professedly set out to destroy in the
War? What is the duty of every organization that claims to
stand for an ideal ?
In order to economize, that is to maximize, the power
available for Reconstruction, it is essential that new ways of
co-operation should be found between all the various agencies
that exist for spiritual and educational ends (the churches, the
schools, the universities, the libraries, the settlements, sections
of the press, the W.E.A., the Y.M.C.A., the adult school move-
ment, to a certain extent the trade union and co-operative
movements, etc.). The difficulty in the way of mutual
service is that each organization has its own point of view. It
came into existence ten, twenty, fifty, a hundred or a thousand
years-ago for a special purpose, and it does not forget its past.
Now, in so far as an organization has a function peculiar to itself
and important to the community, it is obviously beneficial that
it should continue to fulfil it. But what we are cursed with is
a multiplicity of organizations encroaching upon one another’s
functions. For example, there are three or four places of
worship in every village! Again, the spheres of influence of
W.E.A., Y.M.C.A., and N.A.S.U. in social and educational work
are in no way determined. The W.E.A. would be far more
valuable if it were aware of and utilized the Y.M.C.A. Art
Department. The Y.M.C.A. would be much less criticized by
educationists if it made a large use of the Adult School
Handbook. The N.A.S.U. would be far more effective if its
members were steadily supplied with W.E.A. literature. Every-
‘where there is ignorance of what other organizations are
doing, misunderstandings between official and official, duplica-
26 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
tion of effort, waste of opportunity. And yet, under it all,
there is a genuine desire, known to everybody in touch with
more than one body or movement, to “ draw together.”
How are we to arrive at such arrangements as will effect
thoroughgoing co-operation and at the same time preserve the
individuality and freedom of each participating organization ?
We must confess at the outset that we rather despair of schemes
worked out in the offices of the various bodies concerned. These
will inevitably tend to represent officialdom and headquarters
rather than the democratic and local point of view. At best
they will be artificial and external, superimposed rather than
spontaneous. Nevertheless, as far as such arrangements can
be attempted, we are all for trying them. Every experiment
is valuable; and if it fails in its immediate purpose, it has its
educational consequences.
There is, however, a far more effective way of linking together
the various organizations. In every movement there are numbers
of individuals who have the new point of view, who care less
for their own organization than for the future of England and
the World, who are indifferent to labels and creeds, but zealous
for a rebuilding of the social structure along spiritual lines.
These men and women ought to unite in an order of service
They ought to pledge themselves to work for the Reconstruction
of England and the World in ways acceptable to every intélligent
and noble-minded man or woman. And it ought to be their
aim, not to leave their organization, but to permeate it with
their idealism and utilize it for a greater purpose than that which
gave it birth. Through such an esoteric fellowship, in which
were united all the “friends of humanity,’ irrespective of
creed or party, the various organizations would grow into one
another naturally; there would come mutual understanding
and service; the little ends of the particular movement would
be forgotten in the service of the common good.
In order to give embodiment to such an aim—towards which
numbers of earnest men and women in every organized move-
ment were feeling their way—the Y.M.C.A. secretaries of Yorkshire
founded in June, 1918, ‘‘ The Fellowship of Reconstruction.”
They desired not merely to make the Y.M.C.A. more service-
able, but to effect more intimate co-operation with other move-
ments working in the same direction as themselves. After
prolonged thought and discussion they came to see that a
Fellowship pledging its members to nothing except the dedication
of their lives to Reconstruction would effect what they had in
view. The purpose of the Fellowship which they established
was accordingly declared to be—
THE GREAT EDUCATION 27
“To UNITE THOSE PLEDGING THEMSELVES TO WORK FOR
“ $ucH A RECONSTRUCTION OF THEIR OWN COUNTRY AND OF THE
WORLD AS WILL EFFECT THE ESTABLISHMENT UPON EARTH OF
THE KINGDOM OF Gop.”
By way of amplification, the following statement of principles
was given :—
“NONE OF US CAN FORECAST HOW MEN AND WOMEN WILL
LIVE IN WHATEVER UTOPIA LIES BEYOND THE WAR AND BEYOND
THE SEQUENT YEARS OF RECOVERY; BUT WE ALL RECOGNIZE
AS AXIOMS OF THE SOUL CERTAIN GREAT PRINCIPLES BY WHICH
RECONSTRUCTION MUST BE GOVERNED IN ORDER THAT IT MAY
EFFECT THE ENDS WE SEEK. THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY
MUST BE DRAWN FROM THE SELF-SACRIFICE AND THE CO-OPERATION
OF ALL THE HUMAN BEINGS THAT COMPOSE IT; IN EVERY POLITICAL,
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ARRANGEMENT, THE PUBLIC INTEREST
MUST OVERRULE THE PRIVATE ; THE MATERIAL AND THE SPIRITUAL
RESOURCES OF THE NATION MUST BE UTILIZED FOR THE COMMON
GOOD. SOCIETY SHOULD LAVISH UPON ALL ITS IMMATURE MEMBERS
AN EDUCATION SUFFICIENT TO EQUIP THEM FOR LIVING OUT THE
VERY BEST THAT IS IN THEM. FOR EVERY FAMILY A BEAUTIFUL
HOME-LIFE. SHOULD BE MADE POSSIBLE. INSISTING, WHERE
NECESSARY, BY EDUCATIONAL METHODS, THE COMMUNITY MUST
REQUIRE FROM EVERY ONE OF ITS ADULT MEMBERS AN ADEQUATE
SHARE OF THE SOCIALLY NECESSARY TOIL, BUT IT MUST GIVE
THEM CONDITIONS AS PLEASANT AS NATURE WILL ALLOW AMID
WHICH TO LABOUR AND SECURE TO THEM AMPLE LEISURE FOR
ACTIVITIES CHOSEN BY THEMSELVES. THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIS-.
TIANITY MUST BE APPLIED TO EVERY PHASE OF RECONSTRUCTION.
THERE WOULD THUS GRADUALLY RESULT A SUBSTANTIAL EQUALITY
IN MATERIAL THINGS AND SOCIAL STATUS AS WELL AS THE FULLEST
PRACTICABLE FREEDOM FOR SELF-EXPRESSION. IN SUCH A
COMMUNITY, MEN AND WOMEN PHYSICALLY BEAUTIFUL, HIGHLY
CULTURED, SELF-CONTROLLED AND SOCIALLY MINDED, MIGHT
HOPE TO LIVE WHAT JESUS CHRIST MAGNIFICENTLY TERMED
“THE LIFE THAT IS LIFE INDEED.’
“THE EXTENT TO WHICH EACH NATION CAN THUS RE-MAKE
ITSELF WILL BE CLOSELY CONDITIONED BY THE INTERNATIONAL
ARRANGEMENTS IN WHICH IT BECOMES INVOLVED. THE FELLOW-
SHIP INSISTS THAT THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE WORLD SHALL
BE BASED UPON THE SAME FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES WHICH
_IT DESIRES TO SEE APPLIED TO NATIONAL RECONSTRUCTION.”
The freedom of the individual member was safeguarded
by the following declaration :—
“The Fellowship makes no attempt to dictate to its members
28 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
the details of a programme of Reconstruction: on the contrary,
at insists that upon every member lies the responsibility of inde-
pendent thinking upon each particular problem. The function
of the Fellowship is to inspire its members with a vision of the
Kingdom of God. The duty of the individual member is to speed
the coming of that Kingdom in the way that commends itself to
the Spivit of Truth within him.”
We understand that neither the wording of the “ purpose ”
nor the “statement” of principles need be regarded as final.
Upon that provision, could not this Fellowship be made the
nucleus for the co-operation of all educational. and spiritual
movements in the work of Reconstruction? Accidentally, as
it were, it has been inaugurated by the Y.M.C.A. and is gaining
adherents in that movement. But its members must be drawn
from every movement if it is to achieve its ends.t Could it
include in its ranks all the men and women who are in earnest
about things, its power would become considerable enough to
carry through the Great Education for which this Introduction
is a plea.
§ 13.
The True Way to Revolutionize England.
Though we should personally prefer all the waste and chaos
of a brute-force Revolution to a continuance of nineteenth-
centuryism, we see no hope for Reconstruction along the lines
of strike and riot and revolt. It is only by putting new ideas
into people’s heads and new virtues into their hearts that
civilization can be fundamentally and permanently improved.
However wearisome the reiteration, we insist again that educa-
tion alone will avail us, that Education 7s Reconstruction, the
only Reconstruction. We have already suggested ways in which
the State and other large organizations could participate in
the task. In this closing section we outline a method by
which the Great Education might be initiated, the new spirit
kindled, and England stirred to a splendour of achievement
beyond all she has yet accomplished.
Let us suppose that a branch of the Fellowship of Recon-
struction is started in Sheffield and that a little group of men
and women living therein are determined to ‘“‘ work for such
a Reconstruction of their own city as will effect the establishment
in it of the Kingdom of God.” The men at the Front have been
1 See the accompanying diagram. The symbol adopted by the Fellowship
expresses this same idea.
D1acrRaM TO ILLUSTRATE THE PURPOSE OF THE FELLOWSHIP oF
RECONSTRUCTION.
(The triangles represent the various organizations; the inner circle the
Fellowship.)
‘* Though originating in the Y.M.C.A., the Fellowship will not be ful-
filling the purpose of its founders unless it comes to include the adherents
of other bodies. The intention is to unite such organizations in a fellowship
of service central to them all by bringing their active members into personal
association,”—-Extract from the initial leaflet of the Fellowship of Recon-
struction:
30 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
called upon to make a sacrifice’ of everything: possessions,
dear ones, life itself. We will imagine that the group we
visualize has something of that same spirit—for unless we carry
on into the struggle for civilization the same courage and energy
that have been displayed in the War, we shall never achieve
what we desire.
Our proposal is that each member of the group should make
himself (or herself) personally responsible for a small section of
Sheffield, certainly not more than thirty households, perhaps only
ten. That area would become his “ parish.”” He would not
“ visit ” those living there in the role of a superior person, but go
among them as an equal and a servant. He would try to make
himself the friend of every man, woman and child of his
“parishioners.” He would endeavour to help them in their
difficulties, to assist them in making their homes beautiful, to
advise them about their children’s education, to put them in
touch with agencies that would be serviceable to them. He
would aim at discovering some hopeful individual interest in
each one in order to lead him or her along that line into
relationship with Beauty, Truth and Goodness. He would
not urge them to join the particular church or party that he
himself fancied (though he would not shrink from the candid
statement of his own views), but would encourage them to get
into contact with any influence that they felt to be helpful.:
He would preach only one dogma, and that one dogma he would
repeat and explain and illustrate until the tiniest children in
his “ parish” realized its transcendent significance. He would
preach the Coming of the Kingdom of God. He would tell them'
that the War was “ God’s”” way of ending the old order of poverty
and dirt and disease and vice and ignorance and misery, and
that now “ God” intends to give us in their place comfort and
cleanliness and health and virtue and freedom and knowledge
and happiness. (To atheists he would say ‘“‘ the gods” or talk
about “evolution ’’; we do not stop over trifles.) He would
insist that Reconstruction means Reconstruction : the construc-
tion over again of everything not serviceable to men who are
setting their faces towards the Holy City of Mankind. He
would encourage in the hearts of his parishioners a longing for
a Sheffield along whose streets it would be a joy to walk. He
would plead with them to spend their time, their money and
themselves in the endeavour to bring it into being.?
1 If he were an Anglican, he would feel a whimsical delight in persuading
people to go to a Nonconformist place of worship !
* We by no means contemplate merely the “ visiting ’’ of poor people
by others “in a better station of life.’ It is true we regard it as desirable
THE GREAT EDUCATION 81
We conceive of an increasing area of the town being “ appro-
priated ” as more and more sympathizers (largely drawn from
those visited) were inspired to throw themselves into the work.
We believe that as the idea ‘caught on,’’ many ministers of
religion, social workers and others would participate in such
a scheme, even if it meant that they ceased visiting for their
own particular purposes. It is indispensable to the carrying
out of such a project that—just as Cromwell rejected all but
godly men for his New Model Army—only such helpers should
be accepted as have the right attitude and outlook. (This
it is that makes it all-important that every visitor should be
a member of the Fellowship of Reconstruction.)
Essential to achievement is the regular meeting together
of the members of the Fellowship to enjoy social intercourse
one with another, to discharge the necessary business, to exchange
ideas, and to restore their souls.
for a big employer to “' visit” in the slums of Tinsley, but we regard it as
not less desirable that a small employee shouid visit in the residential areas
of Fulwood. (Dalson (p. 135) or Mrs. Stappell (p. 218) is as capable of showing
the average Sheffield magnate the road to salvation as the Well- -equipped
employer is to help the Inadequately-equipped worker in the same direction.)
What we have to aim at is the abolition of all class barriers, and one of the
most educational things for every one of us is to make links with people
differently placed from ourselves. Its effect in this direction is the most
fruitful consequence of the ‘‘ Allotment Movement.” Still more fruitful
in a similar way would be the conscription of every able-bodied male for
a period of service in the coal-mines, The university tutorial class would
be enormously more valuable if it were not so exclusively composed of workers
and minor professionals.
CHAPTER II
THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION
To discover the extent of the ‘‘ equipment ” of the adult manual
workers of Sheffield was the purpose of the enquiry. In order
that the student may rate our discoveries at their true worth,
it is essential that he should be familiarized with the methods
by which they were achieved. This preliminary chapter con-
cerns itself with a statement of those methods and an analysis
of their legitimacy.
The latest Census returns inform us that on the 3rd day
of April in the year 1911 there were living in the County Borough
of Sheffield 454,632 persons. For the year 1917, in the early
part of which the enquiry was commenced, precise statistics
of population were not available. By natural increase, the
454,632 of I91x would probably have become half a million:;
the extension of the boundaries of the city so as to engirdle
the Tinsley area added in 1912 upwards of 5,000 to the
inhabitants of Sheffield; and though perhaps some 40,000
men between the ages of eighteen and forty-one had been
abstracted from the city for military service, the influx of male
and still more of female workers must have amounted probably
to more than this number. In 1917 the total population of
Sheffield was probably somewhat over 500,000.
For the purposes of this enquiry, no course was open but
to base ourselves upon the Igtr statistics. They are the only
ones that are reliable even in the mass. They are the only
ones that provide us with the details of social stratification,
employment, age-grouping, etc., which were indispensable to
the only methods of investigation we could adopt.
In certain phases of the enquiry it became essential to allow
for changes in the social and industrial, sex and age distribu-
tion of the population ; in such cases we were at pains to safe-
guard ourselves. For the most part, however, the methods
3 In 1901 the population Was 409,070. ,
THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION 33
of research were such as to make the error introduced by the
use of six-year-old figures statistically negligible, We believe
that when he reaches the end of this chapter the student will
be as convinced of that as we are ourselves.
Out of the total population of the city, we were concerned
with none but the adult manual workers. At the outset, there-
fore, we were obliged to define what we intended to call an
“adult ’ and what we intended to call ‘‘a manual worker.”
We decided to treat as an “‘ adult’ any person of eighteen
or over at the time when he or she should become the subject
of investigation. In so doing we merely accepted for what
may be called a “zero-point” the age at which the present
sentiment of the community differentiates its immature from
its mature members. (At the age of eighteen, for example,
the boy or girl worker ceases to be a “‘ young person ’”’ within
the meaning of the Factory and Shops and Public Health legisla-
tion; at eighteen again, the youth was at first eligible and then
legally liable for military service; up to eighteen, the recent
Education Act has now made education in due course com-
pulsory for the mass of the population.) The all-important
stage of growth called “‘ adolescence ’—though strictly defined,
it is ‘‘early adolescence’”—lasts from puberty to about
eighteen.
We decided to treat as a “‘ manual worker” any person
commonly recognized as such. The male manual workers are
that race of beings who soil their hands and their clothing by
handling tools, manufacturing machinery, fetching and carrying
materials; they use the muscles of the hands, the arms, the
legs and the body; their work, as a rule, is routine drudgery,
making little demand upon mind or heart. With these male
manual workers we desire to include their womenfolk in the
homes and also those women who are doing work similar to
that of the men. From those who might perhaps legitimately
be designated ‘“‘ workers’’ we exclude only the clerks* and
1 The workers proper do not regard the clerk as one of themselves. From
a private letter written to one of us by a clerk in a Tutorial Class, we extract
the following remarks, made without any thought of their being used in
the present connexion :—
‘My experience is that the working men look suspiciously at the man
‘in the office.’ The clerk may only be one of the great army of ‘ pen-pushers,’
but it makes no difference; the working man will fight shy of him. He
considers him as belonging to the ‘ governing class’ and in close contact
with the ‘ master.’ I find, in my experience, working men who may be
earning far more than I may be, who address me as ‘ Sir,’ simply because
they suspiciously think I am on the same platform as the master. I have
often wondered and endeavoured to find oyt why the worker thinks this,
and I have come to the conclusion that he feels that the clerk is in the in
4
34 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
other ‘minor professionals,” soiling their fingers with ink and
not with oil or dirt, and doing office work that exhausts the
mind rather: than the muscles. It is, perhaps, necessary to say
that we also exclude all those in a managerial capacity, from
foremen upwards. The enquiry was thus designed to cover
all those individuals referred to by the rich as ‘‘ the workers,”
“the toilers,” ‘‘ the masses,’ ‘‘the common people,” “ the
lower classes,” “‘ the poor,” “the proletariat,” ‘‘ Labour,” and
“they” or “them.” The “lower middle’’ (or mainly ex-
manual-worker) class, embracing clerks, teachers, subordinate
managers, journalists, etc., were excluded in order that the
investigation might be confined to a reasonably homogeneous
section of the population.
In the year 1911 there were in round numbers 174,000 persons
under the age of eighteen. About one quarter of the remainder,
so far as we can estimate, did not belong to the class of manual
workers.: Making the first deduction from the total popula-
tion, we get 281,000 men and women over eighteen; making
the second, we get 211,000 ‘“‘adult manual workers’ whose
equipment we set ourselves to investigate. The second of
the appended charts gives a graphical idea of these limits.
The ‘‘ workers’ are, however, homogeneous only in certain
broad characteristics. To discover their equipment it was
clearly essential to take into account the various sections into
which natural or social causes divide them. Those differentize
may be taken as four: the two natural ones of sex and age;
the two man-made ones of social stratum and industrial occu-
pation. To be satisfactory, the enquiry must consider the’ equip-
ment of women as well as that of men; of both men and women
at various age-periods; of both men and women, at all ages,
living under varying social conditions; and, finally, of both
men and women, variously aged and variously placed socially,
working at all kinds of different occupations. Men and women ;
young, middle-aged and old; destitute, poor and relatively
well-off; factory hands, building operatives, railwaymen,
miners, domestic servants, housewives—somehow we had to
the know class, that the clerk deals with the governor’s correspondence
and that he leans towards his master’s ideas.
“The worker is quick to find out upon which platform we stand. Hecan
locate me by the pale face and the flabby hand, and probably the ‘ codfish-
eye.’ om
It is not always easy to say whether a worker should be taken with
the ‘‘ rank and file ’’ or with “ the bosses.”” Where we have been in doubt,
we have excluded such an individual from our purview. The small shop-
keeper has been treated as a worker. The shop-assistant, living in working-
class quarters has been treated as a worker. (
1 See p. 30.
CHART EXPLANATORY OF METHOD BY WHICH THE SAMPLE OF ADULT MANUAL WORKERS WAS SELECTED.
‘Tota, NUMBER OF REPRESENTATIVES, 816: FOR MEN, 408; FOR WoMEN, 408. THE FIGURES ARE APPLICABLE TO EITHER SEX.
28,000 living in tenements | 34 900 living in tenements contain-
or 40,000 living in tenements containing 5 rooms
contig 3 oe by. 112 pa fe Sina oa artione by ae or more, represented by 160 individuals dis-
individuals distributed ac- +5 ee shies a u according tributed according to age thus :—
cording to age thus :— ag *
21,000 “ Young ” (of 18 and over but
under 25), represented by 81 indi- 22
viduals ” distributed according to
social stratum thus :—
27 32
69,000 “ Middle Aged” (of 25 and
over but under 55), represented bi 73
266 individuals distributed accord-
ing to social stratum thus :—
89 104
ee “Old”* (of 55 and over), repre-
by 61 individuals distributed 1 24
according to social stratum thus :— ? 20
‘CHART SHOWING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION OF SHEFFIELD (1911) ACCORDING TO SEX
AGE, AND SOCIAL STRATUM FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE ENQUIRY.
(All numbers ave stated to the nearest thousand ; this accounts for certain discrepancies.)
TotTaL PopuLaTion, 455,000.
280,000 Adults.
70,000 Non-Workers. |
|
104 OOO Men. 107 OOO Women.
|
6,000| 7,000 | 8,000 |6,000| 7,000 | 8,000 Mean”
174,000 Non-Adults. :
69,000
19,000/23,000| 27,000 |19,000/23,000! 27,000 | ‘234
in each sex,
4,000| 5,000 | 6,000 |4,000| 5,000 | 6,000 | “ou”
in each sex.
28,000 in| 34,000 40,000 in 28,000 in| 34,000 40,000 in
3-room or in 5-room 3-room or in 5-troom
smaller 4-room or larger smaller 4-room or larger
tenements. | tenements, tenements, tenements. | tenements, tenements,
THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION 85
set on foot an enquiry which would satisfactorily discover the
mental and moral quality of the workers classified according
to any of these fundamental groupings.
Obviously, the only way in which we could make the re-
search was to pick out from each class representatives whose
equipment could be taken as approximately that of a large
number of their fellows.: If the reader will keep one eye upon
the appended charts for the next few pages, it will be easy
for him to follow the methods by which the representatives
were selected.
x. SEx.—Of the total population in 1911, the males of all
ages and all social classes numbered 224,303 and the females
230,329. Making the necessary deductions for those under
eighteen and those not of the working class, we were called upon
to investigate 104,000 men and 107,000 women. To bother
with the slight numerical superiority of the women over the men
would have been to introduce complications without appreciably
affecting the final results of the enquiry. We decided, therefore,
to investigate an equal number of representatives of each sex,
408 for the men and 408 for the women. (The reasons for taking
this figure are explained upon pp. 39-40.)
2. AGE.—We decided to call any worker under twenty-five
but not under eighteen “ Young’’; of twenty-five and over
but under fifty-five ‘‘ Middle-aged’; of fifty-five and over
“Qld.” Of “Young” people of all social classes there were,
in I9II, 26,590 men and 28,721 women; of “ Middle-aged ”
people there were 91,581 men and 91,315 women; of “Old”
people there were 19,854 men and 22,833 women. As already
stated, we did not deem it necessary to give the women a few
more representatives than the men. In providing for repre-
sentation according to age, therefore, we gave to each age-group
of either sex the same number of representatives. The mean
of the numbers of ‘“‘ Young’’ men and women is 27,656; the
mean of the numbers of “‘ Middle-aged’ men and women is
91,448; the mean of the numbers of “ Old” men and women
is 21,344. The reduction of each of these groups by one-fourth
on account of the non-worker class left us with 21,000
“Young”; 69,000 ‘“‘ Middle-aged”; 16,000 “Old” (each
figure stated to the nearest thousand). Thus the representation
for the age-groups in each sex had to stand in the ratio of
21:69:16. We decided to give 8x of the 408 representatives to
the “ Young” in each sex, 266 to the ‘‘ Middle-aged,” and 61
1 The legitimacy of this mode of procedure, from the point of view af
statistical science, is considered on p. 65. :
86 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
to the “Old ”’—those numbers standing to one another as
nearly as possible in the correct ratio. (Pages 39 and 40 will
explain why these particular numbers were adopted.)
3. SOCIAL STRATUM.—The size of house which a man and
his family occupy is the only clue available to the social stratum
to which he belongs, or, at any rate, the only one that existing
statistics: made it possible to use. And for our purpose, which
did not depend upon any nice social grouping, it is
adequate.
In Sheffield, in I91I, 1,234 men, women and ehildren were
living in one room or in less than onc room per family; 12,874
in tenements of two rooms per family ; 74,975, in three rooms;
109,527, in four rooms; 132,238, in five rooms. During the
War, Sheffield had become still more overcrowded than it was in
1914, and the number of smaller tenements would have increased,
Partly to cover this change and partly because the one- and two-
roomed tenements formed very small groups, we decided to lump
together the one, two and three-roomed tenements for the pur-
poses of the investigation under the general heading of ‘‘ Tene-
ments of three rooms and under.”
A certain percentage of the five-roomed houses, but not
in Sheffield a very large one, is occupied by the non-manual
workers. Against this deduction we have to set an addition
for the fraction of the workers who live in six-roomed houses.
No statistics exist for this or any other town enabling us to
state with accuracy what the subtraction or what the addition
should be. We have reckoned that roughly the error in the
one direction compensates for the error in the other. The workers
living in tenements of more than five rooms have been lumped
in with their less distinguished fellows.
(The entire section of the population living not in “ private
families ’ but in institutions—sick, mentally afflicted, destitute,
criminal and others, with the nurses and other officials in attend-
ance upon them—was omitted from the enquiry.)
In round numbers, therefore, we were called upon to secure
the representation of 90,000 members of the working class living
in three rooms or less per family; of 110,000 workers living
in four rooms per family; and of 130,000 workers living in five
rooms or more per family. Making the necessary deductions
for the non-adults, we had to represent 55,000 men and women
living in three rooms or fewer; 68,000 in four rooms; and
80,000 in five rooms or more. For each sex we had to represent
28,000 in three rooms or fewer; 34,000 in four rooms; 40,000
in five rooms or more, We decided to give Fz2 representatives
THE MBTHOD OF INVESTIGATION 87
to those living in the smallest tenements; 136 to those living
in the tenements of intermediate size; and 160 to those in the
larger tenements. (The reasons for taking these particular
figures, rather than any others in the same ratio, are given on
Pp. 39 and 40.)
4. OccupaTIon. (a) Male Workers.—The tenth category of
occupations into which the ‘Census of Occupations and In-
dustries ’’ divides the population covers all those engaged upon
the manufacture of ‘‘ Metals, Machines, Implements and Con-
veyances”’; of these metal-manipulating workers there ‘were
in IgII no fewer that 67,000 in this city; even after making
full deduction for the non-adult and non-manual workers among
these, they number more than one-half of the total adult
male workers.
These men (during the War of course making munitions)
are the heart of the town. It is their work that makes Sheffield
Sheffield. The 4,000 railwaymen and the 5,000 carmen in the
city exist to bring them materials and machinery and carry
away their manufactures; the 10,000 building operatives exist
to build the factories in which they work and the houses in which
they sleep; the 9,000 males supplying food, drink and tobacco
exist to cater for their bodily needs.: Beyond these groups,
the only other large homogeneous sections which the Census
returns enable us to pick out are the 6,000 men engaged in
the coal and shale mines and the 4,000 who are (or were)
“Messengers, Porters, Watchmen (not Railway or Government).”
(b) Female Workers.—In 1911 there were 178,670 “‘ females ”
of ten years and upwards, of whom, in the delightfully
male terminology of the compilers of the Census, 128,925 were
“unoccupied” (i.e. at home). Of these, 36,893 were unmarried ;
80,324 were married; 11,708 were widowed. Despite all the
inroads upon domesticity made by the War, it is certain that
the overwhelming majority of women were in 1917, though to
a markedly less degree than in rorI, still in their homes. If
we estimate the number of working women with whom this
enquiry is concerned at 107,000, it is safe to say that over 90,000
were in 1917 still ‘‘ unoccupied” at home. Of other large
homogeneous groups of women workers, there were, in I9II,
12,000 in all forms of indoor domestic service ; 9,000 in “ Tools,
Dies, etc.; Arms; Misc. Metal Trades’; 6,000 concerned with
“ Food, Tobacco, Drink and Lodging’; and 3,000 engaged in
1 The numbers have been put in round thousands to avoid a pseudo-
accurate appearance. In every case the Census figures include a fringe
of non-workers,
388 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE -WORKERS
dressmaking. During the War it is certain—though the par-
ticulars are uncertain—that the 9,000 engaged in factory work
greatly increased in number; certain also that the proportion
of domestic servants somewhat declined. :
We at first decided to give representation proportionate
to its size to each of the main groups of workers, classified
according to occupation. So considerable, however, has been
the shifting during the War, and so difficult is it to forecast
what the ultimate re-grouping will be, that we decided to abandon
all attempt at specific representation of the workers in this
direction. As a matter of fact, provided it be large enough
and legitimately selected, a sample chosen on the basis of sex,
age and tenement is statistically sufficient for obtaining the
general results which were all that we modestly proposed to
obtain.
A “sample” thus selected is approximately representative
of the manual workers of Sheffield. We dipped, as it were,
a giant hand among the swarming thousands of the city and
picked up a few hundreds of them who were representative of the
whole 200,000. We believe that within certain mathematically
definable limits—to be presently stated—we can say to the
student: “If you will observe these, at work, at home, at
leisure, upon this Brobdingnagian palm of ours; if you will
go on to see to what extent these few are equipped; then you
will gain an accurate insight into the extent to which the whole
of the adult workers of Sheffield are equipped.” But before
the student can accept fully the legitimacy of our methods,
he must be still further “ properly argued with.” We go on
to explain how, having decided upon the broad features of the
sample, we set about securing our “ victims.”
There are two methods by which we could have filled up
the groyps: one of them as scientifically wrong as the other
is scientifically right. We might have gathered particulars
concerning workers to whom one or other of us had a pre-enquirv
access ; we might have worked through philanthropic gentlemen
and ladies who were in contact with certain sections of workers
at a club, a mission, an infirmary, a place of worship, a settle-
ment. But such a method of selection would produce entirely
worthless results. The workers thus selected would not be in
any sense “representative ’’ of what is popularly called “ the
average run of workers”; they would “represent ’”’ nothing
but the little coteries to which they belonged.
The right way of seouring. “ victims,” to which at immense
cost of time and labour we rigidly adhered, is to get hold of
THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION. 39
your workers by some “ neutral” or “ accidental ”’ or “‘ random ”
method of appréach. The very best way is to go from door
to door, taking care not to go persistently at one time of the
day when certain kinds of workers tend to be out or in,t and
taking care, whenever you break into a house, to include the
result of the visit, however unsatisfactory, in your return.
More than three-quarters of both the men and the women
investigated were secured by street-work. The remainder were
all secured by methods equally neutral: a number by a school-
teacher of the variously conditioned men he had taught and grown
up with; a number by working men and women of their work-
mates or their neighbours; a number by church-visitors taking
the whole of a street in their area; and so on. Upon every
form that was filled up we insisted that the “ Helper” should
state the “ Mode of Approach” in order that we might reject
any returns which we did not consider to be legitimate. We
believe that in this direction, therefore, no less than in the others,
the sample is reliable.
We decided to consider only 408 cases of men and 408 cases
of women because we found it impossible to undertake more.
Few people possess the requisite tact, courage and intelligence
for the kind of visiting that was required. In war-time we
found it exceedingly difficult to discover suitable helpers for such
work, and, as a matter of fact, a single highly-skilled male
investigator visited more than three-quarters of the men, and a
single highly-skilled woman investigator more than three-quarters
of the women. From the point of view of the results, this single-
handedness is an advantage. It means that for the bulk of
1 E.g. when thé public-houses are open. Fortunately (so far as the
enquiry was concerned) the public-houses were mostly closed during the
time we were investigating. Two other points may be conveniently men-
tioned here. (i) Without attempting to apportion them in any way, we
drew our cases from every area of working-class Sheffield. (ii) The abstrac-
tion of some tens of thousands of men for the Army does not appreciably
invalidate our results. The proportion of these was smaller in 1917 (when
we were getting the facts) than it became later. Those left behind
included not merely men over military age and ‘“‘young’”’ men just under
military age, but also skilled engineers and medically unfit between eighteen
and forty-one. The number of ‘‘ Well-equipped ’’ would perhaps be rela-
tively higher among the skilled engineers than among a similar number
of workers picked out at random. The medically unfit, i.e. the medically
unfit for the Army—in spite of the fact that a certain number of wastrels
would be among them—are, we think, pretty much like the medically fit
as regards “‘ equipment.” Thus theoretically the net result would be perhaps
to make the whole of the workers appear somewhat better equipped than
‘they are. As a matter of fact, in asample 5}, the size of the total, we were
working with numbers too small to register such a difference. (It might
be mentioned that we came across a fair number of men discharged from
the Army; these were, of course, included in the enquiry.)
40 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
the cases in each sex there was—so far as the investigator’s
mind remained constant trom day to day and hour to hour
—one scale of values in determining the factors by which the
equipment had to be judged.
We decided, after consultation with Professor Bowley :—
whose counsel has been of immense help to us throughout our
task—that a smaller number than 408 cases would not yield
us results of scientific value. But the number 408, selected
in the way indicated, is sufficient for the general purpose we
had in view. Having discussed to what extent these 408 men
and these 408. women are equipped for their life-work, we can
apply the results—within certain mathematically known margins
of error—to the whole of the workers of the town. What those
limits are, we shall indicate at the point where we set out the
results and explain their quantitative validity.:
There is, of course, no magic in the number 408. We were
obliged, in our sample, to make the numbers in the various
sub-groups of age and social stratum stand roughly in the same
numerical relation to one another as the larger classes which
they represented. For the reasons already assigned, we wanted
to get somewhere about 400 in all. Four hundred and eight
happened to be the total resulting from the most satisfactory
manipulation of the figures in the sub-groups that we could
achieve.
Having decided upon the numerical features of the sample
required and the methods of securing representatives, we set
about the elaboration of a Questionnaire with which to work.
We required the completed Questionnaire to indicate certain
“External Data’ indispensable for placing the case in one of
the pre-determined categories in the sample. We required it
also, of course, to present ‘“‘ Personal Data’’ by which we should
be able to estimate the extent of the individual’s equipment.
This is the Questionnaire which we used :—
1 pp. 64 and 65..
THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION 41
STRICTLY PRIVATE
Name of Helper .......... tyibcd Bie) ates ae Silas ‘less Pete Gece Ninos cee
AdGvESS coc ce ius irae ia saa see da seen nea sig a bla bees ato aati eas
SO siace aks Si deibae Satae > GABE Rela autaiocee aia te Seen teats Sessa hes
Married, Widower or Widow, Single .......... areta eto GiNS Sieas wipe eia’
Exact Occupation ......cccece cence eneennees a eect arta et nat ata ala aalatacaes
Size of Tenement Occupied by Family Sci sinus aia vay ieee eas grew ate IS
Precise Mode of Helper’s Approach to X ...... a ee
QAn rk WN
OY ANUAWDH
I. EDUCATIONAL IDEAS.
. What does X think of the W.E.A.?
. Does X attend any Classes, Lectures, etc. ?
. What does he think about the education of his children ?
. How does he regard the University ?
. What is X’s opinion of education in general ?
. Other information under I.
II, LEISURE.
. How does X spend evenings ?
. How does X spend free afternoons ?
. How does X spend Sundays ?
How does X spend annual holiday ?
. What ave X’s hobbies ?
. What ave X's chief amusements and pleasures ?
Is X keen on garden or allotment ?
. Other data under II.
III, MUSICAL TASTES.
IV, ASSTHETIC FEELINGS.
42 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
V. SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES.
. Is X a member of a Trade Union ?
. Is X a keen member ?
. Is X a member of a “ Co-op.” ?
Is X a true Co-operator ?
Is X @ member of a Provident or Friendly Society ?
Is X a member of any other Club or Society ?
Is X a member of a religious or similar organization P
. What is the value of X's membership ?
. What is the nature of X’s relations with the other members of the
family ?
10. Note any points that would serve to indicate X’s goodness or badness,
11. What is your personal impression of X ?
12. Other data under V.
DO ON ANP WN
VI. READING,
VII. HOME.
VIII. POLITICAL IDEAS.
(With a view to indicating X’s fitness for local and national citizenship.)
IX. ROOT DESIRES.
1. What is X’s ambition ?
2. What would X do if a millionaire ?
3. What would X like to do in old age?
X. OTHER DATA.
THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION 43°
To guide the Helper in his work, he was personally instructed
in the dark art of investigation and provided with ‘‘ Confidential
Instructions,” from which we extract the following items * :—
STRICTLY PRIVATE
A. THE PURPOSE OF THE ENQUIRY.
“Let us call by the name X the person about whom you are
getting the information, and assume, for the moment, that
X is a married man.
We want data sufficient to enable us to make reasonably
certain of X’s ‘‘ Educational Equipment ”’ or “‘ Degree of Culture ”’
or “‘ Mental and Moral Unfoldment.”’
You must get us sufficient facts for this purpose, and the
more facts you ascertain, the more accurate will be the whole
of the work.”
B. THE METHOD OF PROCEDURE.
“We will assume you are getting your information by calling
as a stranger at X’s house. Go as a W.E.A. missionary and
make one of your objects that of winning X for the W.E.A.
Take pamphlets, and perhaps you might take some sweets for
the youngsters, etc. Talk boldly about the W.E.A.; make
the most of your social enthusiasm; let them know that you
are “ont” to help the working people to win a greater life;
sympathize with the sufferings of the poor. As far as you can
do it sincerely, identify yourself with X. Somehow, at any
rate, win his ear sufficiently to set his tongue wagging, and
then your first and hardest task is achieved. . . .’’ [As a matter
of fact, we altogether exaggerated this difficulty. We found the
pamphlets useful but the sweets quite unnecessary. There was
scarcely a home we entered in which we did not make at any rate
a passing friendship with the inmates. |
“ By acting as a W.E.A, Missionary and by standing upon
your social sympathy with X, and by tactfully avoiding con-
troversy and emphasizing agreement, you can get X to give
you the information you require—either in answer to specific
questions or during general conversation.”
1 The passages extracted are such as will assist the student to estimate
the value of our returns,
44 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
C. THE QUESTIONNAIRE.
(i) “ External” Data.
“Your return is not of the slightest tse unless it gives us the
name of X, his address, the size of his tenement, his age, his exact
occupation, and the mode of your approach to him... .”
“4. Age. Don’t be inquisitorial in ascertaining a victim’s
age. If you can’t get it precisely, state ‘“ Young” (i.e. 18 to
25), ‘‘ Middle-aged ” (i.e. 25 to 55), ‘‘ Old” (over 55).’’?
“9, Size of Tenement. You will often be able to put down
the size of the tenement without particular enquiry; but you
must make certain—this is exceedingly important—how many
rooms are occupied by the family in which X lives. (Size of
tenement=number of rooms occupied by one family, counting
as a room the kitchen, but of the scullery, landing, lobby, closet,
bathroom, warehouse, office or shop.) 2
8. Mode of Approach. Tf you have ‘got at” X by calling
as a stranger at his house, state this fact as “‘ House-to-house
enquiry.” If he is a neighbour, put ‘ Neighbour.’”’ Whatever
may be your mode of access to X, explain it so that we can
understand it.”’
(ii) Personal Data.
“There are nine separate heads upon which we want infor-
mation concerning X. Each of these heads is printed in capitals
and preceded by a Roman numeral in your Questionnaire. A few
subordinate heads are mentioned to prompt your imagination.
For the most part, however, we leave it to you to ask the
questions you feel most appropriate. We quite understand that
you cannot give every detail of information we suggest, but
under each of the main heads you MUST get suffictent informa-
tion to enable us to decide on X’s condition in that respect.
Let us consider each of the heads in turn :—
I, EpucaTIONAL OPINIONS.
Your introduction of yourself as a W.E.A. missionary
will make it easy to get at X’s views on education. Tell
him about the W.E.A., and ask him whether he thinks
it of any use, what he should like it to do, etc.
1 Doubtless a few errors were made in statements both of age and size of
tenement, but these would tend to cancel out and would not appreciably
affect results.
* This instruction is of course in keeping with the principle of the rg11
census,
THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION A5
Make a special effort to find out X’s attitude towards
the education of his children. Does he think their edu-
cation all worthless? Is his criticism based on any solid
thought or feeling ?
Does he want to take them away from school as soon
as possible? Or does he see the value of education and
desire to give his children all he can?
II. LrEIsure.
If you can get him on to his favourite hobby, he will
answer all your queries under this head. Don’t put
questions too abruptly or directly. Let him talk, and one
by one you will get most of the points you want. If
you can see his garden, put down your opinion of its
condition, etc.
Make sure of the trustworthiness of his wife’s o1
neighbour’s statement that he is “ always at the public-
house,” etc.
III. Musicat TASTES.
Note what musical instruments there are in the house,
whether X plays any of them, whether he likes listening ;
if there is any music, have a look at it; if there is a
gramophone, look at the records and jot down what
they are; find out if X takes the family to concerts or
to hear the band in the park. Does he sing in a choir ?
Etc., etc. What are X’s favourite songs ?
IV. AESTHETIC FEELINGS.
These you can judge to some extent by the condition
of the home—though for this the woman is mainly re-
sponsible (furniture, pictures, floor covering, curtains,
tablecloth). Partly by X’s dress, perhaps. By his
hobbies and pleasures. By his views on things. Does
he think Sheffield is a beautiful city? Does he love
the moors? Does he go to the Mappin Art Gallery ?
Etc., etc.
V. RELIGIOUS AND SocIAL ACTIVITIES.
Poor people are often extraordinarily good-hearted.
For example, you will find a family with nothing to
spare voluntarily taking care of an abandoned child of
46
THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
some one else’s. If you can give evidence of any deeds,
large or small, of that character, you will help us more
than in any other way to judge X’s true culture. On
the other hand, you may run across evidence of X’s
viciousness. While you are in the house, you will perhaps
get an idea of what sort of a man X is from seeing the
way in which he treats his wife and children.
It is most important that you should put down your
personal impression of X after seeing and talking with
him. State it as honestly and fully as you can.
VI. READING.
What X reads is one of the most important direct
tests as to what X is. If there is a private collection
of books, make sure they are X’s, that he reads them,
etc. Find out in conversation what reading -he most
likes—what kind of books or papers. If he borrows
books, find out what he borrows and how he chooses
his books.
VII. Home.
Note down your personal impressions of the atmo-
sphere of X’s home. Is it really a home? Is there love,
and sweetness and purity? Is it merely a sleeping and
feeding place ?
Note also the material conditions of the home: the
poverty—the cleanliness—the orderliness—the state of
walls, furniture, floor, table, ornaments, etc., and the
appearance of the members of the household.
VIII. PoriticaL IDEAS.
It is not unlikely that you will fall into political dis-
cussion with X. If you do, tell us what his ideas are
worth. Does he get all -his ideas from John Bull, etc. ?
Does he think for himself? Does he really care a straw
about politics ?
IX. Root DEsIREs.
It is not essential to get answers to the three questions
we have asked under this head. At the same time, the
information would be very valuable.
THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION | 47
X. OTHER DATA.
Under this head, put down any facts that you regard
as important or supplementary, e.g. some striking fact
about X’s career that may transpire, your own feeling that
you don’t quite know what to make of this case, etc.”
(iii) Further Notes on the Questionnatre.
“The hints so far given have assumed a house-to-house
visit and a married man as the subject of investigation.
It does not seem to be necessary to indicate in detail
all the changes that must be made in applying the Ques-
tionnaire under conditions other than house-visiting or
to people in other sex and age categories.
If you approach X as a workmate, tell us in detail
your personal impression of him as a man and a worker ;
but also you might go to see him in his house; and mind
you don’t forget to fill in ‘‘ Size of Tenement.”
In filling up Questionnaires for lady X’s, it is urgent
to get very full information about those things in
which a working-woman’s personality expresses itself,
e.g. the Home, Co-operation, Church Membership, Rela~
tions with husband (or parents), children (or brothers and
sisters), etc,”
D. FRIENDLY COUNSEL.
“3, Take the greatest pains to return accurate information.
If you feel any of your facts are questionable, say so. Leave
a space blank rather than fill it in with doubtful data.
6. State the source of your information. If you are not
merely recording what X himself says, let us know who says
it or if it is your own imptession, etc.”
“12, Take a rough notebook with you on your visit of enquiry.
If X is friendly, he or she may not object to your jotting down
his or her opinion on the W.E.A., etc., while in the house. But,
generally speaking, the right place to make your notes is out-
side the.-house. Make your notes at once; you will find your
impressions rapidly fade. It is especially important to make
one set of notes before entering upon a second enquiry.
13. If possible, don’t let a night’s sleep intervene between
making your rough notes and filling up your Questionnaire.
Your rough notes won’t go into full details; but with the help
of them, vour recent impressions will enable you to make very
?
48 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
full statements on the Questionnaire. But the longer you wait,
the less accurate and ample will your statements be.”
“15. Beware of putting answers into X’s mouth and then
recording them as his. Let X state his own opinions. Don’t
prompt him more than you can possibly help.”
‘20. Learn the Questionnaire by heart, so that when you enter
a house you know exactly all the points on which you require
information.
21. Our enquiry is worthless unless our X’s are truly repre-
sentative. They must not be specially selected in any way.
They must be chosen at random. This means that your method
of approach to X must always be strictly NEUTRAL. You must
not take as an X your friend or a fellow trade-unionist or any
member of any organization as such. You must only select
people whose acquaintance you make in an accidental or neutral
way, i.e. by proximity of residence (neighbour), by proximity
of work (workmate), or by approach as a stranger (house-to-
house enquiry or chance familiarity in the street, etc.). If you
propose a mode of approach other than one of these four, you
must first notify us.
22. If you once break into a house with the purpose of getting
the facts about an X living in it, you musT get those facts,
even if you have to return fifty times. If you neglect homes
because the data are difficult to get, you will be returning us a
dishonest sample. If you can’t anyhow get the facts, after
you have once entered a house, put in the Questionnaire the
address, and send it in blank with a statement giving the reasons
of your failure to get the information.”
“30. Expand as much as you possibly can your personal
impression of X.
It is best to make this final estimate of X after filling in
all the other details and after reading the information through
as a whole.”
‘33. Later on, we shall attempt to sort out all the cases
into these three classes :—
Class I: Well-equipped (educationally) for Home, Work,
Leisure, Citizenship, Life, etc.
Class II: Indifferently-equipped for Home, Work, Leisure,
Citizenship, Life, etc.
Class III: Ill-equipped for Home, Work, Leisure, Citizen-
ship, Life, etc.
If you are absolutely certain that your X belongs to one of
these classes, please state ‘‘ Well-equipped,” ‘“‘ Indifferently-
equipped ” or “ Ill-equipped’’ on your form, under “ Other
°
THE MRTHOD OF INVESTIGATION 49
Data.” If you are not quite sure whether an X should be classed
under “ Well-equipped,” put ‘‘? Well-equipped?”’ or “I am
not quite sure whether to say ‘ Well-equipped,’”’ etc. Similarly
with a case you are not quite sure of allocating under “ Ill-
equipped.”
Note +.—We want Class I (‘‘ Well-equipped ”’) to be a rather
-small and exclusive class consisting only of those workers who
really can be called reasonably well-educated. A worker in
this class would read good literature ; have an active and well-
informed interest in politics; be keen on Trade Union, Co-
operative Society, Church or Socialist Club; live in a really
pleasant home; understand the value of education ; show signs
of esthetic sense; have elevated “‘ root desires’’; make a good
Tutorial Class Student or W.E.A. worker. He would be awake,
spiritually rich, emancipated, intelligent, kind, earnest, and
blessed with a social outlook.
Note i.—Again, we intend Class III (‘‘Ill-equipped’”’) to
be rather small and exclusive. Call an “ Ill-equipped ” worker
one who takes no interest at all in politics ; who reads nothing
of any value; whose root desires are contemptible; whose
amusements are mainly Football, Picture Palace, Music Hall
and Public-house; who is indifferent to Trade Union, Club
and Church; whose home is discreditable; whose desire of
education is nil; who is, on the whole, fast asleep; blind to
Truth and Beauty and Goodness; enslaved; spiritually des-
titute ; selfish.
Put in this class both the workers who are exceedingly ignorant
and stupid as well as those who are morally defective.
Note iit,—Among the “‘ Indifferently-equipped’”’ put all
those who, without any question, belong neither to the “ Well-
equipped ”’ nor the “ Iil-equipped.”
Probably you will find yourself putting most of your X’s in
Class II. But if you have a marginal case—one which you
think might perhaps go in Class I or Class III, be scrupulous
to mark it “? Well-equipped?” or “? Ill-equipped?” or
“Between I and II” or “‘ Between II and III,” as we have
already advised.”
As a sample of the sort of thing our returns were, we have
picked up the first completed Questionnaire for a man that
came to hand. The statements are word for word those actually
given, nothing being altered except the name and address of
both helper and X.
50 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
STRICTLY PRIVATE
Name of Helper.—Peter Freeman.
Address —15, Farnover Place, Brightside.
&’s Full Name.—James Allerly.
Exact Addvess—2H 4C Brightside Park Road.
Sex.—M. A ge.— 42-44.
Married, Widower or Widowed, Single —M.
Exact Occupation.—Steel-dresser.
Size of Tenement Occupied by Family.—s5.
Precise Mode of Helper’s Approach to X.—Neighbour.
I. EDUCATIONAL IDEAS.
. What does X think of the W.E.A. ?—Never heard of it.
. Does X attend any Classes, Lectures, etc. —No.
What does X think about the education of his children pu Tatttte:
. How does X vegard the University p—Nothing about it.
. What is X’s opinion of education in general ?
. Other information under I.
Children attend most irregularly and leave as early as possible
in order to get to work. To him money is of more importance
than education.
AunbkwWNH
II. LEISURE.
1. How does X spend evenings ?—In streets, at public, or the pieture
palaces.
. How does X spend free afternoons ?—Public and streets.
. How does X spend Sundays ?
. How does X spend annual holiday ?—Never known him have one.
. What ave X’s hobbies >—None.
. What are X’s chief amusements and pleasures ?
Is X keen on garden or allotment p—No.
. Other data under II.
OI anbhwn
III. MUSICAL TASTES.
Nil.
IV. HZSTHETIC FEELINGS.
Nil. Rarely you see him with a collar on. Scarf twisted round
his neck.
et
Io.
. What is your personal impression of X ?
12.
THE METHOD OF INVESTIGATION 51
V. RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.
Is X a member of a Trade Union ?P—Yes.
Is X a keen member ?—No.
. Is X a member of a Co-operative Society p—Yes.
Is X a@ true Co-operator ?
Is X a member of a Provident or Friendly Society ?—Yes.
Is X a member of any other Club or Society >—No.
. Is X a member of a religious ov similar organization ?—No.
. What is the value of X’s membership ?
. What is the nature of X's velations with other members of the family ?
—Rather strained at times.
Note any points that would serve to indicate X’s goodness or badness.
Other data under V.
Never attends a place of worship. Wife and children the same.
VI. READING.
Never reads a book. Evening Special and Racing papers the
only ones. When he has it, has a shilling or two on a horse.
VII. HOME.
A meagre one. Only the barest of necessaries, but nothing
that can be dispensed with. His wife does her best.
VIII. POLITICAL IDEAS.
(With a view to indicating X’s fitness for local and national citizenship.)
A Socialist for what he thinks he will get out of it. Would
stand and listen at street corners to street ‘‘orators” and
believe what they tell him. Would go to a meeting if he
thought there was likely to be some “‘fun,’’ and would take
his share in it.
IX. ROOT DESIRES.
1. What is X’s ambition >—Has none.
2. What would X do if a millionaire ?
3. What would X like to do in old age >—No thought for the future.
X. OTHER DATA.
Not a bad-hearted man when out with his companions, but
not fair to his wife. Might give her more money and then
they would be much more comfortable, but instead spends too
much on drink and gambling.
CHAPTER III
CLASSIFICATION
To classify the representatives secured by the investigation it
became necessary to devise a method of differentiating them.
Had we been considering. “ Physical Equipment’ we could
have employed tests known to medical men and decided with
reasonable accuracy which were “ first-class lives,” which were
“second-class lives,” and so on. “‘ Physical Equipment,’ as
an insurance society would interpret it, is a more or less palpable
and measurable fact. But the equipment which we were called
upon to measure would seem insusceptible of measurement ;
it is something the very nature of which eludes comprehension.
When we say that A is better than B at simple addi-
tion, we are making a limited statement which is easily followed
and easily proved. But what do we mean when we say—as
we are constantly by implication doing—that A is a better
human being than B? How was Socrates “ better’’ than
the Athenians who forced him to drink the hemlock? How
was he better than the friends who counselled him to escape ?
Which is ‘‘ better ’’—the slovenly, absent-minded, ineffectual
University don or his practical and charming ignoramus of a
wife? In what ways was the child whom Jesus Christ set as
an example in the midst of His disciples “ better’ than they ?
How shall we decide—can we decide ?—in what order of merit
(so to speak) to place Mr. Asquith, Mr. Bottomley, the Rev.
R. J. Campbell, Mr. G. K. Chesterton, Mr. Lloyd George, Sir
Douglas Haig, the King, Sir Thomas Lipton, Sir Oliver Lodge,
Viscount Northcliffe, Mr. Bernard Shaw, and Mr. H. G. Wells ?
Let the, reader mentally or actually put ‘‘ 1” against the “‘ best ”
of these men; “2” against the ‘‘ second-best’; and so on
through the whole twelve of them. Upon what principle is he
‘forming his queue ?
How were we to arrange’ in order of fundamental merit
‘the 816 men and women we picked out of the streets of
Sheffield ?
52
CLASSIFICATION 58
At the outset we confess candidly that the classification we
have adopted depends upon two unsupported hypotheses, each
unfortunately running counter to certain widely held views.
To many adherents of one or other of the great religions, human
beings must all be regarded as either ‘‘ saved ”’ or “‘ lost,” either
“sheep ” or “‘ goats,’’ either “ white ”’ or ‘“‘ black.’’ On the other
hand, there are great and perhaps increasing numbers of people
who look upon each individual as a conglomeration of innumer-
able elements without a unifying reality; these would declare
that as between A and B it may be possible to compare
a single factor in their make-up; but they would deny the
practicability either now or at any time of classifying A
and B as a whole. The former view sees human beings as
segregated into two mutually exclusive masses. The latter sees
one vast multitude, unarranged and unarrangeable.
With no desire to trespass into theology or philosophy, we
are obliged to state that in our view a human being is not either
white or black, nor an incoherent patchwork of white and black.
We contend that every human being—to develop the colour
metaphor—has his own individual shade of brown. And to revert
to the other figure of speech, we visualize human beings not
as two confronting masses, nor yet as one confused multitude,
but as standing shoulder to shoulder in a line, placed in order
according to the degree of the basic unifying reality resident
in each.2 It is the man’s fundamental self, the quality of the
1 We thus assume also that men and women stand in this line, or, in
other words, that it is possible to compare, in this fundamental respect, a
man with a woman. ‘
2 Cf. Maeterlinck, The Life of the Bee: ‘‘I know of no other creature
that has thus been fashioned to produce this strange fluid, which we call
thought, intelligence, understanding, reason, soul, spirit, cerebral power,
virtue, goodness, justice, knowledge ; for it has a thousand names, though
only one essence. To this essence all things within us are sacrificed. Our
muscles, our health, the agility of our limbs, the equilibrium of our animal
functions, the tranquillity of our life—all these feel the ever-increasing weight
of its preponderance. It is the most precious, most difficult state to which
matter can be raised. Flame, heat, light, even life, and the instinct more
subtle than life, and most of the intangible forces which crowned the world
before our coming, have paled at the contact of the new effluence. Whither
it will lead us we know not, or what it will do with us, or become in our
hands. All this will be revealed when at last it shall reign in the plenitude
of its powers.”
Cf. also Bernard Shaw, Syllabus of Lecture given at the King’s Hall
on October 27, 1916: ‘‘ Life must be conceived politically not as a fixed
and gratuitous attribute of certain bodies, but as a power of which the supply
varies in quantity and quality, and can be controlled by public action.
Health and disease, vitality and mortality, mean not only a greater or less
quantity of life, but a higher or lower quality of it. By a higher quality
is meant higher in the ascent of evolution. Cancer is a very vigorous mode
of life ; but we call it lower than the life of a human brain, which it destroys.
54 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
life that is in him, the spiritual nature that subtly communicates
itself to his fellows, the thing that he is in the evolutionary
scale, the man as he appears in “‘ the eye of God.”’ We believe
that as an actual fact in Nature every man has his value, and
that theoretically—to say the least of it—it is feasible to classify
men according to the values they possess.*
Supposing these assumptions to be correct, “ placing’ is
possible. The problem we had to solve was to find practicable
methods of doing it. ‘I have myself,” says Bernard Shaw,?
“been tested with contrivances designed to ascertain how
quickly I can respond to a sensory stimulus, or how long I can
distinguish between two colowrs when they are being substituted
for one another with increasing rapidity. The inferences from
these tests vary from the simplest statement of the result to a
certificate classing you with a Fuegian or with Shakespear
or Plato: that is to say, from cautious fact to extravagant
romance; but if these contrivances be taken with various tests.
used in the Army and other public services, they will appear
as part of a growing body of anthropometric devices ranging
from the shoemaker’s rule to attempts at psychometric machines.
These machines should not be passed over lightly because some
of them are obviously cranky, and none have superseded the
experienced college tutor who tells an undergraduate what
honours it is worth his while to read for in view of his natural
capacity. But tutorial measurement is founded upon a degree
of intimacy and familiarity which is not practicable for general
purposes.”
The scientific way of making this enquiry of ours would be—
perhaps some day will be—to use “ anthropometric devices ”’
on a sufficiently large and properly selected sample of workers.
The best way of making it at the present time would be to pick
out a sample of workers every one of whom was known with at
least that “‘ degree of intimacy and familiarity ’ that the tutor
possesses of the undergraduate. This could be done by elabo-
rate organization, and we sincerely hope that other and abler
The existence of cancer shows that it is possible for life, when operating
at a high level, to slip down to a lower level and ruin its previous work.
Death itself does not put an end to life: it substitutes the life of a million
maggots for the life of one man. Fundamentally, the business of the poli-
tician is to keep life operating at the highest possible level and climbing
to still higher ones. In other words, the Highest Quality of the Greatest
Number.”
1 We incline to the belief that physiologists will ultimately discover
that the physical body of the “ coarse’ man is in some way more coarse
or less refined than that of the ‘refined’? man, ;
* Preface to the (1918) Education Year Book,
CLASSIFICATION 55
investigators will accomplish it and supersede our amateurish
methods. Situated as we were, however, we were obliged to
resort to clumsier devices, involving larger possibilities of error.
The only method found practicable in the majority of cases
was to base our estimate of the individual upon the data pro-
vided by a single brief interview. In this interview, neverthe-
less, we believe that we ascertained enough data concerning
“xX” to throw him with rough accuracy into one or other of
the three classes presently to be specified.
What we did was to discover by every available means the
individual’s spiritual affiliations. His xsthetic sense would be
revealed in his appearance, the condition of his house, his way
of speaking about music and other things; his intelligence
would be indicated by the way in which he talked and by the
knowledge he possessed on politics and other serious matters ;
his “love of goodness’? would be shown by his attitude to-
wards his wife and children, the way in which he spent his leisure,
and the interest which he showed in various features of his
environment. It is our conviction that an approximately
accurate diagnosis can be made in almost every case by studying
“symptoms ” of this kind.t To get at the reality you do not
want to have before you the Recording Angel’s detailed list
of a man’s virtues and vices; you need not know how many
of the Ten Commandments he has broken, or whether he has
risen in a crisis to some act of magnanimity. The real man
is the man in ordinary life, as he reveals himself in his everyday
love of Beauty, Truth and Goodness, in his home, his work,
his leisure. What he is im general determines his conduct on
particular occasions. We accept Emerson’s verdict: ‘‘A man
passes for what he is worth. What he is engraves itself on his
face, on his form, on his ‘fortunes, in letters of light, which all
may read but himself. Concealment avails him nothing; boast-
ing nothing. There is confession in the glances of our eyes,
in our smiles, in our salutations, in the grasp of hands.”
Our investigators worked with a wide experience and with
considerable skill. We believe that in ninety-five cases out of
a hundred they amassed sufficient information, and interpreted
it with sufficient accuracy, to enable us to place ‘“‘ X ” correctly.
If the student doubts the feasibility of such ‘‘ placing,” let
him talk to the first working-man he encounters, with the con-
scious intention of finding out what we were seeking for. He
1 Certain individuals, we are prepared to admit, elude such methods and
would reveal themselves on longer acquaintance as quite different from
what they are on first encounter. But these do not number five ina hundred,
perhaps not one in a hundred,
56 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
will be surprised to discover how speedily he begins to form
an estimate from the man’s face, bearing, speech, clothes, and
knowledge of what he essentially is. Let him chat with the man
for a quarter of an hour, sympathizing with his ideas, and skilfully
turning the conversation on to amusements, education, reading,
politics, etc., and he will have an impression which is perhaps
as accurate as anything he could get in a lifetime,t Let him
go to see the man’s home, observe his relations with his wife
and children, note the condition of the walls, floor, table, etc.,
and he will have external evidence to intensify the impression
already gained. o
The task was made easier, and the results more certain, by
the fact that we were studying only one broadly homogeneous
section of the population. It would have been beyond our
powers to make a comparative estimate of the equipment of
representatives drawn from the ranks of the possessing rich,
the middle-class, and the property-less workers. The indices
by which we could read the hidden reality would be different in
each class. One thinks well of a worker if he can talk about
Sherlock Holmes, for that character is not much known among
the poor. But we would pass the fact by as. providing no test
whatever of the capacity or elevation of one of the well-to-do.
Again, to institute comparisons between back-to-back houses
and those based upon servants and nursemaids, with a view
to discovering ultimate facts about those responsible for each,
would be a task for a Superman. It is, moreover, easier to
discover the truth about the workers than about those in other
classes. Just as the worker’s home is open to the street, so
would his nature seem bare to the enquirer. He is not concealed
by grounds, motor-cars, servants, clothes, and conventionalities.
He does not hide his feelings and ideas by the adoption of smooth
ways of speech and behaviour. One must undo wrapping after
wrapping to get at the real man in a bishop or a duke, a
businessman or a professional. But the worker’s soul is, to our
thinking, more accessible. Living in the eye of his neighbours,
1 As a matter of fact, we all do this sub-consciously, with astounding
swiftness and accuracy. ‘‘ All human intercourse is a seeing of reflections.
I meet a stranger in a railway carriage. The cadence of his first word tells
me he is English, and comes from Yorkshire. ... His second sentence
records that he is a politician and a faint inflexion in the way he pronounces
The Times reveals his party. In his next remarks I see reflected a whole
world of experiences. The books he has read, the people he has met, the
influences that have played upon him and made him the man he is—these
are all registered there by a pen which lets nothing pass and whose writing
can never be blotted out. . . . Whether we like it or not, we live in glass-
houses. The mind, the memory, the soul is simply a vast chamber panelled
with looking-glass ”’ (Henry Drummond: The Changed Life).
CLASSIFICATION 57
enjoying a minimum of privacy, he has not learnt to disguise
his nature. What he truly is, is written in staring characters
in himself and in the things about him.
To decide upon the manner of classifying the returis and
naming the classes was a task that tormented us from the moment
we began the enquiry. It worries us still, for we are not sure
that we might not even yet, after still more discussion and
reflection and memorandum-writing, hit upon a ‘‘ more excellent
way.” We at first decided to have five classes: I, “ The
Best ’’; II, ‘“‘ The Middling ” ; IIT, ‘‘ The.Worst’’ ; and intermediate
classes for the cases marginai to I and I] and toII and III. We
abandoned this project partly because the use of smaller groups
would gravely detract from the statistical results of the enquiry ;
but mainly because we found by experiment that such inter-
mediate classes tended to correspond not with any actual sections
of working-class equipment so much as with inadequacy of data
in some of the returns.t It seemed wisest to do what is indi-
cated in the Instructions to Helpers: have a small and ex-
clusive class for the best of the workers, a small and exclusive
class for the worst, and an intermediate, vaguely defined, and
unscientifically large and inclusive class for those not definitely
superior and inferior.
It seemed best to name these three classes the “‘ Well-
equipped,” the “ Inadequately-equipped,” and the “ Mal-
equipped.”’ These terms are unimaginative enough for a thesis
for a doctorate. They do not appeal to us as much as ‘‘ Those
Living Finely,” “Those Living Indifferently,” and ‘‘ Those
Living Basely,” or the ‘‘ Spiritually Rich,’ the ‘‘ Spiritually
Poor,” and the “ Spiritually Destitute,” or many others which
with reluctance we rejected. From our point of view, however,
there is much virtue in your ‘“ Equipped.” In particular it
calls up the idea of Education’ simultaneously with the idea
of Life—for which Education ought to equip people. Its deri-
vatives, moreover, will more readily assume the connotations
we thrust upon them than would a term having a specialized
significance because of its usual employment in other connexions.4
1 When we came to the final placing, a number of inadequate returns
were cast on one side.
2 We have coined the third term. “‘Ill-equipped’’ literally means
the same thing as ‘‘ Mal-equipped,” but we want a suggestion of positive
Se falsity which is conveyed by the prefix ‘‘ Mal” and not by the
prefix “* Ill.”
* The only way to speak of a man’s “ educatedness ”’ is to use the peri-
phrasis ‘‘ educational equipment.”
‘Tn Part I of this enquiry (to be published subsequently) we shall be
58 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Into Class I, ‘‘ The Well-equipped,”’ we determined to place
those who, without any question, were far above the average
in equipment. The man or woman in this class might not un-
reasonably be regarded as ‘‘ magnanimous ”’ in the literal sense
of the word? and not merely in relation to his or her fellow-
workers. Class I includes those who are more or less free from
the prison of the flesh; those who are reasonably able to cope
with life; those who try to devote themselves to great pur-
poses ; those who have some sense of Beauty, Truth and Good-
ness; those (in the old phrase) who try to “ glorify God”;
those (in the new phrase) who are “educated.” These are
the “ effectives ’’ among the workers—the spearhead of Labour.
From their ranks come those who undertake active work in the
trade-union and co-operative movements and in local and national
politics ; those who speak to and for Labour; those who despair
daily over the stupidity and indifference and unresponsiveness
of their fellows, but never cease to give their lives for them.
Most of the men, and almost all the women in Class I, however,
are neither organizers nor educators. They live and work in
obscurity ; nevertheless their ideals are for the most part those
which the more energetic spirits are endeavouring to make
operative. They.can be relied on by those undertaking the more
public work ; each one of them influences his or her little circle
of ‘‘ Inadequately-equipped ”’ workers in the direction of sanity
and social endeavour. Class I is Labour in the best sense of
the word, and in the union between it and Class I in the ranks
of the well-to-do lies the hope of an England worth inhabiting.
The worker in Class I has a home that is pleasant to enter,
both because of the cleanliness and taste apparent in its ordering
showing, from a historical point of view, how far the recognized educational
agencies, during the period in which the present adult workers have grown
up, have equipped the workers for life. This Part attempts to show the
results of that educational effort or neglect. Part III will deal with the
equipment being provided by all the agencies (whether called “ educational ”’
or not) affecting the adult workers to-day. Part IV will suggest what
educational effort is needful in order that the adult workers in general may
become better equipped than they are. There is perhaps no series of terms
except those connected with the word ‘equip’ that would give the whole
enquiry the desired unity of both nomenclature and application.
1 The student must amplify and correct the impressions derived from
the descriptions in the text by studying the examples of each class given
in the subsequent chapters. At the same time, he must realize in studying
those statements that fragments of information are omitted (by the com-
pulsions of literary production) which have contributed to our decision in
placing him.
‘It is a thousand pities that so magnificent a coin as this word has been
clipped and debased. We urgently need a term which shall give us in English
the equivalent of the Greek peyaddowuyor, : alas
CLASSIFICATION 59
and because of the condition of the children, the relations between
the members of the family, and the general atmosphere of good-
will, refinement, and even culture. (In the main, of course,
domestic arrangements are the woman’s affair—they are indeed
the best clue to her ability and character 1—but we have gener-
ally found that the first-rate male worker lives in a first-rate
home.) As regards the industrial capacity of the men and
also of those women who are out wage-earning, we did not in
this preliminary enquiry obtain much information. Had we
done so, we believe we should have found that in most cases
the man in this class was an efficient and trustworthy workman,
and often, though not by any means always, high-skilled.
The best sort of workman is almost always keen on his trade
union ; his wife is almost always keen on—or at any rate, a loyal
member of—the co-operative store. Pretty generally the man,
and sometimes the woman, jis interested and well-informed in
local and national politics, reading the less trifling parts of the
newspapers and perhaps literature on social questions. In their
leisure moments, husband and wife like to be at home, doing
what they can to make things comfortable and pleasant, looking
after the children, reading, having music, and enjoying one
another’s company; they will go walks with the youngsters
on Thursday or Saturday afternoon 3 or on Sunday. They will
go fairly often to a concert, sometimes to “ the pictures,” rarely
to the music hall, and in most cases scarcely at all to the public-
house. The man is often the possessor of a “‘ garden’’ 4 (as
allotments are called in Sheffield); gets about to trade union,
political and other meetings; and is active as a rule outside
his house, either for his own self-culture or for more altruistic
purposes. The woman’s life is pretty well bounded by the home.
If she has a hobby, it is often some kind of needlework. She
is more likely than the man to be doing some sort of church or
1 Speaking roughly, we put a woman in Class I if her home was excellent
and she manifested positive moral, intellectual and esthetic qualities. We
did not necessarily expect her to be well-informed in politics, etc., or “‘ well-
educated ”’ (in the narrower sense of the word).
2 Nothing has astonished us more in this enquiry than the indiscrimi-
nate character of the reading even of the best of the workers. MRS, ALTERN: aged 45: housewife and does washing and
charing : 3 vooms :—
‘She is evidently fond of her home: it is clean and well kept
and most houses in the neighbourhood are dirty and horrid; she is
evidently a good wife and mother.’’-—Has never had time to get to
know about politics ; but said it was * only right,’ that women should
have the vote—Goes to church occasionally; apparently. does no
reading; goes to the ‘ pictures’ fairly often.
36. MRS. BARN: aged 45: scyubber: 4 vooms :—
Angry with the education authorities because they would not
let her boy leave school to fill a vacancy her husband had found for
him.—Said the churches were no use to the workers.—Never reads
anything at all—Has been a co-operator and says she means to be
again (dropped out on moving).—Knows nothing about politics—
Her sole recreation is going to the picture palace every Monday.—
‘She volunteered the information that only one room of the house
was habitable, and the poor thing said she’d given up trying to keep
the home decent; the landlord would do nothing and they couldn’t
find another house.’—A good-hearted and even refined woman;
“IT feel that she had a sense of cleanliness, if not of beauty; but
that it was dying in her own home for lack of nourishment.”
37,5 MRS. STRANGER: aged 47: housewife: 4 vooms :—
Sends her boy to the evening school; says that if she was a
millionaire she would like to send him to the university.—‘‘ As her
husband is only a labourer, she has a very busy life, and seems to
find her chief pleasure in ‘ getting cleaned early and sitting down
with nothing to do.’ Her home is “‘ comfortably, but very sparsel
CLASS II: THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 105
furnished ; everywhere very clean.”’-—She ‘‘has looked thoroughly
well after her children and finds great pleasure in their progress.”’"—
She trades with the co-operative store, but takes no further interest
in the movement.—She is “ beginning to go to a place of worship
regularly,”’ now that her children are growing up.—She shows very
little love of music or feeling for beauty.—‘‘ She thinks it right that
she has a vote, but is afraid that she does not know enough about
politics to use it.”——-Her present ambition is ‘‘to see her children get
on.’’—Her ambition for her old age is to ‘“‘ just be comfortable.”
38. MRS. ARROW: aged 49: housewife: 4 vooms :-—
“She works from morning till night, spending all her time look-
ing after the needs of her husband and her children.”’—‘ She is a
devoted wife and mother.”—‘ The children look as well-fed and
well-clothed as could be expected.”’—‘‘ She seems very happy working
for her children so long as the money from the wages goes round.”—
“‘ She does not want to keep the children at school as long as possible,
because of the present need for more money.’”—“ She has never had
the leisure, even if she had the intellect, to understand politics.”—
She does not deal with the ‘co-op.’ but ‘ gets bits of things here and
there.’—‘‘ She has no leisure; occasionally her family insist on taking
her to the ‘ pictures’ or music hall, and this she enjoys greatly.”—
“She is quite smartly dressed- when she has finished her work and
has a certain appreciation of the beautiful.’—She is a member of
a church, “‘but not a very active one.”—Her ambition is ‘‘ to see
all her children in good situations, earning good wages or happily
married.”
39. MRS. WINGMORE: aged 49: housewife: 4 vooms :—
Quite beyond her to understand anything about education or
politics; cannot read or write; ‘thinks women should not meddle
with politics; she, like most other women with whom I have talked,
had no idea that she would soon in all probability be having a vote ”’
[May, 1917].—Spends pretty well all her time at home; her only
recreation appeared to be the picture-house ‘down the road.’—
Home: ‘Ordinary, middling.”—‘ Liked her kind, honest, cheerful
face, but she’s certainly not one of the well-equipped.”
40. MRS. ENTWELL: aged 50: housewife: 4 vooms :—
“* Difficult to classify : from one standpoint an intellectual woman,
but warped and narrowed.”—"‘ Good capacity, but turned to a channel
which has crippled effort in any other direction. Obsessed with one
idea: the world must turn again to religion (in a particular groove).”
—An_ active member of an exclusive religious body.—‘ A woman of
strong mind and decided views; very sincere, but very narrow;
opinions strongly formed and not open to new ideas.”"—Reads “‘ only
in a confined area,”’—‘' Thinks politics ‘not for women.’ ’—‘' Lovely
home; artistic and well-arranged; spotlessly clean.”
4
106 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
41. MRS. MURRFIELD: aged 50: housewife and shopkeeper:
4 vooms :—
“Likes her children to attend school regularly, but thinks they
ought to begin to earn money when they are thirteen.”—‘‘ Has a very
keen judgment and reads the news with great interest ; always seems
to know what leading politicians say in their speeches.’—‘ X gets
up at 4.30 a.m. every day except Sunday and seems to be busy
all the time ; she has a family of five to see to, and gets up in the
morning to set husband and sons off to work.’’—In addition to her own
work, she looks after a lonely old lady who lives a few doors off.—
The house is rather dirty and very untidy, but the children are kept
clean and nicely dressed.—She sometimes goes with her husband
to the picture palace.—She is fond of popular comic songs on the
gramophone.—She is not a co-operator.—She does not go to church.
42. MRS. FRANNICK: aged 50: housewife and cleaner : 1 voom :—
“Doesn’t know anything about the university, probably never
heard of it.’”—Cannot read.—Has no political ideas.—‘‘ Doesn’t seem
to have any ambition.’’—In her old age she would like “ to live in the
town among shops with plenty of people near, in rather a larger house.”
—She shows no sign of musical taste or artistic sense.—Her home
is “untidy and not very clean.”—‘' Very kind to her children.”—
“A kindly woman, bounded by the interests of her own family and
her own street.”
43. MRS. TURPIN: aged 52: housewife: 4 rooms :—
“ Thinks Sheffield much behind other towns in its schools; those
of her children educated here have not done as well as those educated
elsewhere.” —Knows nothing at all about politics.—Not a co-operator.
—Attends church regularly.—House rather poorly furnished, but clean.
—‘ Children well cared for.”—‘ A woman with peculiar views, quite
different from Northern people!”
44 MRS. BURGERS: aged 53: shopheepey: 3 rooms :—
‘She uses the living-room as a bakehouse; on hottest day of
summer must have a roaring fire, so there is no home comfort; the
house is very dirty, dusty and neglected; she is too exhausted at
the end of her work to clean her house.’”—‘‘ Only on Sundays does
she have any spare time, and then she gets some fresh air: ‘ feels she
cannot be shut up in a church.’ ’’—* She herself is clean and even
refined, but all her energy is being sapped by her work.’’—Wants her
daughter to be a school-teacher.
45. MRS. SILKSKIN: aged 56: housewife: 4 rooms :-—
Quite satisfied that the education her children are getting is better
than she got, and thinks therefore there is no need for further im-
provement.—‘‘ Fond of reading, but doesn’t know many good books.”—
“‘ Very fond of country and goes-out into it at every possible chance.”—
%
CLASS II: THE INADEQUATELY EQUIPPED 107
Hardworking housewife; fond of her children; but home rather
disappointing.—Not a churchgoer.—Not a co-operator.—‘‘ Has very
little idea of politics, but seemed interested in Votes for Women.”
46. MRS. CASTELLING: aged 58: housewife: 4 rooms :—
‘‘ Likes her children to leave school as early as possible; regards
the university as something that does not enter into her life; does
not seem to regard education as very important.’’—Spends her even-
ings ‘‘ getting meals ready one after the other as her children come
in from work.”—‘ Goes out shopping on her free afternoons; often
does not go out at all.’”’—‘‘On Sundays rests after getting dinner
ready for her big family.’”—Annual holiday: ‘‘ Never has one.’”’—
Hobby : ‘‘ Does not seem to have one; talks most about her children
and their doings.”’—Chief amusements and pleasures : ‘‘ The children’s
friends come in and make some fun.’’—‘‘ She has plenty to say, but
her thoughts run in a very narrow groove and her energies are con-
centrated on her home.’’—‘‘ She reads the evening paper occasionally
and letters from her son at the front, but very little beside.”—Home :
Not at all inviting; only the kitchen furnished at all comfortably ;
gingerbeer boxes used as seats in the front room; nothing really
pretty or inviting to be seen about the house; tablecloth dirty ;
things not nicely arranged.—Politics: ‘‘No ideas.”—Ambition :
“To have her son come back safely.”—If a millionaire: ‘‘ She
would give her children a good holiday.”—In old age: ‘‘ She would
like to have a quiet time with her children round her.’’—‘ X is
anxious to do her best for her family, but seems to have no idea how
to do it.”
47. MRS. OLDING: aged 59: housewife: 4 rooms :—
“Quite satisfied with the education of her children; she and
her husband are both unable to read, so she thinks her children have
done well.’—She does not go to a place of worship.—She is not a
co-operator.—‘‘ Had quite definite views on politics; welcomes Votes
for Women and thinks women will rise to the chance; says women
have work to do in their own line.’”—Hers is ‘‘a very good working-
class home, well kept and nicely furnished ; the children are growing
up well and respectable.”"—“‘ She is liniited intellectually and zstheti-
cally ; she had scarcely any education and she has been all her life
overshadowed with her duties as wife and mother.”
48. MRS. FINDON: aged 61: domestic servant: 3 rooms :—
“ Thought children ought not to continue at school after fourteen—
‘that’s too old!’ ’—‘‘ Apropos of politics, she said she didn’t want
anything to increase rates, there had been too much tendency in
that direction.’”’—‘‘ Good in a house, but always cleaning and always
grumbling.”—Reads nothing—Goes sometimes to the ‘ pictures.’—
“Plenty of shrewd common sense, but very defective in her know-
ledge of modern questions.’”’—Not a churchgoer and not a co-operator.
108 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
49. MRS. STUTTER: aged 63: housewife: 4 vooms :—
Keen on education and politics: ‘‘ will vote intelligently.”—
Spends all her time at home working (husband bedridden with
disease) ; gets no holiday and no time to go to church as she used
to do.—‘' Has read a good deal, mostly religious books; knows very
little of good literature ; reads what people lend her.”—“ A capable
housewife ; devotes herself to her husband ungrudgingly ; has great
common sense, but not much ‘ education.’ ”
50. MRS. HARRY: aged 66: hawker: 1 voom :—
Home: ‘Dirty and untidy.”—‘‘ Cannot read.”—‘ A Roman
Catholic, but never attends church: says she is too busy.” —Fitness
jor local and national citizenship : “ Very unfit.”—What would X like
to do in old age ?: ‘‘ Live still in the town, with plenty to eat and
drink.""—‘‘ She just lives from day to day.”
CHAPTER VI
EXTENSIVE STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED
PART I: MEN
In an investigation of 408 representatives of the men workers
of Sheffield, it was found that 32, representing about one-
twelfth of all the men workers in the city, were Mal-equipped in
the sense indicated upon pp. 60 to 6z. Below are given skeleton
descriptions of 15 of the cases investigated.
1. HASKINS: aged 22: forgeman: 5 rooms :-—
Education: ‘No interest.’’—Politics : ‘‘ No interest whatever.”—
Chief amusements and pleasures : ‘‘ Sport.”—Musical tastes : ‘‘None.”
—Zisthetic sense: ‘ None.”—House: ‘‘Dirty and badly kept.”—
Ambition : ‘‘ To get plenty of money and enjoy himself.” —Reading :
‘‘None.’’—‘‘ Inclined to magnify physical pleasure and appetite;
not mentally alive at all.”
2. RICK: aged 23: recently discharged from the Army: 4 rooms:—
Entirely indifferent to education, politics, religion, and every
other serious thing.—All his interests centre in public-house, picture
palace, etc.—‘‘ His brother (who was there), a fine chap, thought
very little of him, and chaffed him and joked about him; the brother
said that they lose all their morals in the Army and also all power
of thinking! Ricketts apathetically agreed. Green, spotty face
and what seemed like a green, spotty soul.”
3. FISKETT: aged 24: labourer: 4 vooms :—~
-Said there was ‘‘too much talk about education; men have to
live, and that’s more important ; too much interference with parents.”’
—Spends his free time mostly in lounging about at home.—Not a
trade-unionist nor a co-opetator—-Belonga to no friendly society,
110 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
attends no church.—Never reads anything but papers.—Not a vestige
of zsthetic feeling—Home: ‘‘ Dirty and neglected; not at all like
a home; too many young children to give mother a chance. Fond
of his children, but indifferent to their personal appearance.’”’—No
knowledge or understanding of politics—‘‘ One of the type of men
who have always to be borne on others’ shoulders; no initiative
or eapacity or ambition.”
4. WARTON: aged 38: forgeman: 5 rooms :—
*‘ Thinks a lot of time is wasted on education.”—" Has no sense
of citizenship ; thinks we ought to do more as we like, except that
capitalists should be taxed more to give poor men a chance to live.”
—‘ Relations with other members of his family not by any means
cordial; doesn’t spend too much time at home; sees very little of
his family.”—‘' He earns about £7 a week and keeps at least £5 for
himself, to spend and not to save; in two days, as a rule, he is on the
rocks.”—In his spare time he drinks, gambles, etc.
5- THUMMEL: aged 40: colliey: 5 rooms :—
“I doubt if he knows what a university is.”’—‘‘I should say he
would be unable to give you the name of any member of the Cabinet,
other than Lloyd George.”—'‘ Home to him is a place to have his
meals and sleep in.”—Spends all his spare time in the public-house.
6. LANYARD: aged 40: on munitions: 2 rooms :—
This man is earning plenty of money, but lives with his wife and
five children in two small, filthy rooms.—Made the confession of not
being interested in politics perfectly frankly and didn’t appear at all
ashamed of it; but said he always voted Conservative |—‘‘ He simply
doesn’t bother himself about anything that he ought to bother about,”
but spends his time and money at public-house, picture palace, etc.
7 CARDINAL: aged 42: clipper: 4 vooms :—
Hates having his children at school when they might be earning
money.—Spends his free time at public-house, ‘ pictures,’ lounging
about, sleeping, etc.—Says he was compelled to join his trade union ;
says he is not in the ‘co-op.’ because he can’t afford to pay the
high prices they ask.—His reading consists mainly of John Bull and
the Sunday Pictorial—Home : ‘‘ Very unsatisfactory ; children look
very poor and badly nourished.”—“ He believes employers are only
anxious to secure more control of Government and local institutions
for their own ends ; says ‘it’s little use working men trying, as con-
ditions are against them! The best way is to get all you can and not
trouble about politics.’ ’—‘ Cardinal represents a type of man living
in mean surroundings and satisfied with them.”—‘ His ambition,
if a millionaire, would be to have nothing to do and have plenty of
tobacco and ‘pictures’ and beer.”
CLASS III: THE MAL-EQUIPPED 111
8. ALLSWORTHY: aged 43: steel-dressey: 5 rooms :—
“Children attend school most irregularly and leave as early as
possible in order to get to work; to him money is of more importance
than education.’-—Spends his spare time in the streets, the public-
houses and the picture palaces.—Member of trade union and ‘co-op.’
but takes no interest in either—Neither he nor any of his family
attends a place of worship.—‘‘ Never looks at a book ; evening ’ Special ’
and racing papers are his sole reading.”—Home : ‘‘ A meagre one;
only the barest of necessities ; his wife does her best ; instead of giving
his wife sufficient money, he spends it in drink and gambling.”’-—" A
‘Socialist ’ for what he thinks he will get out of it; would stand
and listen at street corners to street orators and believe what they
tell him ; would go to a meeting if he thought there was likely to be
some fun, and would take his share in it.”
9. CORKDALE: aged 45: labourer: 4 rooms :—
Beyond him to understand education or politics !—Cannot read
or write.—Goes to picture palace every evening and the ‘ pub ' at other
times !—Member of a trade union.—‘‘ Said to me: ‘I’m a churchman
born and bred, but I never go!’”
to, BLANDER: aged 45: drayman: 4 rooms :—
Spends his leisure in sitting about at home and at public-house,
etc.—No trade union, no ‘co-op.,’ no place of worship.—Does not
understand politics.—Can neither read nor write.—‘‘ Harmless, useless,
not far from being feeble-minded.”
tr. HAMMER: aged 50: cutlery: 3 rooms :—~
X’s opinion of education: ‘‘None: any more than he has an
opinion of Hindostani.”—Spends his evenings at the ‘ pub,’ etc.—
Home: ‘‘ Very dirty; swarms of dirty children; dirty wife, much
of his calibre.”—Reads only the football and racing news in the
papers.—No knowledge of or interest in politics.—‘ Looking at that
stupid, animal-like face, I felt as if I were looking at the face of a
stone-age man.”
12. SCOFFELL: aged 54: wavehouseman: 3 rooms :—
“Js a most unintelligent man, so puts no value on education at
all.”’—‘ Spends evenings and free afternoons in public-house or loung-
ing about at home; Sundays in same way; best clothes often in pawn.”
—‘‘In a trade union; goes on strike when told to do so; nothing
beyond.’’—Reads only the papers.—“‘ His ideas are all of the ‘Down
with the masters !’ type ; every advantage is to be given to the ‘ poor
working-man.’”’—Home : ‘‘Clean and comfortable, but not one of
the comforts is of his providing.” —“ Bullies his wife.’— Earns a
good wage, which he spends mostly on himself.""—“‘ A good, steady
man at his work, but his love of drink keeps them poor.”
112. THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
13. HOD: aged 54: greengrocey and hawker: 5 rooms i=
‘Left school in the fourth standard.”-——“ His children have gone
to school because compelled, but have always attended irregularly.’”—
Spends his spare time in the streets and public-houses.—Chief
pleasures are racing and gambling.—‘ Reads all the sporting papers
he can buy.”—Home : Poor and untidy.—‘‘ No political ideas what-
ever; takes not the slightest interest in such things.”—‘ His am-
bition is to obtain money without working for it.”
14. BAZETT: aged 58: colliery: 5 vooms :—
Sends his children to school only because he is compelled; they
leave as soon as they can in order to earn money.’-——How does X
spend evenings, free afternoons, oy Sundays?: ‘‘Chiefly at public-house
and loafing about the streets.”—Apathetic member of co-operative
store and trade union.— Never goes near a place of worship.”—
‘*Has never read a book through in his life; ‘Special’ and Early Bird
are his chief papers, and those only for the betting néws.”—Home :
Untidy, dirty and unsavoury.—No interest whatever in politics.—
*‘ Attends to his work, but spends his money chiefly on gambling and
beer; bis sons go out selling ‘specials,’ which would be unnecessary
if he gave up more money at home.”
15. OCON: aged 58: joiner: 3 rooms :—
“Said he’d given up the ‘pub’ since they’d raised the price of
beer to sixpence and tried the ‘ pictures’ instead—also very fond of
the music hall.”—Reads only the non-political parts of the papers.
—Home : “ Filthy ; thinks all children useless or a nuisance.”—‘'He
talked of politics as if they were vermin; he really hated politics
and politicians, not on principle, but because he seemed to regard
them as enemies of his beer, etc.”—‘‘A man devoid of enlighten-
ment, knowledge or social feeling.”
PART II: WOMEN
In an investigation of 408 representatives of the women
workers of Sheffield, it was found that 26, representing about
one-fifteenth of all the women workers in the city, were Mal-
equipped in the sense indicated upon pp. 60 to 61. Below
are given skeleton descriptions of 15 of the cases investigated.
CLASS II: THE MAL-EQUIPPED 118
1. MRS. DONNINGTON: aged 23: housewife: 3 vooms :—
“Poor and miserable house, poorly furnished and badly kept.”—
“Woman lower than her surroundings; slatternly, ignorant and
indifferent to what happened to her children.”—Knows nothing about
politics and ‘‘ wouldn’t vote if she had a chance.”
2. MRS. BLACKSTER: aged 24: grinder: 5 rooms :—
She has no interest in her home, which is “ poor and badly kept.”
—She is not a trade-unionist or co-operator.—She never goes to a
place of worship.—She reads nothing.—She appears to have no in-
terest in music or anything beautiful_—She is entirely without know-
ledge of politics.—‘‘ Coarse in ideas and upbringing; no desire, no
capacity ; too weary and no vision.”
3. MRS. MACDOUL: aged 26: housewife: 4 rooms :-—
“ Thinks that the school is a nuisance, as she cannot keep the eldest
child (aged eight and a half) to look after the others.’"—Neglects her
children, though she is not definitely unkind to them.—Her home is very
untidy and ill-cared for; as little is done as possible.—Fond of going off
to picture palaces, music halls, etc.—Reads novelettes.— Political ideas :
“Does not want to be troubled with anything outside her own life.’’
4. MRS, CLUNY: aged 28: buffer and housewife: 4 rooms :—
Her home is “‘ untidy but fairly clean’’; she is ‘‘a bad manager,
who frequently has to borrow from neighbours and just drags on
from day to day.’’-—She has “‘ four children, but thinks herself very
much to be pitied for having them ; thinks it is ‘bad luck’; all four
are delicate, probably through improper feeding, and one has died.”
She spends her evenings “‘standing at the door,” likewise her after-
noons, likewise Sundays.—She cannot or does not read for herself
at all, but “‘ revels in accounts of terrible newspaper scandals told her
by the neighbours.”—‘‘ Very unfitted for citizenship; knows little of
what is going on outside her own immediate street.”—“‘ A shiftless,
good-natured, slatternly woman.”
5. MRS. WOOLFORD: aged 28: goes out washing : 3 rooms :—
“For all practical purposes cannot read or write; one of the
very worst cases ; hopeless case of indifference ; very ill-equipped.’’—
“Lives alone in a house very poor and very badly kept in a court
in which there is no sunlight at all.”—‘‘ No interest whatever in
local or national affairs or anything else of importance.”—Spends .
her evenings at ‘ pictures,’ etc.
6. MRS. TUBBE: aged 29: housewife: 4 vooms :—
‘A dirty, untidy woman; very slovenly; no idea of housework ;
but quite intelligent and alert when answering questions: a woman
who does as little as she can.”-——Home: “‘ Dirty and neglected; poor
9
114. THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
and dismal house; neighbourhood poor, but this house well below
the average; no fresh air, smelly.”—No understanding of politics,
no serious interests, no trace of finer feelings.
7. MRS. HOSSFULL: aged 34: housewife: 5 vooms :—
Home: ‘‘ Very dirty; neighbourhood good, but this house well
below the average.’—Children neglected.—‘‘A woman without
capacity for wifehood, motherhood, or citizenship; a woman with
no contact with or knowledge of anything elevated.”
8. MRS. PURRVISS: aged 35: housewife: 3 vooms :—
Home: ‘Poor, not much furniture, fairly clean, stuffy, low
ceiling, no air, no sunshine, children delicate in appearance, surround-
ings hopeless, no possibility of making this a home.’’—“ Ill-equipped,
very much so; no natural capacity; one of those cases which seem
hopeless. Religious, social and xsthetic feeling quite non-existent.”
—‘‘No idea whatever as to the use of a vote or what citizenship
means.”-—“‘ Reads only the ‘ Special.’ ’’—‘‘ Says ‘ they learn children
a lot of soft at school.’ ”’
9. MRS. BROOMER: aged 38: shell-turner: 3 vooms :—
Thinks education ‘“‘is a fad of people who ought to have more
sense and who ought not to be allowed to make it compulsory.”—
“‘Spends her evenings at picture palace, public-house and reading
the evening paper.—Spends her afternoons in an occasional outing,
a visit to the pawnshop sale held weekly, and cleaning up.—‘ Likes
music with a ‘ catch ’ in it or a sentimental song with a lilt.’’—"‘ Choice
of ornaments, decorations and clothes shows a love of the garish and
a desire to sparkle.””—Her reading consists of ‘ The Sunshine Library,’
revelations of scandals, Sunday and evening papers.—'‘ The house
is clean and wholesome, but evidently not an abode of peace and
contentment.’’—‘“‘ The household consists of the husband, wife, and one
son, aged sixteen, who are all now munition workers; the total in-
come now averages nearly £7 a week; the rent is 4s. 6d. a week; yet
the woman protests they cannot save anything to speak of.”—‘“A
woman whose experience of life has made her look after herself; has
had more than the average share of brain, but is not very conscientious
or scrupulous !’
t
1o. MRS. HARROLL: aged 39: steel-bundley: 5 vooms :—
‘Particularly against any proposals for raising the school-age,”"—
No esthetic, intellectual or moral interests of any kind.—Fond of
picture-show and public-house-——Home: “Badly furnished; dirty
and neglected; children in neglected condition; rooms in disorder
and smelly; no home-life in a true sense; neighbourhood rather
poor and this house worse than average."-A woman “' from whom
nothing is to be hoped.” ‘
CLASS III: THE MAL-EQUIPPED 115
ir, MRS. FREDDY: aged 43: housewife: 3 vooms :—
“Hopelessly ignorant: cannot understand anything about poli-
tics.”—-Home : ‘‘ One of the worst I’ve seen; paper hangs in strips
from the walls; house in an awful state’; ‘“‘two bedrooms for nine
people.’’—‘‘ She was very dirty and untidy in appearance; seemed
quite unfit to have the care of children; crushed by circumstances
and gave the impression that life had been one continual fight for
existence.”—" A case of hopeless poverty.”
12. MRS. BANGOR: aged 45: housewife: 4 vooms :-—
‘House very poor and dirty; children looked weakly.”—“ An
untidy woman; of no capacity; bitter through circumstances; no
kindly feelings to anyone.”—‘ Quite incapable of forming a sound
judgment about politics; didn’t understand what could be done
through the vote.’’—‘‘ All her opinions were taken from John Buil,
who was an oft-quoted authority.’"—'‘ A hopeless case of indifference.”
13. MRS. COTTESON: aged 56: housewife: hevs is one of three
families living in 4 rooms :-—
Home unsatisfactory in every way.—Not a ‘bad’ woman, but
“servile, money-grubbing, always pleading poverty and of no capacity ;
a woman for whom the environment has been too strong ; now past
hope of redemption.”
14. MRS. CRACKER: aged 62: hawkey and housewife : 1 room :—
Her ‘‘home”’ is “untidy and not very clean.” —“ She is an untidy
woman with little idea of laying out her money well.’’—The relations
between herself and her husband, to say the least of it, are not happy.
—She cannot read.—She drinks heavily when she can.—‘‘ She has
no ideas on politics except that she thinks food prices are shameful
(autumn, 1917]; thinks it a shame that poor people have to work
so hard and have so little reward.”
15. MRS. DRAB: aged 62: housewife: 4 rooms :—
‘‘Home dirty and neglected ; neighbourhood poor, but this house
worse than others.”’—‘‘ Spends her time on the doorstep or goes out
and lounges about instead of cleaning.’ —No trace of refinement or
real womanhood.—Reads nothing.—‘“‘No interest whatever in politics
or anything else of a serious kind.” —‘‘ One of the most hopeless cases
visited.”
CHAPTER VII
THE INTENSIVE ENQUIRY
Cuapters VIII, IX and X consist of “Intensive Studies”
of representatives of each of the three classes into
which, according to their equipment, we have divided
the workers. It would not have been possible to get
the required detail concerning men and women who
were approached in the random way necessary in the
preliminary phase of the enquiry. These studies were
accordingly. secured by merely requesting efficient
helpers to fill up the following ‘Intensive Question-
naire” concerning any worker whom they knew inti-
mately (as a work-mate, as a servant, as an attendant
at a church, as a neighbour, etc.). The returns being
completed, the cases were assigned to their proper
classes. Effort was made to get a reasonable assort-
ment of cases according to age and occupation, and
also to degree of equipment within the limits of each
class.!
1 It is perhaps necessary to state that—except in the case of one or two
well-equipped men and women, specified in the text—‘‘ X ’’ was not aware
of becoming the subject of investigation. The data required were accumu-
lated largely from the helper’s pre-enquiry knowledge, partly also from
observation of X’s home, etc., and partly from conversation designedly
turned on to politics, literature, amusements, and so on. Direct questioning
would have been an impracticable method of getting information ; it was not
attempted. .
Even so, the enquiry is lamentably unscientific. The answer received to
a question depends a good deal on how the interrogation is introduced ; and
even when it is discovered that the respondent ‘ knows’ Arnold Bennett (for
example), this may mean anything except that he is not entirely ignorant
of that writer’s existence. “Nevertheless, we believe that in every study,
despite innumerable inadequacies of detail, a sufficient total impression of
the individual is given to enable the student to realize his adequacy for the
various activities of life. Certain of the returns are meagre and unpene-
trating ; we were throughout dependent upon the voluntary help of. people
abnormally hard at work; it was therefore impossible to insist upon a
satisfactory minimum in every case.
116
‘THE INTENSIVE ENQUIRY 117
PRIVATE.
HELPER’s NAME:
ADDRESS :
DATE :
I.—ExtTernaL Data.
X's Name.
X’s Address.
Sext:
| Omit if preferred.
Age:
Married, Widower or Single :
Occupation : (Exact description with details of conditions).
Size of Tenement :
Mode of Approach to X:
II.—Data ReguireD To INpDicaTE X’s ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
1. How fond is he of his home ?
2. Does he like to spend evenings at home ?
3. Does the condition of the home indicate that he has a pride in it ?
4. Does he speak of his home with affection ?
5. Does he do anything about the home to make it more clean or com-
fortable or pleasant ?
6. How fond is he of wife and children (parents, brothers, sisters) ?
47. What sort of father does he make ?
8. What sort of husband (brother) ?
9. Does the condition of his children veflect credit on him?
10. Does he talk to his wife about things and ideas ?
11. Does he want to keep his children at school as long as possible ?
12. Why does he like ov dislike his home ?
13. Other data.
! This questionnaire is “‘ male.” Mutatis mutandis, it is identical with
that used for a female worker.
118 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
II.—Data Reguirep To InpicaTE X’s ADEQUACY FOR WaGE-
EARNING WORK.
1. Is he physically fit ?
2. Is he doing the sort of work for which he is suited? (Give reasons
for your answer.)
3. Does he like his work ?
. Lf not, what would he like to do instead ?
. Do you regard him as an efficient worker ?
. Is he regular ?
. Punctual ?
. Industrious ?
. Capable of initiative, vesponsibility, etc. ?
10. Has he any vices (e.g. drinking, gambling, laziness) that militate
against his industrial efficiency ?
11. Why is he a good or inferioy worker ?
12. Other data.
© OY ANA
IV.—Data REQUIRED To INDICATE X’s ApDEQUACY FOR LocaL
CITIZENSHIP.
1. At what does he estimate the population of Sheffield in 1917?
[About 500,000.
2. In 1817? [About 40,000.]
3. Does he know whether Sheffield was a manufacturing town in
1817?
4. To what political party does he belong ?
5. Why? (Precise reasons.)
6, Does he know the representatives for his ward ?
7. Does he know the name of the lord mayoy ?
8. Does he know the names of councillors, municipal officials, etc. ?
9. What is the extent of his interest in local politics ?
10. What reforms does he want carried out locally ?
11. What does he think of the University ?
12. Does he know of the local W.E.A,? What does he think of the
idea of the W.E.A,?
13. Has he ever been in any other town ov district ?
14. Does he like this place best to live in ov would he choose another ?
15. Other data.
THE INTENSIVE ENQUIRY 119
V.—Data REQUIRED To INDICATE X’s ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL
CITIZENSHIP.
1. How many M.P.’s for Sheffield does he say theve are and wha
theiy names and political creeds ?
2. What ave his politics ?
3. Why?
4. State the extent of his knowledge of—
(a) Batile of Hastings.
(b) Magna Carta.
(c) Industrial Revolution.
(d) French Revolution.
(e) Reform Act of 1832.
(f) Wolsey.
(g) Oliver Cromwell,
(h) James Wait.
(i) Napoleon.
(j) Robert Owen.
{k) Gladstone.
. Does he think India a larger or smaller country than England ?
At what does he put the population of England and Wales ?
What does he term the chief industries of this country ?
. How many M.P.’s does he say there ave? !
. (In each case try to say why his views are what they are.)
What ave his views on—
(a) Home Rule ?
(b) House of Lords ?
(c) Protection ?
(d) Socialism ?
(e) Votes for Women ?
(f) Conscription ?
(g) Russian Revolution ?
(h) State Education ?
(i) The Future of the Workers in England ?
(j) The King ?
10. What newspapers does he read? [There are two morning papers
in Sheffield :—the ‘‘ Conservative ’’ Daily Telegraph and the “ Liberal ’’
Independent ; the evening papers are the ‘‘ Conservative’ Yorkshire
Telegraph and Star (‘ The Star’), and the ‘‘ Early Bird ” (sporting).
On Saturday a “ Sports Special” (called ‘ The Green ‘Un’’) is
issued by the proprietors of the Daily Telegraph and the Telegraph
and Star. There is also a “ Conservative ’’ Sheffield Weekly News
and a ‘‘ Liberal ’’ Weekly Independent.]
11. What pavis of them ?
12. How does he say the country is governed ?
13. Other data.
O ONAN
120
THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
VI--Data Reguirep To InpicarE X’s ADEQUACY FOR TRADE
Oo Aan AN AW HD #
UNIon MEMBERSHIP.
. Of what T.U., if any, is he a member ?
. When did he join 2
. Why did he join ?
. What does he know about Trade Unionism ?
. Has he vead Industrial Democracy ?
. Has he vead The World of Labour ?
. Has he read any other books on T.U. ov Labour questions ?
. What does he think a T.U. is for?
. Does he know of—
(a) Francis Place ?
(b) The Chartists ?
(c) Sidney Webb ?
(d) G. D. H. Cole?
to. Does he know the difference between a craft and an industrial
union ?
11. What does he think of Guild Socialism ov of T.U. control of
Industry ? ;
12. Is he a vegulay attendant at T.U. meetings ?
13. Is he keen on his Union ?
14. What do you think of his effectiveness as a Unionist 2 -
15. Other data.
VII.—Data REQuirED To INDICATE X’s ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE
nn Rh WN
\Q
MEMBERSHIP.
. Does he deal with the ‘ Co-op.’ ?
. Why ?
. Does he take any extra-commercial interest in the movement ?
. Does he attend any of the meetings ?
. Does he vote at the elections ?
. Does he know of—
(a) The Rochdale Pioneers ?
(b) The Chvistian Socialist ?
(c) Mrs. Webb?
(d) G. J. Holyoake ?
. Which, if any, ‘ Co-op.’ papers does he vead? To what extent?
. Other data.
THE INTENSIVE ENQUIRY 121
VITI.—Data REQUIRED To INDICATE X’s ADEQUACY FOR THE ‘ RIGHT
Use or LEISURE.’
1, What ave his hobbies ?
2. How does he spend Saturday (Thursday) afternoon in winter ?
3. In summer 2
4. (In normal times) How does he spend Sundays or other free days
in winter ?
he
5. In summer ?
6. How does he spend his evenings? (Try to get a statement of how
spent each evening of an ordinary week.)
7. How does he spend his annual holiday ?
8. What would he do, if rich enough to do as he liked ?
9. How does he desive to spend his old age ?
10. Would he like to go “‘ back to the land” ?
11. Other data.
IX.—DatTa REQUIRED TO INDICATE X’s Love oF BEAUTY.
. Is he fond of music ?
What sort of music ?
Does he listen to the bands in the parks ?
Does he go to concerts ? What concerts ?
vee pn
What ave his favourite songs or hymns ?
6. Does he sing—individually or in a@ choir ?
7. Can he play any instvument? How well?
8. Is there a piano in the house ?
9g. To what extent is it enjoyed ?
10. What kinds of music are played on it?
11. Is there a gramophone in the house ?
12. What vecords does X most like ?
13. Who are his favourite musical composers ?
14. Is he a member of any musical society ?
15. Other data concerning X’s attitude toward music.
16. Does the condition of his home indicate a Love of Beauty?
17. Describe the pictures on the walls.
18. Describe the furniture.
19. Describe the floor.
20, Does X care about order and cleanliness in the home ?
21. Does X cave about his own personal appearance and cleanliness ?
122
22.
THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
What sort of pictures does he like 2
23. Does he ever visit museums or art galleries ?
24.
What is the most handsome building he knows ?
25. Has he a garden or allotment ?
26. Does he take a pride in it?
27. Does he appreciate grand scenery (e.g. moors, stars, sunset, etc. ?)
28. Does he vead poetry? What?
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
Can he name 6 plays of Shakespeare ?
Does he know who was ov is—
(a) Beethoven ?
(b) Arnold Bennett ?
(c) Edward Carpenter ? [Edward Carpenter’s residence is not
many miles from Sheffield.]
(d) G. K. Chesterton ?
(e) Dante ?
(f) Dickens ?
(g) Goethe ?
(h) Maeterlinck ?
(i) Milton ?
(j) William Morris ?
(k) Plato?
(1) Raphael ?
(m) Ruskin ?
(n) Bernard Shaw ?
(0) R. L. Stevenson ?
(p) Sir A. Sullivan ?
(q) Tolstoy ?
(r) Turner ?
(s) Virgil ?
(t) H. G. Wells ?
Does he go to the “ pictures”? How often ?
What films does he prefer ?
What in your judgment is the degree and character of the influence
of the picture palace on him?
34. Does he go to the music hall? How often ?
35. What does he like best at the music hall ?
36. In your opinion what ts the degree and character of the infiuence
of the music hall upon him ?
37. Does he ever go to the theatre? How often?
38. To see what sort of plays ?
- 39. Other data concerning his Love of Beauty.
THE INTENSIVE ENQUIRY 128
X.—Data ReEguireD to InpicaTE X’s Love oF TRUTH.
x. What ave the books in his home ?
2. To what extent ave they read ?
3. Does he use a library ?
4. What books does he borrow ?
5. Does he choose his own books or let the librarian choose them?
6. Does he spend his leisure in veading ?
7. What lectures or classes does he attend ?
8. What does he know of—
(a) Evolution
(b) Political Economy ?
(c) Scientific Research ?
(d) Any branch of science ?
9. Other data concerning X’s attitude to scientific knowledge.
10. According to him, who weve oy are—
(a) Aristotle ?
(b) Columbus ?
(c) Darwin ?
(d) Edison ?
(e) Haeckel ?
(f) Herbert Spencer ?
(g) Huxley 2
(h) Six Oliver Lodge ?
(i) Siv Isaac Newton ?
11. Does he show any signs of wanting to get at the Truth ?
12, Other data concerning X's Love of Truth.
XI.—DaTA ReQuireD To INDICATE X’s LovE oF GOODNESS.
1. Is he a member of any church, ethical society, philanthropic
society, etc. ?
2. Is his membership active? (Give particuiars.)
3. Why does he belong to this body ?
4. Does he do any specifically social or altruistic wort ?
5. Can he look back to any specific “‘ awakening” ov ‘‘ conversion”
at religious meetings, through reading a@ socialistic Fadi etc, ?
6. Does he strike you as being awakened to the seriousness and
splendour of life ?
7. What is your personal impression of him? (Enlarge as much
as you possibly can.)
8. What, tf any, ts his ambition ?
9. From what does he get his greatest bleasure ?
10. What is his attitude towards women ?
124
THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
11, Who is his favourite male character ( hero”) in—
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21,
22.
(a) History ?
(b) Fiction ?
(c) Real life to-day ?
Who is his favourite female character (‘‘ heroine”’) in—
(a) History ?
(b) Fiction ?
(c) Real life to-day ?
What does he think of the churches ?
What does he think of Christianity P
What does he think of Jesus Christ ?
How many disciples does he say there were ?
How many can he name ?
According to him who were—
(a) Isaiah ?
(b) John the Baptist ?
(c) Lazarus ?
(ad) Nicodemus ?
(e) Paul P
(f) Pharaoh ?
(g) Stephen ?
How many gospels does he say theve are?
According to him what ave their names ?
What ave his opinions on—
(a) Free Wiil ?
(b) Future Life ?
(c) God ?
(d) Religion ? '
Other data concerning his Love of Goodness (e.g. incidents illus-
tvating his character).
XII.—STATE How MucH Epucation X RECEIVED.
(Give full and exact particulars.)
1. What does X think of the value of his own schooling ?
.XIIL—OtHer DATA CONCERNING X’s LIFE-HISTORY
‘(In so far as these are relevant to the educational ends of the
questionnaire).
Aub WN HA
. Describe his ancesiry and parentage.
. Describe his (old) home and upbringing.
. Describe his life and work during adolescence.
. Describe his industrial life since he settled down.
. Describe his adult industrial career.
. Other data that would help us to understand what past influences
have made him what he is
CHAPTER VIII
INTENSIVE STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED
PART I: MEN
Stupies of 8 well-equipped men workers, representing about
one-fourth of all the men workers of Sheffield.:
HOPPPIT.
{Written directly for publication by the helper. Hence the
absence of double inverted commas.] #
Aged 18; private in infantry regiment, previously skilled painter ;
lives with his mother, brother and sisters (father recently dead).
ADEQUACY FoR HomeE-Lire.
Hoppitt has a gentle, affectionate nature and is much attached
to his home and family. His mother describes him as being “like
a girl about the house.”” His ill-health and physical weakliness partly
account for his not mixing much with the rather rough lads of the
district, which is somewhat notorious for gambling and hooliganism.
Hoppitt usually spends his evenings at home, reading, painting
or working on models unless he is attending a lecture. He has always
been dutiful and respectful to his parents. He was rather sensitive as
1 The student should consult again the foot-note on p. 67. Much of
what is there stated applies to the Intensive studies. We realize fully that
these descriptions might have been made more readable had we not been
under the necessity of suppressing all such details as would enable our X to
be recognized by his acquaintances. Names, birth-places, exact ages and
other details irrelevant to the ends of the enquiry have been falsified.
Occasionally misleading details, similarly irrelevant, have been inserted.
We believe that the wrong persons are much more likely than the right one
to see themselves in one of these studies; we recollect that no fewer than
three Yorkshire schoolmasters threatened Dickens for having used them-
selves as originals for Squeers !
2 Quotations from the helpers’ notes are put in double inverted commas.
His own words are put in single inverted commas, :
125
126 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
regards his financial dependency on the workers of the family previous
to his joining the Army. He has not yet been attracted by female
society.
ADEQUACY FOR WaGE-EARNING Work.
Hoppitt is small, slight, delicate constitutionally and lacks the
physical strength to do heavy work. With improving health and skill,
he hopes to engage in “ decorating ’’ work of a superior character.
His studies at the Art School have a trade value and he would continue
attendance at Evening Classes. He chose sign-writing and lettering
as his occupation because of his love for art—drawing, painting, etc.
He is very regular, punctual and industrious at his work; is liked
by his employers and teachers on that account. He gets on well
with fellow-workers. His character has developed a good deal during
the last year and he is showing a power of initiative and originality.
He is a total abstainer; gambling and sordid pleasures have no
attraction for him. He has been in danger of overtaxing his physical
strength (e.g. by attending extra voluntary classes) whilst at the
school, in his eagerness to make progress in the art he loves.
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
He estimates the population of Sheffield in 1917 at 450,000. He
pictures Sheffield in 1817 as a small town of narrow streets and mean
buildings, almost the only industry being that of cutlery carried on
in small workshops. ‘The workmen of roo years ago had certain
advantages over those of to-day; for example, they had their own
gardens and could get into the country easily.’
He knows the names of the lord mayor and of some of the coun-
cillors, including the representatives for his ward. He wants to see
Sheffield clean and beautiful, with plenty of parks and open spaces,
the beauty spots on the outskirts of the town to be kept clear of
houses.
He knows of the University and has attended “ open’ Lectures
there; he would like to be a regular student there if he could take a
Diploma in Art.
He likes the idea of the W.E.A.; he knows very little about it,
and has never been in a position to take part in its activities.
He has never been in any other town, except for a few weeks’ visit
to the Convalescent Home at Bridlington; he is now familiar with
Ripon and its environs. He would like to live in the country in
beautiful surroundings or by the sea, if he could have access to picture
galleriés and get to concerts now and then.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP,
Hoppitt knows that there are five M.P.’s for Sheffield and he can
name three with their political creeds. His. father was Liberal-Labour
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 127
in politics ; he himself has not yet evolved a definite political creed,
but he seems inclined to go further than his father in the Labour-
Socialist direction. His ideas are crude and undeveloped.
The Reform Act of 1832 he knows merely by name. He knows
the picturesque side of the French Revolution pretty well: the story
of Marie Antoinette—the Diamond Necklace—Charlotte Corday—
Robespierre—Napoleon’s rapid rise to power and his Eastern cam-
paigns appeal to him. The boy has a certain historic sense and
the power of visualizing scenes in history.
He has the ordinary elementary-school history knowledge of the
Batile of Hastings, Magna Carta, Oliver Cromwell and Wolsey.
Gladstone ‘was a Liberal Prime Minister who died a few years
ago; he was a Churchman and desired to give Home Rule to
Ireland.’ -
Watt discovered ‘the value of steam-power in industry.’
India is ‘an Empire, a collection of various nations in a great
country, much bigger than England.’
He puts the population of England and Wales at 40,000,000.
The chief industries of England are coal mining, iron and steel
manufacturing, agriculture and cotton-spinning. ‘There are 600
M.P.’s.”
He has no special views about the House of Lords and does not
understand Pyotection. He ‘thinks it only fair that Home Rule
should be given to Ireland.’
As to Votes for Women, ‘people who are doing their share in keep-
ing the country should have a voice in arranging the affairs of the
nation.’
Conscription : ‘Every one should be ready to do his part. If
people have not. sufficient patriotism to come forward voluntarily,
they must be made to “ do their bit.”
He has a young student's idea of Socialism.
The Russian Revolution ‘was the natural revolt of an oppressed
people struggling for freedom. The movement was misguided and
the leaders lost opportunities.’
He feels the need for a wider and less utilitarian education, with
a later leaving age and good Continuation Schools, where there would
be opportunities for technical training.
The Workers in Future ‘will want more leisure and freedom from
drudgery—at least the best of them will desire this—so many lads
care nothing for their work and putting one’s best into it. They
are all for pleasure.’
He is quite loyal to the King, and would not like to be without
a ‘ Royal Family.’
He reads The Evening Telegraph and sometimes the Daily Inde-
pendent; also one or more Sunday papers, such as the Sunday
Chronicle.
He thinks the country is governed by Parliament and Ministers,
notably by Lloyd George!
128 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FoR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
Opportunities have not arisen for him to belong to a trade union.
He knows something of the outlines of trade-unionism, as his father
belonged to the General Labourers’ Union. He thinks that workmen
should join the union appropriate to their trade, and thinks the union
ought to help to develop real skill and craftsmanship in the workers.
He has never studied the history and literature of trade-unionism.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He knows nothing of co-operation, except that some people deal
at stores and have tickets and dividends. ‘ Holyoake was a poli-
tician who went about the country speaking and trying to uplift the
people.’
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut UsE oF LEISURE.
He spends his spare time in painting and drawing (the former
especially), making models such as aeroplanes. He is self-taught,
and shows much patience and ingenuity in making the most of the
scanty appliance and materials at his disposal. He has spent hours
looking at models in shop-windows, so as to get ideas on how to make
them. He has been handicapped by poverty. His models usually
work well. Reading gives him great pleasure; he gets his books
chiefly from the Free Library. He used to attend a “‘ Friends’ Class ”
on Sunday morning or afternoon, but his attendance gradually ceased
after he was transferred to a new teacher and placed amongst “‘ young
men” older than himself and strangers to him. (This was due to
war conditions.) 5
He visited the Mappin Art Gallery frequently and the Ruskin
Museum less often (it is further from his home and he had no pocket
money to spend on train fares). In fine weather, he liked to go to
Norfolk Park to try his model aeroplanes, or on country walks, as
far as his strength would allow. He was usually alone, because he
had few congenial companions and he seemed content to enjoy the
scenery and fresh air alone. (The last paragraph refers more especially
to the six months of unemployment before going to the School of
Art and to the holiday seasons when a student.)
Love oF BrEavury.
He likes concerts, especially when orchestral or choral music is
given. He often went to hear the bands in the Parks.
He cannot sing or play any instrument. The piano in the house
is the property of his married sister ; it is used very little, and there
is no gramophone.
His parents’ house is simply and comfortably furnished; the small
living room is much overcrowded, as it has been used to house the
sister's piano and dresser since her War wedding.
The floor is covered with linoleum and a large rug. A treadle
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 129
sewing-machine is used by the mother to make underclothing for
the whole family. She used to supplement her husband’s small
and irregular wages by her earnings from needlework.
The walls are decorated by family photographs, some “ enlarge-
ments,” and by his own paintings.
Hoppitt is neat and careful in his dress and scrupulously clean
in his person. He does not care for gay clothes—e.g. fancy ties and
socks, but was a little sensitive about wearing old patched clothes
at school, until the matter was arranged. He best likes pictures
of landscapes, historical scenes, rich colours, tropical seas, etc. (Colour
and warmth appeal to him.)
Fountains Abbey and Ripon Minster (visited from camp) are the
handsomest buildings he knows. He puts ‘the Mappin Art Gallery
third on his list. He really appreciates grand scenery—the sea at
Bridlington, the cliffs at Flamborough, the moors at Ringinglowe
and the dale country near Ripon. He loves open spaces and watching
the sky and clouds—and the winds (this latter partly in connection
with his model aeroplanes and fancy kites). The colour of stormy
sunsets is a joy.
He has not read much poetry, except in schoolbooks. He knows
the “ Merchant of Venice” and ‘‘ Julius Cesar’’ as Shakespeare’s plays.
Milton ‘wrote “ Paradise Lost,” and was blind.’
Morris was ‘ a" poet and artist.’ (He knows of his designs.)
Ruskin was ‘a writer and artist and founded the Ruskin Museum.’
Stevenson ‘ wrote Treasure Island and Kidnapped.’ He has read
Dickens—Pickwick, Old Curiosity Shop, and David Copperfield.
Raphael and Turney were artists. (Turner’s pictures are much
admired by him.)
Beethoven ‘was a musician.’
Sullivan ‘wrote the “Golden Legend” and several operas.’
Carpenter ‘is an author who lives near Sheffield.” He knows
nothing of Chesterton, Shaw, Wells, Arnold Bennett, Tolstoy, Maeter-
linck, Goethe, Dante, Virgil and Plato.
He has been a few times only to the ‘ pictures’ and the theatre.
He occasionally had a free pass to the theatre when painting ‘‘ cur-
tains” and “scenery.” (His poverty through unemployment has
doubtless modified his pleasures.)
LovE oF TRUTH.
He possesses very few books, and these are chiefly school prizes
kept in a small cupboard with the family collection, but he uses the
Free Library regularly. He likes best tales of adventure and books of
-travels, and sometimes old-fashioned novels, e.g. Lord Lytton. Bal-
lantyne and Henty used to be first favourites at age of sixteen (Coral
Island); also Robinson Crusoe; then he advanced to Scott (Quentin
Durward, Ivanhoe, Waverley), Stevenson (Kidnapped and Treasure
Island), and Stanley Weyman, Two Years before the Mast,
Nansen’s Travels, Scott and Peary’s Voyages, and Livingstone’s
10
180 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Travels. The Boy’s Own Paper was read regularly, especially the
sections on model-making, etc. More recently he has studied books
on art.
He thinks Evolution has to do with the type of animal changing
as time goes on. Political Economy is a subject on which he is blankly
ignorant.
He realizes the value of scientific research, e.g. as to discoveries
in motion (flying and movement by air have a fascination for him),
wireless telegraphy and so on. He has worked hard at geometry at
school and says he likes it almost the best of any subject he studies,
and evidently he has an accurate, scientific turn of mind.
Newton ‘ was associated with the discovery of gravitation.’
He is doubtful as to the identity of Lodge and Spencer.
Edison ‘invented the telephone and incandescent lamp.’
Columbus ‘ discovered America in the time of the Tudors.’
He knows nothing of Aristotle, Hackel and Huxley. He is wonder-
fully persevering and patient in his studies; he will take any
amount of pains ‘to do the right thing in the right way.” He is
by no means a genius, but has distinct talent, and his quiet plodding
work should gain a reward.
LovE or GoopNEss.
He used to attend a Church of England day school, and for a short
time he went to a Church of England Sundayschool. Then he
became attached to a Sunday class at a branch school of the Society
of Friends. He has not attended this class for a considerable time.
He went to church occasionally on Sundays. His home is in a parish
where the Church shows little activity ; ‘‘ he has never been followed
up,” has no full membership of any religious body, and is very vague
and uninstructed in “‘ religion ’’ as distinguished from ‘‘ Bible history.”
A chaplain at Ripon Camp is taking some interest in him and he
is attending regularly the voluntary services in the camp. He often
misses a church parade on account of his work.
Hoppitt has been “ awakening’’ to the possibilities and respon-
sibilities of life during the last year and a half; previously he was
very young for his age. The mixing with even the War modicum
of (unrepresentative) lads at. school was good for him, and the rough-
and-tumble of camp life has lessened his self-consciousness, though
he has been “ bruised” a bit in the process.
The lad is almost painfully shy and inarticulate, and at first sight
by no means attractive. His steadfast character and good manners,
however, seem to help him to friends wherever he goes. ‘ The Hut
lady ’’ at Brocton Camp invited him to her own home, and let him
spend his spare time in her garden sketching. His present “‘ officer,”
who is a teacher of art in civil life, noticed the boy drawing in the
Recreation Hut and is helping him with his sketching. He hopes,
after the War) to earn his living by the pursuit of some technical
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 181
form of art such as designing or decorating. He finds his greatest
pleasure in painting.
He is respectful to women ; he has a good mother, who has trained
her children in good decent habits. The sex instinct is still dormant.
His heroes in history are Walter Raleigh and Francis Drake, and
his favourite characters in fiction are Ivanhoe and David Balfour (Kid-
napped). Mary Queen of Scots is his favourite heroine in history.
Beatty and the late Lord Kitchener are his present-day heroes.
His religious ideas are unformed and he has lacked guidance and
“leaning ’’ to some definite creed. The family is decent, but un-
attached to any special place of worship.
He believes that Jesus Christ was God, because he was taught
it as a fact in day school, but he does not know Jesus Christ as a matter
of personal experience.
He knows the historical books of the Bible fairly well.
Notes on Hoppitt’s LIFE-HISTORY.
Hoppitt, though not born in Sheffield, has lived all his life in an
industrial district in the centre of the town. His father was a rather
rough type of man—an outdoor labourer. (The work and the wages
in this occupation are irregular in winter. Also he used to drink
a good deal; the mother kept the home together somehow, by doing
. plain sewing and cleaning. She has been the “ good influence ’’ in
the home.)
Hoppitt had the advantage of spending his whole school life at one
day school, leaving at fourteen from Standard VI—a respectable position
in view of the fact that he was out of school frequently owing to ill-
health. At theage of fourteen he went to work as a packing-case-maker ;
months later he developed pneumonia. Internal weakness followed on
this illness and he was unable to lift heavy weights or to do laborious
work, so he had to find new work. He had always been fond of painting
and drawing, so he hoped to find a congenial sphere of labour in a
letterer and sign-writer’s workshop. He spent a year and a half at
this occupation, acquiring considerable technical skill ; then his health
broke down again. The heavy chemical atmosphere of the workshop
was unhealthy and the internal trouble came on again. There followed
a period of six months at home—a good deal of suffering and boredom
through lack of regular occupation. Then he was sent to the School
of Art by some one who took an interest in his paintings. It was
thought that the rather ignorant, rough father would oppose this course,
as attendance at the school brought in no wages. However, he appre-
ciated the fact that the boy was too ill to be industrially employed,
and “as you are good enough to get him this teaching we must make
shift to keep him among hands.”
He had rather a hard time for some weeks after joining the Army,
struggling to carry out routine duties. His bad health brought him
under the notice of the Medical Board—he was placed in a low
category and hag “light duty,” which seems to be chiefly acting
¥
182. THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
as attendant at a Canteen or Recreation Hut. He does not regret
joining the Army, but looks forward to returning to civil life as a
wage-earner.
UNDERHILL.
Aged 22; skilled engineer; lives with his parents and brothers.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
He is very fond of his home and his parents and brothers, and
has made various things in the house. ‘‘He would make a good
husband and father.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WoRK.
He is physically fit. He was apprenticed to his work and has
followed up the theoretical side at evening classes. He likes his job.
He is regular, punctual, industrious, efficient and capable of taking
responsibility. He is ‘‘ hoping eventually to have charge of the shop.”
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
He estimated the present population of Sheffield at 500,000 and
its population in 1817 at 50,000. He ‘ thinks” that a century ago
Sheffield was a manufacturing town.
He knows the name of a representative for his ward and those
of a few councillors and officials, but his interest in local politics is
‘‘not very great; he does not seem so far to have had much time
for this.” He would like to see reforms in “ housing and lighting ’’
carried out. He thinks the University ‘‘ should get into closer touch
with the people and be more open to the children of working-men.”
He does not want to leave Sheffield.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
He knew four of the five M.P.’s for Sheffield, along with their
political creeds :—‘ Anderson (Socialist), Roberts (Conservative),
Fisher (Doubtful), Hope (Conservative).” He put the population
of England and Wales at upwards of 40,000;000; named coal and
iron as the chief British industries; and guessed there were about
4oo M.P.’s in Parliament.
He was almost ignorant of English history; he had a vague under-
standing of the Industrial Revolution ; he had never heard of Robert
Owen.
‘“‘He has Labour sympathies, but thinks the Liberals are safer.
He is afraid of extreme men, who will, he thinks, run us into a mess
and difficulties.”
Home Rule: ‘Ireland ought to have it; Gladstone favoured it.’
The House of Lords : ‘ Not so bad now ’; he regards it as a ‘ check
on wild schemes.’
Protection ; He is against, it,—' it helps the employer,’
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 138
Votes for-Women: ‘‘ He is glad they have the vote.”
Socialism: ‘He is afraid of it; says there is too much State
control now.”
Conscription : ‘ He dislikes it, but says it appears to be necessary.”
The Russian Revolution: ‘‘ He had hoped for better things from
it; he says the Socialists have ruined it.’
State Education: ‘‘He says it should be extended and greater
facilities given for the children of working people.”
The Future of the Workers in England: ‘‘ He is hopeful of it, but
afraid they may be led away on wild schemes.”
The King: “He says he is no particular use but that we must
have a figure-head.”
He reads the Sheffield Independent, John Bull, and Tit-Bits.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He joined the A.S.E. ‘ because he thought it his duty.” He
said that the object of a Trade Union was “ to protect the workers
against the selfish employer,’ and added that ‘‘ not all employers
are selfish.” He has read no books on Trade Unionism, but has
attended occasional lectures at the A.S.E. Hall. He knew nothing
of Place or the Chartists, but had heard of Webb and Cole. ‘Ina
hazy kind of way’ he knows the difference between a craft and an
industrial union. He is “ interested in Guild Socialism, but has not
gone into it.” He is no more than a moderately keen unionist, and
attends meetings only now and then; but “as time goes on he will
enter more into the spirit and work of his union.”
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
His household does not deal with a Co-operative Store and he
takes no particular interest in the Co-operative Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut UsE oF LEISURE.
Saturday Afternoons in Winter: Football.
Saturday Afternoons in Summer : Walking.
The Evenings of an Ordinary Week :—
Monday : Visiting.
Tuesday : At home.
Wednesday : Singing lesson.
Thursday : ‘ Pictures.’
Friday ; Choir practice.
Saturday : Walking.
He goes to the seaside for his annual holiday. He does not want
to go ‘‘ back to the land.” His hobby is singing.
Love or Braury.
He is fond of music. He plays the piano indifferently, but can
sing well both individually and in a choir. He goes frequently to
concerts. He takes lessons in singing.
1384 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
He is scrupulous about his personal appearance. He visits the
local museums and art galleries occasionally., Westminster Abbey is
the finest building he knows. He has a certain love of grand scenery,
He reads very little poetry and could name only a few plays of
Shakespeare. He has “ heard of ” Beethoven, Carpenter, Chesterton,
Dickens, Goethe, Milton, Ruskin, Shaw, Stevenson, Sullivan, Tolstoy,
Wells, but has not even “heard of “” Bennett, Dante, Maeterlinck,
Plato, Virgil.
He goes to the ‘ pictures ’ once a fortnight and best likes historical
and humorous films. He goes occasionally to the music-hall and
likes “instrumentalist, conjuring, and variety turns.” He goes “ not
very often ’’ to the theatre; when he goes it is to hear a musical
comedy, or, more rarely, a Shakespeare play.
Love or TRUTH.
He has a few books of Dickens and other inferior writers in his
home and a few technical works; they are “ well read.” From the
library he borrows light literature. He has been to technical classes
for his woik.’
Political Economy : “‘ Has a slight general idea.”
Evolution : ‘‘ Knows the general theory, but nothing very exact.”
Scientific Research : “‘ No great knowledge outside his own interest
in steel, etc.” He knew that Columbus discovered America; said
that Darwin was the man who taught we came from monkeys;
described Lodge as a spiritualist, and Edison as the inventor of the
Phonograph and telephone.
“‘ He has shown no anxiety to get at the Truth so far. His general
outlook seems sound, and I should think that later on some awakening
will come.”
LovE oF GOODNESS,
He is a member of the Church of England, sings in the choir at
his place of worship, and “‘ helps in small ways, usually on the social
side.’ He belongs to the Anglican Church because “‘ he was brought
up to it from a boy and now thinks it the best religious body. His
confirmation meant a great deal to him.”
He thinks his own church ‘‘ ought to help the workers more,”
and that the churches in general ‘‘ might become a great influence
in the country.”’ He is well informed upon the Bible and has orthodox
views upon religion.
‘* He is a typical careful working-man with some idea of “ getting
on.”’ He has been brought up in the traditional home atmosphere,
with narrow outlook. But with his growing interest in trade-unionism,
together with his increased interest in his church and religion, he
seems to be at the opening of an interesting and useful development.
He seems to be the kind of man who, with encouragement, will develop
into a useful member of society. He has ambitions ; is a little selfish
at present; but there is a growing sense. of a wider responsibility.”
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 185
Notes oN UNDERHILL’s LIFE-HISTORY.
He received the usual council school education and thinks it was
good as far as it went.
DALSON.
{Dalson has filled in an Intensive Questionnaire about himself,
writing the answers as if about another person. Whenever it was
not necessary to sacrifice them in the interest of conciseness and
conscientiousness, his exact words (marked by inverted commas)
have been preserved.]
Aged 27; engine tenter in large works; lives in a six-roomed
tenement with wife and one child.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
‘He believes his home is the finest place in the world ; he is very
fond indeed of his wife and child.” ‘‘ A home of his own has been
an almost life-long ideal to him, and the realization of that ideal
naturally gives him a good deal of pleasure.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WoRK.
(‘' The engine-room in which he works contains five steam engines.
It is his duty to keep them in action constantly under all circum-
stances (even during an air-raid) ; for one of them to be brought to
a standstill without warning having been given throughout the works
would probably have disastrous consequences. Still the work is
pleasant as work goes; the room is comparatively clean and comfort-
able; the shifts are only of eight hours’ duration and, with his sense
of responsibility, his independence from foreman, gangers, and so
forth, the opportunity of an occasional quiet read, etc., his job isn’t
a bad ’un.’’]
He is physically fit for the job he is doing. His training led up
to this sort of work and in that sense he is doing that for which
he is suited. He likes his work “ within limits,” but ‘‘ would prefer
some sort of ‘social work.’”’ He is efficient, regular, punctual and
industrious, ‘‘ but there is no virtue in this, because he is compelled
by force of circumstances to be so.’ He-has no vices militating
against his efficiency, ‘“‘ except laziness, which he attributes to having
fraternized with University People and the ‘Idle Rich’!” ‘It
seems to me that Dalson is ‘adequate’ for wage-earning work—his
whole life since leaving school at 13 years of age has been spent in
mechanical work and he is pretty familiar with steam engineering,
etc. It seems to me that his knowledge of machinery and general
intelligence would serve him in good stead as regards finding employ-
ment. He is, however, in no sense a ‘craftsman,’ and has never
really learned a trade.”
186 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
He estimates the population of Sheffield in 1917 at 500,000, and
in 1817 at 30,000; he “ believes’”’ Sheffield was a manufacturing
town in 1817. He voted Labour at the last Municipal Election, and
asked for the reason, he says: ‘“‘My word! If you had only left
me about 100 pages to answer this!!’’ He knows the name of one
of the three members for his ward ; knows the name of the lord mayor ;
knows all or pretty nearly all the names of the town councillors and
chief municipal officials. He is “ deeply interested ’’ in local politics ;
would like to ‘“‘ municipalize the gas-works, theatres, music-halls.
He would reform the libraries and provide Sunday music in the
parks, etc., etc., etc., etc.”” He thinks the University is ‘‘ not exactly
hopeless” ; he thinks the local W.E.A. ‘‘ will be all right if a ‘ ginger
group’ gets into power there.” ‘‘ He isn’t familiar with many other
towns; he may be said to like Sheffield—he has no particular desire
to live anywhere else. There’s no place like Sheffield!”
He intends to canvass for the Labour man at the next municipal
election.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP,
He knows the names and politics of all of Sheffield’s five members
of Parliament ; knows there are 670 members in all. He had no vote
in 1910; intends to vote Socialist or Labour at the next election.
He knows a considerable amount about recent economic history,
but rather little about general English history, e.g. ‘“‘ he knows Wolsey
was a ‘ Cardinal’ and that’s about ‘all ’’; he knows Oliver Cromwell,
but couldn’t date him to within fifty years. He knows that India
is far larger than England; puts the population of England and
Wales at 45,000,000; terms the chief industries of the country:
“Cotton, Steel, Ceramics, Coal, Woollen Goods.”
Home Rule: ‘‘ Long overdue for Ireland, and he believes that
Scotland and Wales ought also to have a sort of autonomy, and thus
leave the National Parliament free to deal with the large questions
common to us all.”
Protection: “ A Capitalist dodge to create monopolies for their
own clique.”
Socialism: ‘‘ The only means of establishing the ‘ Kingdom of
God’ on earth.” ,
Votes for Women: ‘‘ Believes in the granting of the franchise to
all adults over 21 years of age—irrespective of sex, social standing,
and whether married or single.”
Conscription: ‘‘An attempt to Prussianize Britain—we must
abolish conscription after the War.”
House of Lords: ‘ Abolition.”
Russian Revolution: ‘‘ The Government ought to havé given a
heartier support to this movement; he is in hearty agreement with
the revolutionaries.”
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 187
State Education : ‘‘ Believes in Fisher’s Bill, but only as an instal-
ment,”
The King: " Ought to be superseded by a President.”
He reads (thoroughly) the Daily News, the Sheffield Independent,
the Herald, the Sunday Chronicle, and the New Statesman.
“He is taking an ever-increasing interest in national affairs.
Whereas his earlier yeafs of manhood were devoted to the Church
and individual conversions—so to speak—he is now more interested
in reforming the State—he believes a good deal of righteousness can
be brought about by legislation; though legislation is not exactly
the Alpha and Omega of his creed.’ ‘‘ He thinks we shall soon have
a ‘Labour Government.’ ”
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
Has been for five years a Member of the “ National Union of
General Workers’’; ‘‘ he is in a Union because he believes in the
workers organizing to obtain conditions of labour bearing some sem-
blance of decency and justice.” He is exceedingly well informed
upon Trade Union matters; has read numbers of books on Trade
Unionism, including much of the Webbs’ Industrial Democracy. He
states that “he doesn’t know a great deal about Guild Socialism ;
State Socialism seems to him the most practical, for the time being,
at any rate.”
“He has done a good deal of work as a trade unionist on the
railway some years ago, and of late his interest in the Movement has
been still keener. This year he is a delegate to the Congress of his.
Union, and in this capacity represents 1,000 members ; he is a shop-
steward and member of the Works Committee ; he is always selected
for any delegation work as the men’s representative.”
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He believes in the Co-operative Movement ‘as an instalment
of Socialism.’”? He reads the Wheatsheaf and the Co-operative News ;
tries to make new members; booms the Movement at every oppor-
tunity.” ‘‘ He is hoping to do a little work in support of the Co-
operative candidate during the next election.”
ADEQUACY FOR THE RIGHT USE oF LEISURE.
“He works on the “shift system ’’ and this prevents him from
systematic attendance at chapel or institute, etc.; he is never on
leave on Sundays (i.e. for the whole of Sunday) except during his
annual holiday. His hobbies are reading, gardening, walking in
the country, theatre-going, and (occasionally) visiting a music hall.
He spent his last three annual holdiays thus :—1913: Walking tour
through Lake District with a. friend; 1915: at Bridlington with
wife and child; 1916: at York with wife and child. Were he rich
enough to do as he liked, he would ‘‘ improve his education, travel,
engage in social work.”
188 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Love or Beauty.
He is fond of music—“ all sorts’; he often goes to listen to the
bands in the parks; he sometimes gets to the Victoria Hall Saturday
night concerts. His six favourite songs or hymns are :—When
Wilt Thou Save the People? England, Arise!, Lead, Kindly
Light !, Abide with Me, Sun of my Soul, Hail! Thou Once-
despised Jesus !—“ any decent glee-song; no ragtimes.”” He does
not sing himself; asked if he could play any instrument, he replies:
“* The barrel-organ. *”’ There is no gramophone in the house; he
intends purchasing a piano shortly for his little boy to learn upon.
“‘ He frequently attends the operas, having heard : Lily of Killarney,
Tales of Hoffmann, Madame Butterfly, The Mikado, The Gondo-
liers, Carmen, Il Trovatore, Yeomen of the Guard, Patience,
and enjoyed them. He loves to hear good music and is invariably
* moved ’ by it, but he does not ‘ understand ’ it in the real sense of
that term.”
Dalson maintains that the condition of his home indicates a Love
of Beauty. ‘‘ He has no loud or gaudy -pictures, but on the other
hand, he has no really good ones.’’ He avers that “his furniture
is—what shall we say ?—‘ ordinary’; none you would call artistic.”
“There is lino on the floor. Dalson’s home is clean and orderly,
but the condition of it is hardly a correct indication of his ‘love of
beauty,’ because in the first place his taste has altered very consider-
ably since he first purchased the furniture, etc., and in the second
place his income does not allow him to make his. house such as he
would '; but he makes the best of it.’’
Dalson is by no means indifferent to his personal cleanliness and
is careful about his appearance. ‘‘ Water colours”’ are the pictures
he most likes. He visits the museums and art galleries of Sheffield
about twice a year.
He takes real pride in his allotment, and in the little patch of garden
attached to his house. He ‘‘ very much” appreciates grand scenery,
etc. ‘‘ He thinks Sheffield is ‘A Dirty Picture’ with ‘A Beautiful
Frame’; in order to beautify it he would divide it into industrial
and residential sections; the people (irrespective of social standing)
should reside in the healthier and prettier section”; and he would
also ‘abolish smoke.
Asked for the poetry he has read, he.replies :—‘ Tennyson, Shakes-
peare, Pope, Masefield, the Bible. These are about all up to the
present time, but he’s developing a sort of literary taste at present
and has a longing to ‘ get at’ Wordsworth, Shelley, and the others.”
Asked if he can name six plays of Shakespeare, he says he can name
a dozen; “he has read pretty thoroughly The Merchant of Venice,
Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing.” ‘“‘ Has
read Birrell on Milton” ; calls Stevenson a great novelist, and mentions
1 Bernard Shaw will be annoyed if we omit to mention that he cautioned
us to beware of judging the worker’s Love of Beauty from the sort of furni-
ture that present economic conditions thrust upon him,
.
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 139
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; calls Morris ‘' poet, socialist, artist” ;
has read Ruskin’s biography and most of his works; of Dickens has
read Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, Tale
of Two Cities, Old Curiosity Shop, Christmas Carol’; ‘‘he thinks
Raphael was a painter but he does not know for certain, and
what’s more, he doesn’t care either’’; he is ‘‘ familiar with Turner
through reading Ruskin’; he knows Beethoven was a German comi-
poser, and Sir Arthur Sullivan an English composer. Of G. K. Chester-
ton he has read Manalive, Club of Queer Trades, and “lots of his
journalistic stuff,” and his biography of Bernard Shaw; of that
author he has read or seen: Major Barbara, John Bull’s Other Island,
Doctor’s Dilemma, Man and Superman, Shewing up of Blanco Posnet,
Devil’s Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains,
Fabian Essays, The Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot, ‘lots
of his essays, etc.” ; he has read ‘‘ about a dozen” of H. G. Wells’
books, and “‘ about a score’”’ of Arnold Bennett’s ; has heard Edward
Carpenter lecture, and read Towards Democracy and The Intermediate
Sex. He has ‘read a little’’ about Tolstoy, knows Maeterlinck is
a Belgian poet and playwright, knows Goethe was a German poet;
and says Virgil was a ‘‘ Greek poet,’’ “‘ doesn’t know whether Dante
was a painter or a writer or both”’; has read Plato’s Republic.
He goes to the ‘ pictures’ about six times a year and prefers films
made from historical events or classical novels, ‘‘ also films depicting
good scenery’’; the picture palace ‘“‘has no great influence upon
him.”” He goes to the music hall about once in six weeks and likes
‘decent humour,” ‘‘ good scenery,’”’ and ‘ good singing’’; he does
not think the music hall has much influence upon him—‘ he goes
when he feels tired or idle as a matter of easy entertainment.’’ When-
ever possible he goes to see a ‘“‘ good drama or opera,’’ at the theatre.
LovsE oF TRUTH.
“He has quite a decent library and is gradually extending it on
a plan laid down by Arnold Bennett in his book Literary Taste. He
reads his books thoroughly, and makes a synopsis of every one that
lends itself to such treatment. He uses one of the branch public
libraries, the book-box of his university tutorial class, and the library
at the W.E.A. house, borrowing books on economics, volumes of
essays and good modern novels. ‘‘ The larger part of his leisure time
is spent in this way.” He attends a tutorial class as far as his shifts
will allow; goes frequently to the meetings of the Ethical Society ;
goes to lectures at the W.E.A. house and the University.
Evolution : ‘He has read a good deal about it in an incidental
way: Diummond, Schuster, Sir Oliver Lodge. The economists and
others have introduced the subject to him, but he has not read Darwin's
Origin of Species. Christian writers and lecturers such as Dr. Ballard,
Rev. W. Bell, Rev. S. Chadwick of Cliffe College, and others, are also
responsible for his conception of this subject. He could not give an
accurate technical definition of the theory.”
140 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Economics : Says he knows “not much,” but there are very few
middle-class persons who know half as much as he does; he has read
Mrs. Fawcett, Hobson’s Industrial System, Gide’s Political Economy,
Fabian Essays, Meiedith’s Economic History, “‘ and also he has been
bored by Professor Marshall.’ The following is the opening para-
graph of one of his average tutorial class essays on the subject : ‘ Does
a man get what he is worth ?’
‘“The present writer does not profess the ability to answer this
question with technical correctness, or with that supposedly scien-
tific accuracy for which the average economist is noted. He feels
with Ruskin, Edward Carpenter, Shaw, Wells and others, that it
is in the attempt to reduce some of these great human questions to
the level of an ordinary dead science that the average economist
fails. This does not mean that the professor of economics should
be a moralist or even a reformer in every case. The scientist who
looks at things aa they are in the economic sphere, who discovers
certain principles, observes the operation of various laws, and
formulates certain theories therefrom, is doing a useful and neces-
sary work. There are, however, economic problems in the solution
of which the scientist has failed by under-stating the human element
so to speak and over-emphasizing the purely scientific side. For’
this reason the writer is not prepared to guarantee that this essay
shall conform strictly to accepted economic theory. He will go
as far as he can with the economist, he will try to answer the question
on orthodox lines. He may, however, come to a point at which
he and the economist must part company.”
. Scientific Research: “‘ He believes in scientific research in every
branch of human knowledge ; he thinks the nation ought to set aside
large sums of money and selected persons to experiment, investigate,
inquire, and report upon all the sciences that concern the welfare
of the people and not leave this great question to enthusiastic and
truth-seeking individuals. Research of all kinds is a matter which
concerns the whole of the people; we need immensely more of it;
the State cannot be too generous or prodigal with its money in this
direction.”
Dalson ‘‘ belonged to a Theological Class for two years; also
learned a little about logic in another class to which he belonged ;
he studied botany later ; at present he is most interested in economics.”
He has read a biography of Newton; says Darwin ‘“‘ propounded
evolution theory”; knows something of Columbus, Edison, Huxley,
and Spencer; has read Lodge’s Mind and Matter; knows Aristotle
was a “Greek philosopher,” ‘“‘ but, has read none of his works’;
calls Haeckel a ‘‘ German philosopher,” and has read none of his
works, : :
Love oF GOODNESS.
He has done a good deal of local preaching for the Wesleyans,
“but does not often hold forth now.” ‘“ The fact of his working on
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 141
the shift system militates against his regular and active participation
in church work.’’ Asked why he belongs to the Wesleyan denomin-
ation he replies: ‘‘ It’s more or less of an accident; he has no great
admiration for them and doesn’t believe a quarter of what is taught
from their pulpits.” He vividly remembers his ‘conversion’ at
about sixteen, and says: ‘‘ This was a very real event to him and
changed his whole outlook on life for about ten years.” He avers
that though his old religious convictions have largely broken down,
his consciousness of the seriousness and splendour of life is increasing.”
His sincere ambition is ‘‘ to lead his fellows to something higher and
better than is their lot at present; to be the means of uplifting ‘ the
masses.’
He says that ‘‘it is difficult to say from what he gets his greatest.
pleasure, but a good book, a good opera, an evening at home with
the family, a quiet stroll in the country alone, are very pleasurable
experiences to him.”
To specify his ‘attitude to women,’ he mentions ‘‘ the Ruskin
idea as set forth in his lecture Sesame and Lilies; he believes that
women are capable of greater sacrifices than men are.” :
His favourite male character : :
In fiction: David Rosse (‘The Eternal City ’).
In real life to-day: E. D. Morel.
His favourite female character :
In history: Florence Nightingale. :
In fiction: Margaret Van Eyck (The Cloister and the Hearth).
In real life to-day: Margaret Macmillan.
“He is losing patience with the Churches; they are out of touch
with modern life; their teaching is too individualistic altogether ;
the language of the pulpit is the language of our great grandfathers ;
they have no social gospel; Christianity and modern Churchianity
are as far as the poles asunder; Christianity is—Socialism.’”’ ‘‘ Jesus
Christ is the greatest teacher who ever lived.” ‘‘ Theologically, he
is inclined to the Unitarian point of view.’ Dalson’s knowledge of
the Bible is considerable.
Free Will: ‘‘ There may be such a thing as Free Will, but he
has his doubts”’; “ heredity and environment play a very big part
in determining a man’s character.”
Future Life: ‘‘ His views on this are changing very much, and
are in fact so vague at present as to render a statement of them
impossible,”
God: ‘He has lost his old anthropomorphic conception, and is
now coming to the opinion that the Something we call ‘ God’ is still
trying to realize himself through humanity.” ‘
Religion: ‘‘He has forsaken anything and everything in the
nature of dogma or creed and regards religion more from the ‘ Ethical
Society’ point of view than from that of any particular church.
(Such authors as Ruskin, Emerson, Carpenter, Shaw, Galsworthy,
Wells, Masefield, Lodge and others have had a good deal of influence
142. THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
on him in this connection.) In so far as he does believe in any creed,
‘The Sermon on the Mount’ is the best expression of it.”
Notes on Datson’s LIFE-HISTORY.
His father was a labourer with eight other children to bring up,
and anxious that he should be ‘ earnin’ summat’ as soon as he could.
At 11} therefore he became a barber’s bay on Friday night and ail
Saturday, earning 1s. 3d. a week. On leaving school at 13 he became
an errand-boy for six months, earning first 5s., then 6s. a week. He
next went to a firm as saw-lad, labourer, and joiner s machinist, with
wages increasing from 7s. to 12s. per week. He was flung out of
work at 18} on account of bad trade, and then found work as an engine-
cleaner on the railway at 15s. a week. Subsequently be became a
loco-fireman. At twenty-four years of age he left this for his present
job.
His parents were good and affectionate, but totally uneducated
and quite indifferent to his education ; he went to board school from
the age of five to the age of 13 and thinks “ not much ” of the value
of his schooling. He says he “learnt something about the three
R’s and that’s about all.” He says ‘‘ he is afraid’”’ that neither his
home nor his upbringing were ‘ educational.’ ‘‘ He remembers suffer-
ing acutely from hunger during the Colliers’ Strike about 20 years
ago, and since then he has lived very near the ‘ Poverty line’ (below
rather than above) until this last six or seven years. Anything that
may have influenced him in an educational sense has been rather
accidental than purposeful so far as his upbringing is concerned.
He lived in what was practically a slum district, and although his
home was always scrupulously clean, it was always poverty stricken,
having ne good pictures,no bound books, no music, no garden, no
bathroom.”
“He. was accepted as a ‘ Local Preacher ’ just before reaching the
age of 19. About this time a friend took him in hand and taught
him the rudiments of English Grammar ; later he taught him from
Meiklejohn’s ‘ Larger Grammar ’ ; then took him through Dr. Morrell’s
‘English Literature,’ John Lightfoot’s ‘ Logic,’ and Gide’s ‘ Political
Economy’; this lasted about five years. Since then he has married,
developed a sort of literary taste, joined a tutorial class, engaged in
various sorts of social work, and become a pronounced Socialist.’
‘‘The thing above all others that has characterized the life
of this particular X from the very beginning has been ‘ Poverty.’
Always he has had to earn as much as he could without regard to his
future welfare or culture or education or refinement. His meagre
wages were always needed to subsidize the family income during his
adolescence and early manhood.
All real educational reform must have its foundation in the total aboli-
tion of. poverty ; men cannot develop their higher faculties to the full so
long as they ave eternally struggling with their move physical necessities,”
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 148
HERRINGBURY
{Written directly for publication by the helper.]
Aged 28; ‘‘on munitions,” .ex-porter; lives with wife and two
children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
Very fond of his home, his wife, and his two young children. House
furnished and kept in much better style than is usual in his class.
From time to time he purchases ornaments, bits of silver or small
pieces of furniture and brings them home as a surprise for his wife,
these being bought out of his pocket money. The couple bought
furniture for the future home out of their joint savings before marriage,
all being paid for, not the hire purchase system. Very proud of his
children, anxious that they shall have everything of the best; is
extravagant in that respect, e.g. has just paid £2 for a doll’s pram
for the elder giil. Sees special garments on rich children or in a shop
window, demands same for child, e.g. modern rain-coat, goloshes,
etc. A special sum of money he earned was dedicated to the child’s
good winter coat, and a doll that cost {1! Wants the child to
have good education, not mix with rough children, and have work
later on that will not be laborious or unpleasant. Inclined to give
the child her will in everything, to the lack of the discipline that the
wife knows to be necessary for her. A little autocratic in attitude
-towards wife and child, e.g. he forbade the wife to take the child to
the Infant Welfare Centre as he had the erroneous idea that it was
intended for the children of neglectful mothers. ‘If our baby is ill,
she is not going to mix with such low people, our own doctor can
attend to her.’ A little inclined to lay down the law on matters which
would appear to be more the concern of his wife. Did not care for
his wife to attend the special Hospital for Women as an out-patient.
This was partly due to consideration for her natural shrinking from
the publicity of the hospital. Has shown an unusually delicate con-
sideration for his shy little wife in marital relations. Is thoughtful
and considerate, e.g. recently when she returned from an exhausting
visit to the out-patients’ department, she found that he had blacked
the grate, made a good fire, and was beginning to wash the kitchen
floor that she might be spared fatigue. Wife understands him pretty
well and is able to ‘ get round ’ his domineering ways, and has things
very much her own way in the household. He is naturally hot-
tempered and jealous; this has been curbed by training. His wife
is insistent on good table manners, etc., she having been brought up
in a more refined manner than Herringbury. He is very kind to
parents and to wife’s mother (see family history).
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WorK.
Big in size but not strong. Suffers from periodic attacks of asthma,
Likes regular work and is observant, Has brought intelligence to
144 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
bear on certain mechanical problems in his munitions work, e.g.
difficulties in rigging, etc., and arranging machinery to stand strain.
Is regular, punctual, industrious, and is liked by workmates. Has no
vices to militate against his work. Very loyal to foreman and manager,
ADEQUACY FOR LOCAL CITIZENSHIP.
Knew the population of Sheffield in 1917. In 1817 “it was a
much smaller town and did cutlery work chiefly.’”’” He is a Liberal,
but not an active politician, belonging to no political society ;’ but
he always votes at elections. He knows the names of the lord mayor,
of his own representatives, and of many of the members of the city
council and of the chief officials of the corporation. The reform of
the housing arrangements in the city appears to him to be an urgent
matter. The University and the W.E.A. are mere names to him,
He often visits Eyam where his mother and other relations now reside.
He would not like to leave Sheffield.
ADEQUACY FoR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP,
He knows the names of all five of the Sheffield M.P.’s and their
political creeds. He always gives his vote to the Liberal candidate,
but might very likely vote “‘ Labour ”’ at the next election, if a Labour
candidate offered himself for the division.
Reform Act of 1832: ‘Extended voting power.’
French Revolution: ‘Mentioned in history at school.’ (This
answer applies also to Magna Carta and the Battle of Hastings.)
Industrial Revolution : ‘ Introduction of machinery.’
Gladstone : ‘Was a great Liberal leader and Prime Minister and
was a religious man—a Churchman.’
Napoleon: ‘A great French general—battle of Waterloo—died
in captivity at St. Helena.’
Robert Qwen: ‘ Never heard of him.’
James Watt: ‘ Discovered steam power.’
Oliver Cromwell : (School history.) ‘ Civit War enemy of Charles I.’
Wolsey: ‘ Cardinal and friend of Henry VIII and died in disgrace.’
Knows India is much larger than England.
Says population of England is 30,000,000 and its chief industries
are agriculture, cotton, coal, and steel. There are, he says, about
600 M.P.’s.
He believes that Home Rule should be given to Ireland, but thinks
that the Irish should be treated like other people, as regards conscrip-
tion, taxation, etc.
The House of Lords has had too much power in the past.
Protection, he thinks, is a wrong principle, but in certain small
matters that affect him personally he would like the ‘ help of Pro-
tection’ (though he does not call it by that name).
Votes for Women: Thinks it is right, but has given little thought
to the matter, Knows of the Syffragettes and Mrs, Pankhurst.
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 145
. Socialism : Speaks somewhat contemptuously of it (very ignorant
on the subject). f
Conscription: Disliked idea, but now reconciled. Thinks ‘ each
man should do his share.’
Russian Revolution: ‘They have made a mess of things there,
and injured the cause of the Allies.’
State Education: ‘Is too autocratic and interferes too much with
the rights of parents.’ Believes in principle of ‘' free education ’”’ by
the State for the children of workers and. all who will claim it.
The Future of the Workers in England : ‘ They will not put up with
conditions as they have been in the past; there may be a great
uprising.’
The King: Remembers his visits to Sheffield. Respects him and
thinks he is doing his best for his country and his duty as he sees it.
He reads the Independent and the Star, and sometimes John Bull.
ADEQUACY FoR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He joined a Labour Union on going to the munition works. Knows
very little about Trade Unionism, but thinks it is useful in ‘ getting
workers their rights.’ Knows nothing of the history of Trade Union-
ism, except a little about the Chartists. Never heard of Francis
Place, Sidney Webb, or G. D. H. Cole. Would go with the majority
on Trade Union matters.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP,
Is not a co-operator and has no special interest in the Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut USE or LEISURE.
He has no allotment, but sometimes helps a friend ; would like to
have one; no time or energy to work one now. He occasionally
goes fishing. He has a bicycle and goes country runs to Eyam
(relatives), etc., (often accompanied by his wife) on Sundays and
holidays. Spends annual holiday with relatives in the country,
always accompanied by wife and child. Occasionally visits picture
‘house or music hall (a slight increase in this since he did’ munition
_work—more money to spend), Evenings at home usually, reading
evening paper, doing small repairs, etc., for house; walk with wife to
Rivelin Valley or park (if band playing) or visiting friends.
Love oF BrEauty.
Likes music of popular kind; clean taste. Goes to band in park
sometimes. Only goes to a concert if in connection with some social
gathering. \-There is no piano or musical instrument in the house.
Does not care for gramophone. Very anxious to purchase piano for
the elder child. (This desire is chiefly actuated by social ambition.)
The condition of the house is creditable to husband and wife; both
11
146 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
take a pride in it. Wife has more knowledge and ambition in the
housewifery domain. She was in good domestic service before
marriage, and came from a home which, though poor, was good, and
had excellent training. The walls are well covered with photographs
of friends and relatives, prints of landscapes and sentimental subjects
and almanacks. The living room is covered with linoleum, good
fire-guard, dresser, comfortable elbow-chairs for husband and wife,.
and couch. Back kitchen, tiled, has only utilitarian fittings. The
front bedroom used by the couple has a really good bedroom suite
(pride of Mrs. H.’s heart), a railed cot for child, which she used from
the beginning of her life ; house properly supplied with bed and table
linen (rather rare for workers). Second bedroom sufficiently furnished.
Few books in home (chiefly prizes) fill three short shelves. Herringbury
is always neat and tidy in appearance ; he buys good suitable clothing
and takes care of it. Encourages wife in like habits. He always
dresses for the evening, changing from dirty working clothes, but likes
to have tea in his shirt sleeves. He enjoys scenery of a homely,
pastoral character, but would not appreciate great mountains, etc.
Cannot name six plays of Shakespeare. Knows Milton was a poet
and wrote “‘ Paradise Lost.” Knows Ruskin chiefly because of the
Ruskin Museum. Has read ‘ Pickwick’ and a few other of Dickens’s
books. Knows that Chesterton, Shaw, and Wells are writers. Knows
nothing of Beethoven, Bennett, Turner, Stevenson, Morris, Raphael,
Goethe, Virgil, Dante, etc.
Love or TRUTH.
He does not use a library regularly, has occasionally made use
of free library (branch near). Reads few books; wholesome char-
acter ; adventure chiefly. Knows nothing of Economics (in theory).
He has a hazy knowledge of Evolution. He is interested in astronomy.
Would have studied if given some encouragement, but not keen
enough to go to evening classes on his own account. Darwin and
Lodge he knows to be scientists. Edison ‘invented telephone.’
Columbus * discovered America.’ Aristotle ‘was a@ Greek,’ and is
associated in his mind with certain books on sexual matters displayed
in shops in slum thoroughfares. (This is usual in a certain grade
of society.) Huxley was ‘a free-thinker and a scientist.’ Never
heard of Haeckel and Herbert Spencer. Isaac Newton ‘a scientist’
(remembers from school). Has sensible views on life and conduct,
and expresses himself fairly well in sympathetic company.
Love oF GOODNESS.
Brought up in.vague form of Dissent ; no definite religious teaching.
Round about the time of his marriage (five years ago) he was a member
tor two years of a Young Men’s Bible Class (Church) and was Sick
Visitor during part of the time. He attends Church fairly often.
Has rather vague religious sense, but is certainly Christian. Never
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 147
admitted as a full ‘‘ member” of any religious body. Has had no
special ‘‘ conversion ’’ in broadest sense of the term. Strikes one
as being still much undeveloped and narrow in ideas; sense of civic
and national responsibility seems rather small. Judges matters almost
entirely from the point of how they will affect his family and immediate
surroundings. Always worked in small branch shop; has never
come in contact with wide circle of men of different kinds of thought.
New work appears to be developing him in this way, giving wider
views ; am not sure yet (too early) if it is likely to be an improvement
in character—fear not.
Finds greatest’ pleasure in home and family; has naturally hot
temper and jealous nature (e.g. as regards wife); always respectful
to women, and never uses bad language. Has superior manner of
speech. Did not see best of women in early youth and then attitude
not so good — this before courting his wife. Does not now look
upon women as men’s equals economically, so to speak. (The entry
of women into big East End munition works, where previously the
foot of woman never trod, is having an effect, both good and evil, as
regards the attitude of the male worker.) Herringbury has respect
for all churches, and would accept orthodox ideas of Jesus Christ
and His Message. He has never worked the question out for him-
self, and one could not say that religion is the dominating influence
in his life. Since going to the works, he has frequently “‘ worked
through the week-end,” i.e. Saturday to Monday morning straight
on; even when not working on Sundays he is apt, if on night shift,
to come home any time up to 11 a.m. too tired to go to church ; hence
church-going almost given up. He is not a pledged total abstainer,
but hardly ever takes alcohol; an occasional glass at a wedding
festivity makes him quite “excited.” Smokes tobacco to a small
extent. Enjoys an occasional game of cards or draughts, but does not
gamble or bet. His increased wages have been spent on better and
more expensive food (pinched previously) ; thinks he needs more. Has
no idea (narrow view) of denying himself or his family any obtain-
able food for sake of country at present time [Spring, 1918]. Any money
saved is kept in the house; has apparent mistrust of ‘‘ War Loan ”’ ;
patriotic appeal falls on deaf ears. I suggested Post Office Savings
Bank, but so far no response. Has bought wife good clothing, toys
for child, and has also paid off doctor’s bill. Herringbury joined a
better-class Sick and Divide Club as a lad; knew nothing then of
Friendly Societies. Still pays to Club, objects to wife having to go
to public house to pay contribution. (He himself is at work at the
time of the payment.) ‘
Notes oN HERRINGBURY’S LIFE-HISTORY.
Father was a semi-skilled worker earning up to about 30s, weekly.
We drank heavily and died in ‘ Union’’ hospital after paralytic
seizure, Never did much to help Herringbury’s. Mother an indifferent
character. Also liked drink. Lived in a small home, not attractive
148. THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
or good for boy. Parents tried to get all his wages and “ favoured ”
the other child, a daughter. Herringbury thankful to get home of his
own for sake of comfort, if for nothing else. Used to allow mo¢her
1s. weekly out of his 23s. weekly wage, up to the time of the child’s
birth. He attended a council school until age of 13 (full-time). Went
to a shop as a boy helper straight from school ; has been in same em-
ployment until spring of 1918, when he was sent by Military Tribunal
to munition work. Sent to big firm as labourer with engineering
repairs gang ; fortunate in getting under good foreman and with decent
work-mates. Is to be advanced to simple fitting work, as showing
intelligent interest in work and a certain aptitude.
OSCAR.
Aged 33; grinder; unmarried ; lives with father, brothers, and
sisters ; (mother dead).
ADEQUACY FOR HOME-LIFE.
Oscar is very fond of his home, does not a little to make it
artistic, and is a good son and brother. “ He treats his home as a
home and not as a mere place of habitation,”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING Work.
‘TI don’t think X is at all physically strong... . His narrow
ehest and sunken cheeks give me the impression of some secret disease
lurking within. . . . One thing is positively certain—X never ought
‘to be following the trade he is, constantly working amongst dust
which is rapidly undermining his health—in fact, killing him.”
Is he doing the sovt of work for which he is suited? ‘‘ No, decidedly
not.” He has strong interest and considerable ability in other direc-
tions ; he does not like his work, “‘ looks upon it as a means to an
end,” ‘‘ and positively hates overtime.” But “ he has no fixed opinion
as to what he would prefer instead.”
In spite of his physical incapacity and distaste for his work, he
is an exceptionally good workman—punctual, regular, industrious ;
never drinks and never gambles; a man who does his job conscien-
tiously ‘“‘ because it is his nature to do justice to his work.’’ He has
plenty of initiative, but this does not show itself in his wage-earning.
ADEQUACY FOR LOCAL CITIZENSHIP.
Knew the population of Sheffield in 1917; had no idea of it in
1817; knew that a hundred years ago Sheffield was manufacturing
cutlery. Knew the representatives for his ward, the lord mayor, and
most of the chief local officials and councillors. His interest in local
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 149
politics is ‘‘ very little.” ‘‘ He thinks that the present members of
the city council are ‘tame’ and-do not possess sufficient initiative
to carry out reforms which are far-reaching.” Thinks the workers
should have access to the University, but that with working con-
ditions as they are, this is impossible. He believes in the W.E.A.,
but is not a member. He likes Sheffield, but wishes it were not so
hideously ugly.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
He knows the names and creeds of all the five M.P.’s for Sheffield.
‘‘ While he takes no definite stand with the Socialist party, his views
are socialistic. He stands for Labour, and thinks that Conservative
and Liberal parties are aloof from Labour.” He thinks that Socialism
is the ideal, but regrets that the people generally do not think suffi-
ciently to embrace it. He thinks many workers cannot see far enough
to convince them that the present system of living is bad.”
He knows a fair amount of English history, though in a somewhat
superficial and scrappy way. He knows roughly the relative sizes
of England and India; knows the population of England and Wales ;
knows the chief industries of the country.
Home Rule : “‘ He certainly favours Home Rule, and thinks Great
Britain is responsible for the chaotic state in Ireland.”
The House of Lords: ‘“‘He thinks the bulk of the lords are
‘idlers’; wants a reformed Second Chamber.”
Protection: ‘‘ He thinks Protection is bad because it fosters the
racial spirit instead of internationalism.”
Votes for Women: ‘He believes that women should have the
vote, but regrets many are not capable of using it.” —
Socialism : ‘‘ He is undoubtedly a Socialist, but regrets that human
nature is not strong enough to bring it into force yet.”
Conscription: ‘‘ He hates Conscription, and looks upon it as the
thin end of the wedge to force industrial conscription later.”
The Russian Revolution : “ He entirely agrees with the Revolution,
and looks. upon it as a great achievement by the Russian masses.”
State Education: ‘‘ He believes every child should have a good’
education at the expense of the State.” ,
The Future of the Workers in England: ‘‘ He thinks the workers
must support the Trade Union and go for the control of industry,
and believes this will eventually come about.”
The King: “‘ He refuses to sing ‘God Save the King.’”
He reads regularly the Labour Leader and the Clarion. In daily
papers he reads mainly the political news.
He thinks that at the present time we are not being governed,
but ‘bundled through.’ “He holds that the present War is the
result of the teaching of ‘ Britain for the British’ and such like. He
thinks we shall always have wars so long as we refuse to think in
terms of internationalism.” .
150 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNIoN MEMBERSHIP.
He has been in a craft union for several years. He believes a
Trade Union is ‘‘ the most effective weapon the workers have if they
will only use it sanely.”” He is not widely read or deeply interested
in Trade Unionism ; has never heard of Francis Place; knows very
little of the Chartists ;* knows of the Webbs but has never read any
of their books—or any other books on the Trade Union Movement;
does not know Cole, but affirms that Trade Union control of industry
should be the goal for all trade unionists.” He would perhaps not
be called a ‘“ keen” and still less a “ revolutionary ”
union, but in his own way he is very effective in influencing others
in what seems to him to be the right direction.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He makes only a small proportion of his purchases at the ‘ Co-
op.’; knows but little of its working and history; takes no active
part in the movement. “ He finds that the ‘ Co-op.’ does not always
answer his needs in articles in which he wants a bit of style, other-
wise he does believe that the ‘ Co-op.’ is an instrument for good, but
should be greatly improved.” .
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut UsE oF LEISURE,
He spends all his longer periods of leisure, summer and winter
(including most of his annual holiday), in rambling over the moors
with a sketchbook. He is also extremely fond of music. At a recent
opera week in Sheffield, he spent his evenings thus :—
Monday: ‘ Stayed indoors to write letters.”
Tuesday : ‘ Opera.”
Wednesday : ‘‘ Visited a sick friend.”
Thursday : “ Opera.”
Friday : “* Opefa.”
Saturday and Sunday: ‘‘ Rambling in the country.”
He wants to “ die in harness’; does not want to go ‘ back to the
land.’ If rich enough to do as he liked, would perhaps ramble and
travel. He immensely enjoyed a week he spent in Norway.
Lover or Beauty.
He is extremely fond of first-rate music; goes frequently to hear
the bands in the parks and to all the good concerts in the town, as
well as to the opera when the chance comes. He possesses a piano-
forte and can play excellently.
His own bedroom is certainly an indication that Oscar has a
“sense of beauty.’ It contains among other things a number of his
own quite creditable sketches. He is very fond of visiting historical
buildings of all sorts. He goes occasionally to the municipal museums
member of his -
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 151
and art galleries. He appreciates grand scenery ‘‘ as very few workers
do.”
He does not read much poetry; but has, for example, read a few
of Shakespeare’s plays.
Arnold Bennett: ‘ Believes he is a playwright.”
Beethoven and Sullivan: ‘ Musical composers.’
Bernard Shaw: ‘A playwright: author of Man and Superman
Carpenter: ‘A local writer and Socialist with advanced views.
Danie: Author of Dante’s Inferno.
Dickens: ‘Nineteenth century novelist; a good writer in old
English style.’
G. K. Chestervton : ‘‘ Thought him a writer with Socialistic views.”
Goethe and Maeterlinck : ‘‘ Has heard of them as writers.”
H. G. Wells: Novelist with Socialist views. =
Milton: ‘A blind poet, author of Paradise Lost and Paradise
Regained.’
Plato: ‘‘ Believes him to be a Greek philosopher.’”’
R. L. Stevenson: A writer of prose with large sympathies for
the poor.
-Raphael: “ He is not sure.”
Ruskin: An idealist, Socialist, and art writer.
Tolstoy: ‘A Russian Nihilist and Socialist.’
Turner: “ He thinks Turner was a painter.”
Virgil: “No definite idea.”
Wiliam Morris: ‘ Author of News from Nowhere; an idealistic
Socialist.’
He rarely goes to the kinema ; the films he prefers are those dealing
with travel and scenery. Still more rarely does he go to the music
hall; he likes best a ‘‘ turn which displays art and beauty which is
rather rare at music halls.” He goes a great deal to the theatre in
opera weeks.
LovE or TRUTH.
He is not a great reader; the books he gets from the library con-
sist chiefly of musical compositions and books on travel. He attends
odd lectures on things in which he is interested, but does not go to
any classes.
Political Economy : ‘‘ He has an elementary knowledge of political
economy and is capable of reasoning things out more than the average
worker.”
Evolution : “ X is inclined to believe in evolution. He has thought
about the subject generally, but not studied it deeply.”
Scientific Research: ‘‘ He is familiar with it slightly, and entirely
agrees that as a nation we should go in for it thoroughly.”
Any Branch of Science: “I cannot say that X has any particular
scientific knowledge other than a general outlook. .He has no mastery
of any particular scientific subject.”
Aristotle; ‘A Greek philosopher,’
152 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Columbus : ‘The man who discovered America.’
Darwin: ‘The exponent of the theory of Evolution.’
Edison: ‘ An American scientist.’
Haeckel and Huxley: “ Has heard their names, but that is all.”
Lodge: ‘A great scientist of the present day.’
Newton: ‘The discoverer of the law of gravitation.’
Spencer: ‘He thinks he was a writer with atheistic views.”
“Yes, he is keen after the Truth; but often has his doubts, like
others. He is a person who suspends his judgment if he is not certain
about a thing, and would rather not make a statement upon it until
he knows definitely one way or the other.”
Love or GoOoDNESs.
His parents are Baptists; he used to go regularly with them to
service and did a little active work in connection with the church ;.
but now he has given up his church-work and spends most of his
Sundays in the country. He thinks the churches are behind the
times and need bringing up to date. He knows the Bible well. ‘He
has no fixed views upon Christianity, but has many doubts. He
is frank about the doubts and keeps an open mind.” “He is pre-
pared to accept the view that Jesus Christ lived, but is doubtful about
the ‘supernatural’ side of the Gospel narratives.” He is doubtful
if we have free-will; he said he did not worry over whether there
was a future life or not; he is beginning to look upon God rather
as law than as a Personality; ‘‘ he thinks that most religions possess
some truth and no one particular sect can claim to have all the truth.
He states that man is here to be happy and make the best of this
life, and that is all the belief that is necessary.”
“‘Oscar reasons things out for himself. He states that many
parsons would not make so many foolish statements in the pulpit
if the congregation had the liberty of publicly criticizing, as they
have in debatable lectures. He thinks some parsons have got the
idea they can say almost anything in the pulpit, whether it is the
truth or not, because they know that no one in the congregation will
dare to.challenge their statements.”
He cannot recall any specific ‘awakening ’ or “ conversion’; he
has gravitated to his present position. He is thoroughly awakened
to the grandeur, especially to the beauty, of life; has no particular
ambition; ‘‘ condemns anything that would rob him of enjoying
life to the full.” He is an idealist who says that ‘‘ the world wants
more dreamers; it has been spoilt by the practical men.’ ‘‘ X looks
around and thinks that the slums and all the sordid conditions. of
labour are the result of so-called practical men who have no soul.”
NoTEs oN Oscar’s LIFE-HISTORY.
He received the ordinary elementary school education. He thinks
his schooling was not far from worthless. ‘‘ He eondemns the system
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 153
of cramming in vogue in his school days, and thinks that children
should be taught to think for themselves and allowed to follow their
natural bent.”
His father is a non-skilled manual worker ; his mother, until she
died a few years back, went out charring to bring a little more into
the home. The family have always been rather poverty-stricken.
He entered upon his apprenticeship in his trade immediately upon
leaving school and has always been in one kind of employment.
YOUNGSON.
[Youngson has written his own account of himself. Except where
alteration has been necessary for conciseness or consecutiveness,
his own words—marked by inverted commas—have been preserved,]
Aged 35; fitter; lives in a six-roomed tenement with wife and
children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
[Youngson’s house consists of a cellar kitchen, two living rooms,
two bedrooms, and an attic; there is a small front garden, passage
entrance to back door, and small garden in the rear. He says, charac-
teristically, ‘‘ I refused to pay increased rent of 1s. 3d. per week and in
consequence have got notice to quit, but do not intend to do so.”’]
He is avery fond of his wife; his children, and his home. He says
he does “‘ nothing in the cleaning line; leaves that to his wife; any-
thing in the nature of repairs to household utensils or furniture, also
repairs to boots, are done by me if possible at all.’”” He says he does
“occasionally ’’ talk to his wife about things and ideas, but “‘ the
wife does not take any active interestyin the matters that mostly
appeal to me.”’ “‘ My idea is, if possible, to give the children as good
an education as possible and a fair start in life.”
“‘T like my home,” he says, “ simply because itis my home. After
the day’s work is done, especially in winter time, I very seldom have
any desire to go out; I would far sooner stay in and read and have
a. smoke and be quite content. I make very few friends now. When
I was in Middlesbrough, I was actively engaged in the trade union
movement and spent very little time at home; on leaving there, I
decided never again to take such an active part, as I consider it is
only right that a man should spend some of his leisure with his wife
and children. When a man takes an active part in trade unionism,
there is a meeting here and one there, and it takes up most of his
time, until eventually his wife complains, and I daresay is justified
in so doing, of being neglected.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WoRK.
[Fitter engaged on plant maintenance. ‘‘ Rate of wages good,
one week’s annual holiday with pay, also Bank Holidays with pay;
154 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
the foreman and engineers in charge are decent people to work under,
and taking the place all round, speaking from 20 years’ experience
of workshops, one could go farther and fare worse. As regards the
work we get, sometimes it is very hot on certain jobs, and at other
times you may be working outside in the rain and cold, so we just
have to take the good with the bad, with an occasional grumble over
it.””]
Youngson is not physically fit; he suffers from heart trouble and
an “old operation wound’’; but he regards himself as suited to
his work and he likes it. He claims to be regular, punctual, and in-
dustrious, but modestly refrains from stating whether he is ‘‘efficient.””
He claims also to be capable of undertaking responsibility, but says :
“* T have no desire for positions of responsibility ; have had two chances
of taking charge of jobs, but have refused as I have not considered
it worth while.” ;
Question 10 in this section is :—‘‘ Has he.any vices, e.g. drinking,
gambling, laziness, that militate against his industrial efficiency?”
Young replies :—‘‘ I may say that I am nof a teetotaller, but I never
have a craving for drink; if I was out, and a friend suggested going
in anywhere, I should go in for a drink, but if by myself would very
seldom do so ; in fact I can either do with or without it, and it would
not matter to me if it was totally prohibited. Regarding gambling,
I generally make one in a football sweep at the works, and might
occasionally have a shilling on a horse in a big race, but I do not make
a practice of it, and I do not spend 5s. a year in gambling on horses,
I must admit to one vice and that is, smoking. I am very fond of
a pipe or cigarettes.”
ADEQUACY FoR LOCAL CITIZENSHIP.
He estimates the population of Sheffield at 500,000, but says, with
excellent honesty, ‘“‘I should not have known these figures if I' had
not seen them in the paper’”’; he has“ no idea ’’ what the population
was in 1817..
“I do not belong to any Labour branch, but in the case of an
election, either Municipal or Parliamentary, would vote Labour if
a candidate were running ; if not, Ishould not. vote atall.” (‘Why ?’]
“ Because in my opinion the people likeliest to know what the workers
desire are those drawn from their own ranks; also, the interests of
capitalists and the workers not being identical, they neither know
nor care what the workers most desire.”
He does not know much about local politics, excusing this ignor-
ance by saying that he has been in Sheffield less than a year. He
says he was well acquainted with them in Middlesbrough. He urges
the need for housing and sanitary reforms and ‘“‘ the mmediate abolition
of old privy middens that,I am surprised to find existing.”
Says he has no special knowledge of the University, but thinks
it ‘nicely situated.’ Knows nothing of the W.E,A,
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 155
He was born in Hull, lived in New Holland, Manchester, Middles-
brough, and twice in Sheffield. ‘‘ Any town does for me so long as
I am getting a decent living and able to provide for those dependent
on me; it is a case of speaking well of the bridge that carries you
safely over. Before my marriage I was sent out to work on jobs at
different places for short times; I have been to Southport, Wigan,
Warrington, Stockport, Heaton Mersey, Barnsley, Chester, Guide
Bridge and several other places; of all the places I have been in,
Chester appeals most to me.”
ADEQUACY For NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
Does not know the names of any Sheffield M.P.’s—“‘ cannot say,
being, as it were, a stranger.”
He is Labour in politics. ‘‘I disagree entirely with the present
constitution, and would abolish the House of Lords, repeal the Lans-
downe Land Act, do away. with leasehold, and above all, give the
Jand to the people. I fail to see how a working man can support
either a Tory or a Liberal candidate, whose interests are in my opinion
directly opposed to those of the workers. For example: Does the
rich man who drives, say, through the streets of Sheffield, care or
even give a thought to the poor women and children with bad boots
and clothes on? Does it trouble him if they are hungry and cold ?
Not a bit of it. That being so, he is not a proper man to represent
them.”
“The Reform Act of 1832: ‘ Franchise Bill of some sort; have
heard of it, but have no special knowledge.”
French Revolution: ‘‘ Took place about 120 years ago on the
fall of the Second Empire.” :
Industrial Revolution: ‘‘ Took place about 100 years ago, on the
advent of steam.” i
' Magna Carta: ‘‘ Granted by King John to his subjects.”
Battle of Hastings: ‘‘ William the Norman landed and defeated
the English.”
Gladstone : ‘ Liberal Premier in Victoria’s reign.”
Robert Owen: “‘ Have heard the name, but cannot say anything
of him.”
Napoleon : ‘‘ The Corsican, rose to be Emperor of France.”
James Watt: ‘ Utilized steam as motive power.”
Oliver Cromwell: ‘‘ Created first Parliament and had King Charles
executed.”’
Wolsey: “ Cardinal, was very powerful in his day.”
He knows India is far larger than England; hé has “no idea”
of the population of England and Wales ; he terms the chief industries
of England, mining, weaving, railways, and iron; he.thinks there
are about 600 M.P.’s. :
Home Rule: ‘In favour of it.”
The House of Lords: “ Should be abolished ; it is not right that
156 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
because of an accident of birth, they should sit there and mutilate
and turn out reforms intended to benefit the people.”
Protection: “Strongly against; in my opinion the consumer
is bound to pay the tariff.” ©
Socialism: “‘ The only way for us.”
Votes for Women: “In favour.”
Conscription : “‘ Against. I am much afraid it is a burden that
will take some shaking off.”
The Russian Revolution: ‘“‘I am delighted to think that at last
the people have thrown off their oppressors and that they have taken
the land off the big landowners; in, my opinion, the future of the
workers of every country lies in ownership and cultivation of the
land.”
State Education: “ A good thing.”
The Future of the Workers in England: ‘‘ Sure to be depression
after the War, but I think the trials we are going through now will
awaken them to the power they possess.”
The King: ‘‘ Have nothing against him personally, and look
upon him merely as a figure-head who is paid £1,000 per day for
nothing.”
Reads ‘‘ everything in the Herald and the Labour Leader; and
the local news and the leading article” in the Sheffield Independent.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE Union MEMBERSHIP.
He is a member of the Winding Enginemen and General Engineers
Society. ‘‘ I joined because I considered it my duty to do so; also
to uphold and if possible better the conditions of hours and wages
for all workers.” Has read ‘‘a many books and pamphlets on the
question,”’ but few ‘standard’ works or none. He says the purpose
of a Trade Union is ‘‘ to uphold and to better the lot of the workers,
obtain better wages and conditions, etc., etc.’’ He has never heard
of Francis Place; has ‘‘no special knowledge” of the Chartists ;
knows Sidney Webb is a “ writer and reformer”; has not heard of
G. D. H. Cole.
Guild Socialism :, ‘I take it by this you refer to a particular
branch of industry, say engineering, being run and controlled by
the workers on Socialistic lines. Before this can be a success, the
workers will have to be roused up from their present apathetic attitude.
Personally I like the idea, and would like to see it put into operation.”
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
‘TI deal with the ‘Co-op.’ because by doing so I know we are
supporting a movement whose employees work decent hours and
are paid trade union rates of wages.” Does not attend meetings or
vote, as his wife is the member. Knows something of the Rochdale
Pioneers, the Christian Socialists, and Mrs. Sidney Webb; does not
know G. J- Holyoake. Reads the Wheatsheaf,
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 157
ADEQUACY FoR THE Ricut Use or LEISURE.
“In winter, if not at work, I usually go to bed on my free after-
noons, as I have to rise every morning at 5 a.m. and work nearly
every Sunday; in summer, I have a run out on the bike or take the
children for a walk out in the country.” If he has a free Sunday,
he spends it at home. In the (winter) week previous to handing
in the questionnaire, he spent his evenings thus :—
Monday: “ Repaired wife’s and children’s boots.”
Tuesday: ‘‘ Went to Hillsbro’ Kinema with wife and children.”
Wednesday : ‘‘ Stayed in and read Cutliffe Hyne’s Captain Kettle.”
Thursday: ‘ Went out to enquire about a vacant house.”
Friday: “ Appointment with Mr. Freeman at Davy’s Cafe,
Fargate.”
Saturday: “ Visited father and mother at home.”
He spent the evenings of a week in summer thus :—
“Sunday: Arrived home at 6 p.m. having been at work all day;
very tired; retired to rest at 8 p.m.
Monday: Stayed in and fixed a cog-wheel on wringing-machine
that had worked loose, also soldered a bicycle lamp cistern that was
leaking ; read the Sheffield Independent, retired to rest at 9 p.m.
Tuesday : I went round to see branch secretary of trade union
for a further supply of tickets for a concert which our Society is getting
up for Soldiers on Saturday, July 13th. I found him not at
home, so as I had my bike with me I decided to have a run on to
Stocksbridge and call on him coming back. I had a nice spin and I
had one of Nat Gould’s books in my pocket entitled The Flyer, a
racing yarn. I sat down for an hour near Wharncliffe Side and read
a few chapters ; whilst there, a man and his son, both strangers to
me, stopped for a rest, and we got into conversation on bikes and
runs generally. I left them and came homeward, called at the
Middlewood Tavern and had a small. whisky; stayed there five
minutes; rode on, called on branch secretary, got the tickets off
him, discussed the concert and sale of tickets with him for about
15 minutes, rode on home, and retired to rest 10.5 p.m.
Wednesday night: Weather unsettled, raining at 5.30. Thunder
at 7.45. Read a lot more of the novel and wrote part of letter to you
of my doings up to date. Retired to rest 8 p.m., having had a rough
day at work.
Thursday: Went to Empire to see Revue Zig Zag with a work-
mate; it is about four months ago since I was in the Empire. Very
decent show. I enjoyed it. :
Friday: Attended final Committee Meeting ve concert at Hotel,
made all arrangements for stewards, etc., for Saturday. Financially
looks like being a huge success.
Saturday: Attended concert and acted as door-keeper, taking
tickets for balcony. Concert very successful, had a full house; I
enclose programme of same.
158 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
I think that is all I can tell you of an eventful week.”
In pre-War days he made a point of having his annual holiday
at the seaside with his wife and children; he used to send them by
train, and cycle over himself.
If rich enough to do as he liked, he would “ possess a house in
the country with two acres of land to cultivate; also have poultry
farm; also assist poor and aged people.” ‘ How does he desire to
spend his old age?’ ‘It is not a matter of desire; I suppose I shall
have to work as long as I am able.”
LovE oF BEAuTyY.
He says he is “‘ fairly’? fond of music; listens “ occasionally ”
to the bands in the parks; “‘ very seldom ”’ goes to concerts; cannot
specify any songs or hymns as specially appealing to him; neither
sings, nor plays, nor has any knowledge of music. He has purchased
a gramophone ‘‘ mainly to amuse the children ’’; it does not appeal
to him, :
He says his home is “ just the ordinary artisan’s home”; the
pictures on the walls are “‘ 2 landscapes, Pears’ picture ‘ Playmates’
and Cavalier and Lady (a pair), 4 photos of jobs I have worked on,
and 3 plates of locomotive engines, photo of brother’s grave”; the
furniture is ‘‘ Front room: suite, sideboard, overmantel, etc.; Living
room: just ordinary useful furniture, including sewing machine ;
carpet in front room, lino and mats in living room.” ‘ Does X care
about order and cleanliness in the house?’ ‘‘ Yes. I believe in a
‘place for everything and everything in its place; nothing annoys
me more than to see a house littered up.”
Young’s favourite pictures are “ Historical Pictures and Studies
of Child Life.”’ ‘ Does X appreciate grand scenery, e.g. moors, stars,
sunset, etc.?’ ‘Yes, am greatly interested, and often when out
cycling I marvel at these things.” Sheffield itself, he says, ‘‘is ugly
and dirty; the outskirts and country surrounding very nice.” To
make the town more beautiful he would ‘eliminate smoke and dirt
by using electricity wherever possible, clear away all slums and back-
to-back houses and have streets paved with wood blocks, and have
them swilled at least once a week ; also plant trees in thoroughfares.”
He does not care for poetry ; can name only two plays of Shakes-
peare; does not know who were or are :—-R. L. Stevenson, William
Morris, Turner, Arnold Bennett, Edward Carpenter, Maeterlinck,
Goethe, Dante, Plato.
Goes to the ‘ pictures’ once a week ‘‘ mainly to please the wife
and children”; goes about three times a year to the music hall;
goes “‘ very seldom ” to the theatre. ‘‘ Musical comedy appeals most
to me, such as Floradora, Belle of New York, etc.”
LovE oF TRUTH.
The books in his house consist of ‘‘ the Bible and a few novels” ;
they are read “not often, having read them once.” He is outside
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 159
the city boundary so does not now borrow books from the library,
but he used to; he chooses books for himself. He’s ‘ very fond of
reading—fact or fiction.” Attends no classes or lectures, but con-
templates joining a University Tutorial Class next session.
Will not attempt to state his opinions on Evolution, Economics,
Scientific Research, or Science in general.
Sir Isaac Newton: ‘Inventor; discoverer of law of gravity.”
Darwin: “ The naturalist : wrote the theory of evolution of man
from monkey.”
Herbert Spencer and Haeckel: Does not know.
Siy Oliver Lodge: ‘‘ Astronomer and very learned man.”
Edison: ‘‘ The greatest inventor of modern times.”
Columbus: ‘‘ According to history, discovered America.”
Aristotle : ‘‘ Philosopher, wrote Aristotle’s works.”
Huxley: ‘ Professor.”
Love or GooDNEss.
He is a Nonconformist but does not belong to any church or similar
body ; he does no ‘ specifically social or altruistic work.’ ‘‘ As regards
pleasures I am easily satisfied :—Home first, after that I am very
fond of cycling and reading fiction.”
Ambition : ‘“ For myself, none, except to be able to get a living
and have health and strength to do so; for my children a good educa-
tion and a good start in life.” He states of his attitude towards
women :—‘‘ Of late I have lost faith considerably in them; I con-
sider that life in the factory and workshop is unsexing them.”
Favourite male character in historical fiction is Robin Hood (Scott’s
Ivanhoe).
His favourite female chavactey in fiction is “ Cigarette, the pet of
the Regiment,” in Ouida’s ‘Under Two Flags.’ ”
He thinks ‘‘not much” of the churches. He has “ faith in
religion and believes there is a Supreme Being.”
He thinks the life of Jesus is ‘tan example worthy of following.”
Paul: “ Apostle of Jesus Christ.”
Isaiah: ‘‘ The prophet.” S
Pharaoh: ‘‘ King of Egypt.’
Nicodemus ; Stephen: ‘‘ Followers of Jesus Christ.”
Lazarus: ‘‘ The leper cleansed by Christ.”
“‘T have never given much thought to the Future Life; in the
struggle for an existence which is the lot of the worker one gets to
look at this life with an air of finality and not think much of hereafter.
This is my answer, and you can take it that it is the attitude of the
majority of men in my position to-day. I believe in God, no one
could very well do otherwise. When they see the marvels of Nature,
Earth, Sky, Sun, Moon, etc., they must acknowledge there is a Supreme
Being. I also think that religious teaching, no matter what denomin-
ation, has a tendency to make people better. In my own case I often
160 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
swear when at work, but I would go to a Chapel on a Sunday if I felt
inclined to do so, and feel better for going. I do not think it does
any one any harm to go, although I myself am not a regular
attender. °
“‘Both my children attend regularly, and I encourage them to
do so,”
_NoTES ON YOUNGSON’S LIFE-HISTORY.
Paternal grandfather, a railway employee at Derby; mother’s
parents came from near Sheffield, and were engaged in agriculture.
His father was a minor railway official. ‘‘ One of a family of seven
children. I did not see much of father, who divided his time between
work and the public-house. Mother very good to us all as far as
means allowed; although we were poor, we were always kept clean
and our clothes tidy; at any rate if our clothes or boots were bad
we were not allowed to go out, and many is the Sunday I, along with
my brothers and sisters, have stayed in. It was a case of genteel
poverty with us. I have known what it is to be hungry and go with-
out, and mother must have been hard put to to make ends meet very
often; in fact, she says very often when she looks back she wonders
however she managed to bring us all up as she did. I am pleased
to say father now holds a good position, and does not take much drink
owing to mother’s influence, and a cleaner and more comfortable home
it would not be possible to find in Doncaster to-day.”
Youngson was “‘ on the railway ”’ fora year or so after leaving school,
then went—on his own initiative—to Manchester, to take a course
of instruction by going through the shops. ‘' The years went by and
I received more wages until eventually I was out of my time; I was
then offered a position as Travelling Inspector, which I took and kept
till I was 24.’’ He was then for nine years fitter on car maintenance,
truck building, etc., under the Middlesbrough Corporation; then
at Leeds in the same capacity. ‘‘ I stayed six months with them, then
I had a dispute over wages. Knowing I had a good case I asked
for 1d. an hour above the rate. The manager offered a halfpenny,
which I refused and gave in my notice. On the day it expired he
offered the 1d.; in spite ofthis, I finished.’”” He was next elec-
trician at a colliery for six months before getting his present job.
““T may add that I have never lost a day’s work in my life through
unemployment, so should consider myself fortunate.”
His education was as follows: ‘‘ First went to a National School
at New Holland, a village in Lincolnshire; afterwards attended a
Board School in Hull, crossing the river by ferry-boat, about 2} miles,
to do so. Finished my schooling at Pye Bank, Sheffield, after passing
the seventh standard. When clothes allowed, we were always sent
to Sundayschool (Wesleyan).’”’ In Middlesbrough he attended a
Technical School to learn electric wiring.
His opinion on his schooling is this: ‘‘ Very fair, but had I had
a better education, I am confident I could have been in a better
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 161
position than I am to-day; also I should have avoided a lot of hard-
ships that I have met.”
* * * * *
‘I sincerely hope that what I have written may be of use to you
and any errors I have made will be excused.
I have tried to be fair and truthful all through.
Believe me,
Yours sincerely,
HENRY YOUNGSON.”
QUAIN.
Aged 45; in responsible position at gas-works; lives with wife
and six children.
ADEQUACY FOR HOME-LIFE.
“* An ideal father’; ‘‘an ideal husband.” No one could desire
more than he himself to give his children a good education, but he
is being compelled on account of the poverty in the home to take
them from school as early as possible.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WoRK.
He is physically fit for his work, but does not like it, and is not
really suited for it; he has capacity for doing other work better.
“One of his mates told me that he was a better engineer than the
man he was supposed to assist.” He is regular, punctual, indus-
trious, efficient, and capable of initiative and responsibility. The
foreman laughingly tells him he’s ‘too bloody conscientious,’
ADEQUACY FOR LocAL CITIZENSHIP.
He knew Sheffield was a manufacturing town in 1817, but would
not attempt to guess its population at that time; he estimated it
correctly for 1917. ,
Extent of his interest in local politics : ‘‘ He’s more interested now
than hitherto; he part-promised to help a canvasser for the Labour
candidates during the next Municipal Election.”
Reforms he wants carried out locally: ‘‘Oh! he has quite a big
programme—quite utopian—but far too large to tabulate here.”
“ Thinks the University ought to provide better facilities for the
workers ; indeed he believes it really belongs to them.” “ He is
not a W.E.A. member, but in full sympathy.” ‘‘He eulogizes
Sheffield.”’
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
Knows all five of the Sheffield M.P.’s, along with their particular
creeds. Has been a great admirer of Lloyd George and voted Liberal
at the last three elections, but all his political views are changing
with the War and he will almost certainly vote Labour in future.
12
162 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Battle of Hastings: ‘‘ Knew the period.”
Magna Carta: “ Knew more than I did.”
French Revolution: ‘' Fairly well informed on this.”
Industrial Revolution: ‘‘ Knew something of this.”
Wolsey: ‘‘ Talked at some length about him.”
Cromwell: ‘“‘ Knew more than I did.”
Watt: ‘‘ Knew who he was.”
Napoleon: ‘‘ Knew his whole career.”
Owen: “ Knew nothing.”
He also knew pretty accurately the population and chief industries
of the country.
Home Rule: “ Does not believe in Home Rule. Thinks Ireland
ought to be conscribed.” ;
The House of Lovds: ‘‘ Advocates abolition.”
Protection: ‘‘ He is inclined to believe in a limited sort of Pro-
tection; he wants to boycott German goods after the War.”
Socialism: ‘‘ He says that real Socialism is Christianity.”
Votes for Women: “ He is not enthusiastic about this, but still
he believes in the new franchise.”
Conscription : ‘‘ He thinks this is the only fair method of recruit-
ing, but still he sees its dangers to the workers’ cause during peace
time.”
The Russian Revolution: ‘‘ Thinks the Russians are traitors;
they ought to have waited till after the War before revolting.”
State Education: ‘“‘He has some jolly good ideas; one would
think that he had read W.E.A. literature on this, but he hasn’t.”
The Future of the Workers in England : ‘‘ He prophesies a Revo-
lution after the War, and thinks the whole capitalist system will go
at a sweep.”
The King: ‘‘ Quain is a republican.”
Reads the Sunday Chronicie, the Sheffield Daily Telegraph and
the Sheffield Star.
He knows “all about” the working of the English constitution.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He is in his own craft union, and a loyal but not at all a keen or
effective member. He does not know much about Trade Unionism ;
has never read any books on Trade Union or Labur questions. He
knew of the Chartists, but not of Place; he has only recently become
aware of the existence of Webb and Cole.
“ He favours State rather than, Guild Socialism, though he expects
the workers to ultimately control the whole machine (after the
Revolution !).”
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He does not deal with the “‘ Stores ” and knows little or nothing
of the Movement.
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 163
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut USE oF LEISURE.
“He does a bit of gardening; occasionally takes his wife to the
* pictures,’ sometimes to the theatre, sometimes into the country.
He hardly ever goes out on pleasure bent without his wife. He also
does a bit of reading.”
“‘Quain knows how to use his leisure all right. He is a non-
drinker, and a non-smoker, and he does not gamble. The fact is
that as he has six children and works seven days a week, his leisure
is rather limited, especially remembering that first and foremost he
puts the well-being of his wife and children. This involves a good
deal of one’s time in a working-class home—boot-repairing, house
decorating, assisting on washdays, etc.”
Love oF BrEauty.
“Nothing gives him greater pleasure than to close his eyes, forget
all his troubles, and just sit listening to ‘really classical stuff’ on
the piano, etc.” ‘‘ He is very familiar with the operas, some of which
he can describe with great detail.” He cannot play himself, but he
knows much about music,
“His home is clean and tidy, but it’s not really beautiful; in
fact, it’s plainer than I expected to find it.” He is careful about
his personal appearance. He never visits the art galleries, etc. He
does not work an allotment (no time). He greatly appreciates the
beauties of Nature. To improve Sheffield, he would abolish smoke,
build larger and better houses, put a bath in every house, etc., etc.
He knew who were or are :—Plato, Virgil, Shakespeare, Milton,
Goethe, Scott, Wordsworth, Browning, Tennyson, Ruskin, Morris,
Stevenson, Tolstoy, Dickens, Arnold Bennett, Chesterton, Shaw,
Wells, and Carpenter. He did not know Dante or Maeterlinck, Raphael
or Turner. He has read a little of Shakespeare, Dickens, Ruskin,
and Stevenson, but nothing or practically nothing of any of the others.
Goes to the kinema about once a month, and likes travel films
best. Goes to the music hall about once in six months. Goes to
the theatre perhaps once in two months and likes good plays or operas.
LovE oF TRUTH
He possesses a few of Shakespeare’s plays and a few ot Dickens’s
novels. He does not borrow books. He is not a great reader. He
attends no lectures or classes.
Evolution: ‘He has no proper conception of what the theory
of evolution really is.” :
Political Economy; ‘‘ He can describe this in a general but not
in a technical way.”
Scientific Research : “ He’s rather ‘ off his horse ’ with this subject.”
Any Branch of Science: ‘‘ He has never taken up any specific
study in this connection.”
164 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
He has been indoctrinated from youth upwards with narrow
evangelical views of Christianity which strongly prejudice him against
scientists who ‘ try to set themselves above God with their evolution
theories and what not.’ But in his own way he really tries to get
at the Truth. He knows “a good deal” about Aristotle, “ all about ”’
Columbus; and something of Newton, Darwin, Spencer, Haeckel,
Lodge, and Edison. He thought Huxley was a German scientist.
LovE oF GOODNESS.
“I can speak best of Quain in a comparative sense. Compared
with the majority of his fellows, he is a real good chap. He never
tells deliberate lies ; he is loyal to his mates on all occasions. Things
of beauty, either in art, poetry, music, or character always make a
certain appeal to him. At bottom Quain is sound. He lacks
education in its widest sense and that’s all.’’
He knows the Bible well, but he is not a member of any church,
‘‘He says the churches have left Christ altogether; I'll not write
some of the things he said about them as they were said in ‘ great
heat.’ ”
Jesus Christ: ‘‘ He accepts the orthodox view of Christ as being
the Son of God, prophesied from the beginning of the world, and so on.”
Free Will: ‘‘ He believes in an absolute free will.”
Future Life: Believes in the orthodox view of it.
God: ‘ There is nothing Wellsian or Shavian or Carpenterian in
Quain’s conception of God. It seems to me that his idea is ultra-
anthropomorphic and totally impossible and unreasonable!”
NotTEs oN QuUAIN’s LIFE-HISTORY.
He was educated at ‘ board school’ and ‘church school’ until
the age of 13, and was a “‘ good scholar.” His father was a cutler;
he had a good mother; his home was not poor, but uncultured and
unelevating. He was rather unsteady (? or enterprising) as a youth
and young man, and tried several different lines of work, but learnt
valuable experience in each. He has been in his present job for
twenty-two years.
FINLAYSON.
Aged 60; gas stoker; lives in a five-room tenement with wife
and children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
“He has a great regard for his wife and family, but not for the
house’; the condition of the home is “not up to my expectations
of a thinking man who wants every thing good”; ‘“‘in a paternal
sort of way he exercises a wise control and guidance” over his
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 165
family; he is ‘ rather inclined to overawe his wife, who is a some-
what indifferent woman”; he is ‘inclined to lay down a rather
strict rule of conduct for his children and expects good discipline.”
“Has opinions and probably emphasizes them; but wife is not
interested.’’ ‘‘ Has kept his children at school as long as he felt able
to, but thinks children do better by going to school at 14.” ‘‘ Dislikes
where he lives, but wife won’t move.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WoRK.
(Gas stoking by machinery; eight-hour shifts.]
He is quite fit physically, and is in other ways suited to his work.
On the whole he likes his work, but if conditions there were improved,
he would prefer to ‘ go back to the land.’ He is a regular, punctual,
industrious, and efficient workman, but lacks initiative and is not very
capable of taking responsibility. He has no vices militating against
his efficiency ; he is a total abstainer; he “ exercises a beneficial
influence on his mates,”
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
buts the population of Sheffield in 1917 at half a million and in
1817 at a hundred thousand ; he thinks that in 1817 Sheffield “‘ was
a cutlery town because of its old ‘ wheels.’ ”
Liberal or Labour in politics, but he thinks that “ in local politics
there are a great many cross-currents and it is not wise to be tied
down too much to any party. He will support any man who goes
in for a bold policy on housing, temperance, and improvement of
social conditions.”” Knows the name of the lord mayor, of the repre-
sentatives for his ward, and could name offhand these municipal
councillors and officials :—Messrs. Osborn, Wilson, Holinshaw, Terrey
and Hart. He follows the doings of the Council in the Independent.
He wants the tramways extended, housing improved, and more parks
and libraries established.
“‘ He accepts the common idea that the University is for the middle
classes (not good enough for the ‘ upper classes’). Workers can’t go
there; the influences against them are their lack of education, the
distance from congested areas, clothes, cost of teaching, car-fares
and meals, necessity to be earning something, class distinctions,
and their feeling that it will not help them to earn a living.” ‘‘ He
knows of the W.E.A. but thinks it only appeals to the working-man
who is keen on economics and wants to cross swords with academic
debaters from the University; wonders what practical good it is
doing amongst poorer workmen.”
He used to live in Derbyshire, but likes Sheffield; though he
wishes he could live farther out than he does.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
Knows all the five Sheffield M.P.’s and their political creeds, “ Has
been a Liberal for more than half his life, but is now becoming more
166 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
and more Labour, because he thinks Labour is showing most initiative
and capacity, besides being best able to deal with democracies in
other countries.”
Reform Act of 1832 : ‘‘ Very limited, and didn’t touch the working-
classes,”’
French Revolution: “‘ Says there have been several, and that one
was in 1789.”
Industrial Revolution: ‘‘ Began after Waterloo; worst period
about 1840.”
Magna Carta: “ Obtained by lords from King John; it secures
the liberty of the subject.”
Battle of Hastings : No idea.
Gladstone: ‘‘ Liberal leader; strong churchman; keen on
European politics.”
Robert Owen: “‘ Co-operator and social economist.”
Napoleon: “ French general of 1815 ; responsible for many wars.”
James Watt: “ Discoverer of steam power.”
Olivey Cromwell: “‘ England’s only ruler not a king.”
Wolsey : ‘“‘ Roman Catholic who obtained great power in England
about 300 years ago.”
He knows India to be much larger than England ; puts the popu-
lation of England and Wales at 60,000,000 ; names agriculture, coal,
and iron as our chief industries ; says there are “‘ nearly 700 ” M.P,’s.
Home Rule: ‘‘ Too long delayed already; Irish discontented in
spite of all we have done because we have not done the one thing
which would enable them to do others for themselves.”
House of Lords: ‘‘ This house has trampled on the democracy
for centuries and is hopelessly antiquated; it does not represent
the real aristocracy.”
Protection: ‘‘ Doesn’t like it at all, but believes we may have to
have some tariff to assist home industries.”
Votes for Women : ‘‘ Women not prepared for it, and may turn
the tide against all progress for many years.”
Socialism: ‘“‘ Doesn’t like the word; has the usual Liberal
distrust of it; but is really a Socialist at heart and wants what
Socialists want—at no great speed but slowly and surely; hopes
for a peaceful revolution.”
Conscription: ‘‘ Objects to it; thinks it may become a weapon
for industrial purposes.”
Russian Revolution: ‘‘ Well guided it may lead the way to a
democratized Russia ; thinks we have missed our way and Henderson
would have kept the Russians with us.”
State Education : ‘‘ Tendency to become too autocratic and dictate
too much; a workman knows economic questions better than an
official ; .would trust education to a Labour government sooner than
to a Liberal one.”
Future of Workers in England: “‘ Immediate future means a
great opportunity which the workers will probably use for revenge
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 167
—to get their own back for past grinding down and wage-
slavery.”
The King: ‘A nominal head of the State. An amiable, weak
man who doesn’t count except for a semblance of authority.”
The only paper he reads is the Sheffield Independent; he reads
that thoroughly.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
Has been a member of the ‘‘ Gasworkers ” for nearly thirty years ;
he joined the Union originally out of fear of being victimized when
the gas companies began to introduce machinery in his occupation ;
he says that Trade Unionism is intended to be a weapon in the hands
of the workmen against tyrannical conditions, but is now often used
to enforce tyrannical conditions on employers and employed.
He has not read any books by Webb, Cole, or other writers on
Trade Union and Labour questions; ‘‘he knows nothing of the
history and progress of Trade Unionism’”’; he gets what knowledge:
he has of it from listening to other men talking; he does not
know Francis Place; he does know the Chartists; he knows Sidney
Webb; he does not know G. D. H. Cole. Never goes to meetings
unless there is something special on, partly because they are held on
Sunday mornings.” [See below.] ‘‘He is loyal to his Union and
will continue his membership, but will not help to guide it; he
believes there are two many hotheads in power.”
“He believes Trade Unions are preparing for a big and bitter
fight after the War, and will not go back to old conditions.” ‘‘ Doesn’t
understand Guild Socialism and doesn’t like the name of Socialism,
but believes in very much more Trade Union control of industry,
not however to the extent of dominating, because the workers are
not trained to organize it.”
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He deals with the ‘ Co-op.’ because he believes it is a good thing
for working men to help each other and trade for one another’s benefit,
but he does not take any extra-commercial interest in the movement.
He votes at elections, but attends no meetings. He knows nothing
of the Christian Socialists, but knows—by name, at any rate—the
Rochdale Pioneers, Mrs. Webb, and G. J. Holyoake. He does not
read any Co-operative literature.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut UsE or LEISURE.
Finlayson loves the land; he has a large allotment and spends
a great deal of time upon it, despite the fatiguing nature of his work.
He spends his annual holiday in visiting his old home in Derbyshire ;
and if he had the money to afford it, he would spend the remainder
of his life in some old world village, gardening and meditating.
168 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
If he is ‘on mornings’ (6 a.m. to 2 p.m.) he will have ‘ dinner,’
a rest, a stroll, tea, and get off early to bed; if he is ‘ on nights’ (10 p.m.
to 6 a.m.), he will garden in the morning and go to bed at noon. He
spends what evenings he has in reading.
LovE oF BEAUTY.
There is a piano in Finlayson’s house, and, of an evening, he likes
to have a few sentimental old songs or evangelical old hymns.
Classical music bores him; he never goes to concerts; but he will
occasionally listen to a band. He cannot himself play or sing.
Finlayson’s home shows scant evidence of any appreciation of
beauty. The furniture is ‘‘ very ordinary.” The pictures consist
of almanacks and cheap prints. Things are not kept clean and orderly.
. He is, nevertheless, particular about his own appearance. He often
visits the Weston Park Art Gallery; he best likes Biblical pictures
and country scenes, He takes a real pride in the appearance of his
allotment. He truly loves the country.
He thinks Sheffield is ugly, but its surroundings beautiful. “‘ Why,”
he asks, ‘‘ should the workers live where it is ugly and others mono-
polize the beauty spots and shut us out even at week-ends ?”
Reads no poetry; cannot name even six plays of Shakespeare ;
knows nothing whatever about Stevenson, Morris, Raphael, Turner,
Sullivan, Arnold Bennett, Maeterlinck, Goethe, Dante, Virgil,
Plato. Knows Milton wrote Paradise Lost; knows Ruskin because
of the Ruskin Museum; knows Dickens wrote books; knows
Beethoven was a musician; knows in a hazy way that Chesterton,
Shaw, and Wells are writers; knows Tolstoy was a Russian writer ;
describes Edward Carpenter as “‘a Socialist, living near Sheffield.”
He has never been to picture palace, music hall, or theatre. He
does not think these agencies are elevating.
Love or TRUTH.
.His home-library consists of the Bible and a few other books—
“nothing striking’; there is no bookshelf for them. On his rare
visits to a public library he goes to get a book on social questions or
perhaps on history. He spends a good deal of his leisure in reading,
but reads very slowly; he attends no classes or lectures.
Evolution: ‘‘He understands this and doesn’t believe in it.”
Economics : Knows nothing fundamental.
Scientific Research: Can talk a bit about scientific development
of industry, etc. He believes research has its value, but his attitude
towards modern science is somewhat antagonistic; he queries if life
is any the more endurable for it.
Siv Isaac Newton: Has no idea who he was.
Darwin: ‘A great scientist.’
Herbert Spencer: ‘ Wrote on education.’
Siy Oliver Lodge: ‘ Present day scientist; keen on spiritualism.’ .
STUDIES. OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 169
Edison: ‘Invented the telephone.’
Columbus : ‘ Discovered America.’
Aristotle: Knows he was a Greek.
Haeckel: Has never heard of him.
Huxley: ‘A very materialist scientist.’ ;
“ He believes the right way to reach the Truth is to think things
out for yourself, and that the Bible is the best assistance you can
have in the adventure. He is not easily to be moved from the Truth
which he believes himself to have discovered.”
Love oF GOODNESS.
He is a punctual and regular member of an Adult School and
has been leader of a small class for 25 years; in class he thinks before
he speaks and he speaks to utter a cohviction. He believes himself
to have had a definite spiritual conversion; but the ‘‘ awakening
of the ‘social consciousness’ has come much more gradually.
“ Does he strike you as being awakened to the seriousness and the
splendour of life??? “Yes,ina way. But he sees more of the serious-
ness than the splendour!” His early education was very limited,
and he has never got over the effects of it; he views life in a narrow
way; “‘ he believes no man can do the best in life who is not a definite
Christian.”’ Nevertheless, his ambition, truly enough, is “to see’
a better world and more men and women living Christian lives, and
do what he can to bring this about.”
He gets his greatest pleasure from gardening, study, meditation
and reading the Bible. Thinks women are not as a rule concerned
with the deepest things of life; that home-life makes them self-centred,
and that education is necessary before they become fit to vote. Arthur
Henderson is his “hero” in real life. ‘
He is heart-sick at the inability of the churches to meet the religious
needs of the day; but he says the fault is not all theirs. He affirms
that the world has never had a message more sublime than Christianity ;
he thinks that Jesus Christ was a man, but a man of overwhelming
force of character. He is well acquainted with the Bible.
He thinks that within certain limitations we have Free Will. He
‘believes intensely in a Future Life. He believes in a Personal God
who created this world, somewhat along the lines poetically indicated
in Genesis. He believes that in all ages Religion has been found
necessary to effective existence; he regards it as man’s sense of
belonging to another world than this; he affirms that the religious
instinct perseveres through all times and all conditions.
NoTEs oN FINLAYSON’S LIFE-HISTORY. ,
Father a farm-labourer, earning 13s. or 148s. a week. He began
helping in the fields at the age of six ; at eight, he left school to become
a full-blown agricultural labourer, working twelve hours a day in
170 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
summer, ten in winter, and a few hours every Sunday for 3s. a week.
He was connected with agricultural work until he was 22; at that
time he was getting a maximum of 16s. a week. He decided to try
his luck in the towns, and, after doing some labouring work in Buxton,
came to Sheffield; there, after three years of odd jobbing, he fell
into constant employment.
He looks back with esteem upon his old home. His parents.were
respectable chapel-goers, who sent him to the village Sundayschool,
and took him regularly to services. But of course they had no sense
of the value of education and no power to give it him. All he can
remember learning is a smattering of ‘‘ the three R’s.”’ For the major
part of his effective school life he was at work out of school hours,
and therefore too tired in school to profit adequately. He never
learnt to read or write properly and has never had any subsequent
education. He feels keenly what he has missed.
PART II: WOMEN
Stupies of 14 well-equipped women workers, representing
about one-fourth of all the women workers of Sheffield.
MISS PALFREY.
Aged 18; “on munitions”; lives with her mother and sisters.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
She is very fond of her home, and likes to spend her evenings
there, but wishes there was ‘‘ more room.” She takes a pride in the
house and keeps it ‘‘ decidedly ” clean. She is affectionate towards
her father and sisters; looks after their comfort and helps to support
the home. The condition of things reflects ‘“‘ very great credit”
upon her.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WoRK.
She is physically fit for her work, but “likes it simply because
it brings her in money.” (‘‘ She does not think any one can like
work.”) Yet she is an efficient worker :—regular, punctual, and
industrious.
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 171
Aprguacy FoR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
She thinks Sheffield was ‘ very small’ in 1817, but has no idea
of the past or present number of inhabitants and thinks there was
not much manufacturing a hundred years ago. Her sympathies
are with the Labour Party because in her opinion it studies the
interests of working people. She takes little interest in local affairs
or politics, but would wélcome such improvements as larger houses,
with bathroom and garden, and more playgrounds. She thinks
the University is ‘a very fine building’ and that ‘ fine work is done
inside it.’ She thinks the W.E.A. a very good movement that ought
to be more widely known; she has been to lectures at the W.E.A.
House. She has never been outside Sheffield. She likes the city,
because “‘ it is a case of being obliged to like it.”
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She knows by name three of the M.P.’s for Sheffield: Stuart
Wortley, H. A. L. Fisher, and Sir Samuel Roberts.
Battle of Hastings: ‘ William the Conqueror won it in 1066.’
French Revolution: ‘The working people rose against the aris-
tocracy.’
Wolsey: ‘ Cardinal in time of Henry VIII.’
Oliver Cromwell: ‘Leader of the Commonwealth.’
Napoleon: ‘A great warrior, led the French Revolution and
became Emperor of France.’
Gladstone: ‘Was Prime Minister.’
Owen and Watt were unknown to her.
When old enough, she intends to vote Labour.
Home Rule: ‘The Irish want to manage their own affairs; this
would be better for them.’
Socialism: ‘Good in her opinion.”
Votes foy Women: ‘‘ Good in her opinion.”
Conscription : Remarked to the effect that ‘‘ while there is a war
like the present it may be necessary, but every man has not the grit
to be a soldier.” :
The Russian Revolution: ‘‘ She does not understand it.”
State Education : ‘‘ Thinks it is the best way for the State to under-
take the education of the people.”
The Future of the Workers in England: ‘‘ Thinks the condition
of the workers must improve considerably, or they will strike.”
The King: ‘ He is only a figure-head.’
She sees the Daily Sketch and the Star, but reads only ‘‘ the deaths
and interesting little pieces in the corner; avoids reading about the
War and long articles.”
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
She is not a member of any Trade Union, but she ‘‘ knows that
when, trades have a union, wages and conditions are better.’’ She
172. THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
has read Poverty by Rowntree, and an elementary text-book on
economics. She knows Sidney Webb is a socialist and an author.
ADEQUACY FOR Co-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
She knew Mrs. Webb as socialist and author, but not much
more about Co-operative matters. Her people do not deal at the
* Co-op.’
ADEQUACY FOR RicHT UsE oF LEIsuRE,
Her hobbies are “‘ pictures,’ theatres, and music.” She spends
her free afternoons in ‘‘ mending her clothes and going for walks.”
On Sundays in winter, she helps at home in the morning, reads
in the afternoon, and in the evening goes to a Girls’ Club. On Sundays
in summer she ‘gets out as much as possible.” She spent the
evenings of a particular week as follows :—
Monday: ‘' Hippodrome.”
Tuesday : “‘ Empire.”
Wednesday : ‘‘ Ill, on sofa all the evening.”
Thursday : “‘ Looked after sister’s child while its mother went
to the ‘ pictures.’ ”’
Friday : “‘ Blackleading the grate.”
Saturday : “‘ Went to the ‘pictures’ (first house) and then to
the Fair.”
“The above was Whit-week. The Girls’ Club might be substi-
tuted for one or two of the amusements, and would show the average
week.’”’ She never gets an annual holiday. If she could do as she
liked and were rich enough ‘she would study and try to be a leader
of the Labour Party; learn to speak like Miss H., and try to give
help to those needing it.’ She ‘‘ would like. to spend her old age in
a little country cottage, not far from her friends’”’; and thinks she
would like to go ‘ back to the land.’
‘LovE oF BEAUTY.
She is fond of music, operatic if she can afford the Lyceum ; likes
good songs, not comic ones; she goes to listen to the bands in the
Parks when possible. Her favourite songs and hymns are the old
English songs, Roses of Picardy, A Little Grey Home in the West,
Hushed was the Evening Hymn, Jesu, Lover of my Soul. -There is
a gramophone in the house, and her favourite records, she says, are
Indian Love Lyrics.
She would like beautiful things in the house, but cannot afford
them. The pictures on the walls are chiefly of “scenery of hills and
vales.”” The furniture is “‘ of the necessary and useful type”; the
floors are covered with oilcloth; and everything is very clean and
orderly. She is always neat and well dressed. She has been to
Weston Park Museum. Thinks the University the most handsome
building she knows. She has no garden. She “ very much” appre-
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 178
ciates grand scenery, the stars, sunsets, etc.; she thinks the town
of Sheffield very ugly, but the country round it beautiful. ‘“‘ She
would like to knock down some of the houses in Sheffield, build better
ones with gardens, and have more parks.”
She does not read poetry, but knows that Shakespeare wrote
Hamlet, King Richard III, King Henry VIII, and A Midsummer
Night’s Dream. She knows that Milton was a poet ; Morris, a socialist
writer and poet; Ruskin, an author ‘ who loved beautiful things’
Dickens, a novelist; Raphael, a great painter; Bernard Shaw, a
socialist who wrote Pygmalion;. H. G. Wells, a writer; Arnold
Bennett, a writer; Edward Carpenter, a socialist writer. She goes
to the picture-show about orice a week, and ‘“‘ prefers love scenes,
scenery, and ‘seeing things that she cannot have herself.’”? She
thinks “ the cinema has opened her eyes to the wickedness and good-
ness in the world.”
She goes to music hall sometimes, and likes best the music and
the dancing; says “‘ going there makes her happier, and the change
after work does her good.” She cannot afford to go to the theatre
except very rarely; likes to see operas.
LovE oF TRUTH.
There are not many books in X’s home, they are principally prizes
gained at school. She has read them all. She hasn’t time to go to
a library and borrow books. She has been to a few W.E.A. lectures.
She knows nothing of science. She has never heard of Aristotle,
Darwin, Haeckel, Huxley, Lodge, Newton, or Spencer. She knows
that Edison is an inventor and that Columbus was an explorer..
“‘She likes to fathom things.”
LovE oF GOODNESS,
She is a member of a Settlement Girls’ Club and finds it “‘ inter-
esting and enjoyable’; ‘she thinks the social study circle at the
Club has widened and altered her views.”’ ‘“‘ She strikes me as being
awakened to the seriousness and splendour of life.’”’ Her ambition
is “‘ to gain some knowledge and be able to help the workers.” ‘‘ She
is quite natural with men.”
Her favourite male character in history is stated to be Wolsey;
and in fiction, Launcelot ; and in real life, H. A. L. Fisher, the Minister
of Education.
Her favourite female character in history is Queen Elizabeth; in
fiction Beth, in Little Women; in real life, the leader of the study-
circle she attended,
“She thinks the churches do very good work, but not always in
the right way.’’ She thinks if people “ lived up to Christianity, the
world would be fine, and that Jesus Christ was the most wonderful
man that ever lived.”” ‘She knows there are twelve disciples ; named
‘John, Paul, Judas, Timothy,’ and said she forgot the others.”
174 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
“She knew that ‘ Paul was a great missioner and follower of
Christ’; Stephen, a martyr; John the Baptist, the forerunner of
Christ ; Lazarus, a very poor man, brought back to life by Jesus.”
She knows there are four gospels, and stated their names. ‘‘ She thinks
Free Will is given by God to a certain extent but not fully.” ‘‘ She
thinks there is a Future Life, and what one does on this earth is only
preparing for it.” ‘‘ She has an idea of God as a Spirit all over the
world, and thought of Religion as living as good a life as circumstances
allow.”
Notes on Miss PALFREY’s LIFE-HISTORY.
‘* She went to a church school from 5-14; liked both school and
teachers very much; attended eight years without missing one day ;
would have liked to continue after 14, but had to leave in order to
earn money and help her mother. She thinks her education was
of great value to her.”
“‘Her father was a furnace-man, who died of heart disease,
brought on by conditions of work, when X was ten. Her mother is
a file-cutter unable to work after husband’s death on account of her
young family.”
MRS. LEANING.
[Mrs. Leaning has given her own account of herself; her actual
words are therefore reproduced in double inverted commas.]
Aged 24; machinist in a shell-factory; living with her people ;
married during the War, husband at Front.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
‘Tam very fond of my home.’”’ ‘“ When a person loves her home
and the inmates of it, she always speaks of it with affection.” ‘‘ Good
parents sort of demand affection, therefore I am very fond of mine.”
“‘My brothers and sisters regard me in the same way as most young
people regard their elder sister.’”” ‘‘ I am regarded as a good helper
in everything which is demanded from me.”
She likes to talk to her husband, “ especially when in need of
instruction upon various subjects’’; she fully realizes the necessity
for keeping children at school as long as possible; she likes her home
‘* because of the ties attached to home, and because one is free in one’s
home to do things which are not allowed in some one else’s home.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING Work.
{‘ The hours at our factory are very complicated to people who
have not worked under the same system. We work a series of turns
as A, B, C, D1 and Dz. The first three turns are worked on days—
hours which range from six to fourteen. I mean by that two days
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 175
are 6-hour days, the next one is 14, and so on to the end of the week,
i.e. two days on 14-hours and four days on 6-hours; D1 and D2 are
worked at nights. The latter turns are too much fora woman. One
week on nights is quite beyond one’s physical strength. I was a
‘borer’ for over two years; at the end of that time the work was
too much for me, so I was granted a change of work, namely ‘ finished
cavity.’ This is a little better than ‘ boring,’ but not so well paid.
The conditions are anything but desirable. The place is not sufficiently
ventilated in summer, and in winter we are nearly frozen to death.
There is no heating apparatus at all. Sometimes we have a coke-
fire in places, but even this is not sufficient to keep one warm. I
strongly urge that these sort of things should be quickly remedied.
What is more cheerless than going to work on a very cold morning
to a place where one is almost frozen to death ? ’’]
“When first commencing work a woman feels more fitted for
it than when the strain begins to tell upon her system (a few months
afterwards).” Mrs. Leaning says she is not suited for her work, and
adds: ‘‘I can safely say nine women out of ten work against their
feelings, chiefly because the work is too hard and coarse,’’ Answering
the question whether she likes her work, she states :— At various
periods one experiences a dreadful feeling of monotony; the same
thing over and over again tells on one’s nerves after a long period.”
Asked what she would like to do instead, she replies : ‘‘ There are lots
of things preferable to work of slavery!’’ As regards her efficiency,
she remarks :—‘‘ When doing work that appeals to one’s inner self,
one cannot help but be efficient; where the work doesn’t appeal to
one, one more or less becomes neglectful.”” She declares herself to
be regular, ‘as a rule”’; punctual, ‘‘ where forced to be’’; indus-
trious, ‘‘on the whole.”
ADEQUACY FOR LOCAL CITIZENSHIP.
‘* When the last census was taken the population was 500,000. oe
Mrs. Leaning knows Sheffield was a manufacturing town in 1817,
but not its population at that time.
She knows the name of the lord mayor, but not any other names
important in local affairs; she has not lived long in Sheffield, and
says she takes little or no interest in local politics. (‘‘ At the end of
a day one feels almost too tired to take interest in anything.’’)
She wants the following ‘ (?) local reforms’ :—‘‘ To begin with,
shorten the hours and lighten the heaviest labour in all workshops ;
then help the men and women to higher inspirations ; help them to
realize the necessity of living in a decent house with a good garden
in it. Make attractions in all kinds of reform work. The people need
encouragement and help in all things ; given these, they would progress
rapidly. At times we are tempted to despair, for the realization
of the power of capitalists to keep the working-classes down seems
a great thing to fight against. However, with the right sort of help
176 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
we may win in the end. The workers will not realize the power they
hold until they are better educated; until then, we must endeavour
to ‘ carry on.’”
“If the University gave more openings for the working-classes,
it would do more good. Why should the monied classes reap all
the benefits ? ”’
“* Only a very few know of the W.E.A. It is a movement not only
for the welfare of the workers, but one which is quite necessary,
Could they only recognize it as such, it would become the most popular
and greatest movement in the country.”
Mrs. Leaning has lived most of her life out of Sheffield, and says:
**T don’t like Sheffield at all. Some parts of the East End are
nothing short of slums.”
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She guessed that there are three M.P.’s for Sheffield, and knows
the names and creeds of two. She named “coal, iron, steel, cotton
and wool” as the chief English industries. She knows India is
“much larger” than England.
Magna Carta: ‘‘ King John signed the M.C.”
The Industrial Revolution: ‘The changing of agriculture into
certain manufacturing trades in the eighteenth century.”
The French Revolution: “ First began in 1789.”
The Reform Act of 1832: “ First introduced by Lord J. Russell.”
Cromwell: ‘‘ A great militarist and organizer of the Ironsides.”
Watt: ‘‘ An inventor of the seventeenth century.”
Napoleon: ‘‘ Possessed a great military career. Born 1769.”
Gladstone: ‘‘ The great social reformer.”
She belongs to ‘‘ the Socialist Party ’’—‘‘ because I firmly believe
the Socialists can do more for the working-classes than any other
political party. If only the working-classes had more faith in
Socialism, we should be in far better circumstances than at the present
time.” She says: ‘‘ The country is governed chiefly by capitalists,
who try very hard to keep the workers on a low level to benefit them-
selves.”
Home Rule: “Home Rule established in Ireland on a sound
basis would be far better for the country than at the present time.
Given this, she would know how to rule herself.”
House of Lords: ‘A place the working-classes could easily dis-
pense with. Of what use is the House of Lords to us? None what-
ever!”
Protection : ‘‘ There are several kinds of ‘ Protection.’ The most
essential one at the present time is protection from the capitalist !”
Socialism : ‘‘ The greatest and best movement in the whole world.
The only hope of the working-classes.”’
Votes for Women: ‘‘Is a great movement and one we women
ought to have had years ago. We may have a voice in Parliament
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 177
t
now to demand our rights, which in the past no chance has been given
us.”
Conscription: “I am not in favour of conscription. The only
agreeable thing in it is the physical training gained thereby.”
The Russian Revolution: ‘The rising of the workers in Russia
to demand their rights is really one great cause of the Russian
Revolution.”
State Education: ‘State Education would prove successful if
organized on the lines of Mr. Fisher’s Education Bill.”
The Future of the Workers in England : ‘‘ The future of the workers
depends largely upon themselves. If they go the right way to demand
their rights, they should secure a good future.”
The King: ‘‘ The King is regarded as a sort of ornament to adorn
the,throne. He is not so popular as a few years ago.”
She reads the Daily Mail and the Sheffield Independent— at
the present time, chiefly the war news.” ‘‘ The correspondence
columns afford a certain amount of interest, also articles written by
different writers.”
ADEQUACY FoR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
She is a member of the Workers’ Union, and joined on taking up
“munitions.” She became a member “so that she should procure
a small amount during strikes and help to demand my rights.” She
says she does not know “ very much ”’ about Trade Unionism, ‘‘ only
that it is a movement made for the working-classes ; without it, we
should be living under worse conditions than to-day. This is a
generally understood fact.’’ ‘‘ A Trade Union is to protect a worker’s
rights, and demand anything she is unable to do herself before her
employers.”” She says she is not “‘as a general rule”? keen on her
Union, and does not attend meetings regularly. (‘‘ They are not
advertised enough, and sometimes I am too tired to attend
them.’’)
She has not read much about Trade Unionism, but knew something
of Sidney Webb’s connection with the movement.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
She is a Co-operator ‘‘ because the Co-operative Movement is
based on socialism and has the interests of the people at heart.’’ She
votes at the elections; reads the Wheatsheaf; knows something
of the history and working of the Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RIGHT User or LEISURE.
Free Afternoons in Winter : ‘“‘ When it is too cold or wet, I usually
spend my time in reading or writing. Very often I am at work.”
Free Afternoons in Summer: “TY often take the opportunity of
going a ramble in the country.”
13
178 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Sundgys : “Sunday, of course, is a day of worship, and at least
once on such a day I go to church. Very often I indulge in a walk,
With an interesting companion a walk, even in winter-time, is very
enjoyable.”
She spent the evenings of an ordinary week as follows :—
Monday: ‘I was at work from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Consequently
I was too tired to finish my evening in any other way than going to
bed.”
_ Tuesday: ‘I commenced work at 1 p.m. and finished at 8 p.m,
After a wash, etc., I wrote a few letters, read a little, and finally pre-
pared to be ready for 6 a.m. the next morning.”
Wednesday: ‘‘ Wednesday afternoon I have free, and on such
occasions a little shopping is a necessity. This means a journey to
town, and if business is over early a meal in a neighbouring restaurant
is not to be ignored. After tea, I went to the Lyceum and saw Daddy
Longlegs, a play which I enjoyed thoroughly.”
Thursday : “‘ I worked from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on such a day
I refrain from doing anything when I have finished work.”
Friday: ‘“I commence at 1.30 p.m. again and finish at 8 p.m.
The morning I spent in helping with household duties and cooking
the dinner. In the evening, after work, I read a little and did a bit
of sewing.” .
Saturday: “I spent the week-end with relatives.”
Her hobbies are ‘‘ Reading, sewing, fancy-work, and writing.”
“T haven’t had the opportunity of a holiday for five years.” “If
rich enough to do as I liked, I would work for the poor as much as
I could.” ‘I would like to spend my old age in some quiet spot
among beautiful surroundings, in a beautiful home and with pleasant
companions.”
‘
LovE oF BEAUTY.
She is fond of ‘‘ sacred music and selections”; goes to concerts;
greatly enjoys listening to the playing of the household piano by
her sister. ‘‘I have never had the opportufiity of learning music,
but I am very fond of it and can distinguish a good player and a bad
one.” ‘‘ Music is a balm in many a sorrow.”
Mrs. Leaning is decided that her home is orderly and clegn, indicat-
ing a Love of Beauty. ‘‘ The living room,” she says, however, “‘ is
too small for all we have in it. One side is filled with a cabinet,
another with a fine old grandfather clock, another with the piano,
and another with the bookcase.’’ She is particular about her own
appearance.
She frequently visits the art galleries, etc. York Minster is the
most handsome building she knows. She is deeply appreciative of
fine scenery. To make Sheffield less ugly, she would ‘‘ put the works
all together, and build modern houses for the workers to live in;
there are acres of land which could be used to allot every house a
good garden.”
STUDIES OF THE WELL-EQUIPPED 179
She reads the following poets:—Burns, Keats, Omar Khayyam,
Scott, Shakespeare, Tennyson, Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
Bennett: ‘‘ A writer.”
Beethoven: ‘‘ Musician.”
Chestevion : ‘' Writer.”
Dickens : ‘‘ An eighteenth-century writer.”
Milton: “A poet.”
Morris: “ Poet, writer, and architect.”
Raphael: “ An Italian painter.”
Ruskin : “ Poet.”
Shaw : ‘‘ Writer.”
Stevenson : ‘‘ An explorer and writer.”
Sullivan : ‘‘ Musician.” :
Tolstoy : “‘ A Russian Socialist.’
Wells : ‘‘ Writer.”
Dante, Goethe, Maeterlinck, Plato, Virgil: ‘“‘Vve heard of these
people very often, but I can’t just remember who they are.”
She goes but rarely to the picture-house, and prefers “‘ instructive
films chiefly and plays from Dickens and other well-known authors.”
-She goes to the music-hall once or twice in a year, and best likes “‘good
music.” (‘‘ My opinion is that a great deal of harm is done in going
to these places very often. If clean turns were exhibited instead
of unclean, a person’s mind would be much better for the going.’’)
She goes to the theatre “only when good plays are exhibited—
Shakespeare, musical comedies, and dramas.”
Love oF TRUTH.
The books in her home are ‘‘ volumes of Dickens, biography books,
fiction, poetry, history.” ‘‘ All the books have been read; some
are read over many times; I like especially to read Ditkens’s Master
Humphrey’s Clock very often.’ ‘‘I am not a member of a library.
Any books I need I buy them.’ She attended a Tutorial Class in
Economics for three years.
Evolution : “I know very little of this, but I intend to learn more
about it.”
Political Economy: ‘Is a survey of political history since the
early ages and the administration of the general income of the country.”
Aristotle ; “‘ A Roman writer.”
Columbus : ‘‘ Discoverer of America.
Darwin : “ Scientist on evolution.”
, Edison; ‘‘ An inventor.”
Haeckel : —— -
Huxley: ‘A scientist and writer.”
Lodge :
Newton: “ A judge.”
Spencer : ‘ Writer.”
She says she does want to ‘get at the Truth,’ but adds: ‘It
”
180 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
is not very often one has the opportunity to enlarge one’s ideas. The
capitalists have too great a hold upon us.”
LovE oF GOoDNESS.
She is a member of the Church of England. ‘‘ I am not an active
member now, but have ‘been until a few years ago. The continuation
of hard work has made me irresponsive to the duties of a church-
member.” “TI joined the church solely because my parents desired
that I should be a member of this body.” “I do not do any religious
work now.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He is strongly prejudiced against the Co-operative Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricur Use oF LEISURE.
In his leisure ‘he visits picture palaces and billiard saloons or
lounges about at home (probably grumbling all the time). He does
not often go to a public-house. Talks horse history, reads sporting
and miscellaneous papers.”
If rich enough to do as he liked: “‘I believe Raell would travel,
probably go grumbling about the world, airing his superiority and
emphasizing his miserableness.”’
Love oF BEAUTY.
In the past he used to attend good concerts, operas, etc.; he
knows the names of several of the great composers and knows some».
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 289
thing of why they are celebrated. He has a contempt for music hall
ditties and loathes gramophones. He “rather detests bad music
than loves good.”
His personal appearance is thoroughly discreditable to him. He
visits the museums or art galleries “ only occasionally,”’ and has a
low opinion of the Ruskin Museum. He shows little appreciation of
grand scenery.
Nowadays he reads no poetry, but has read a fair amount in the
past. He can name many of Shakespeare’s plays. He has read
most of Scott’s novels. He did not know ‘ who were or ave’ William
Morris, Arnold Bennett, Edward Carpenter, or Maurice Maeterlinck.
But he did at least recognize the names of Plato, Dante, Milton,
Goethe, Ruskin, R. L. Stevenson, Tolstoy, Shaw, Wells, and
Chesterton ; and also Raphael and Turner, Beethoven and Sir Arthur
Sullivan. :
He goes to the ‘ pictures” about once a week; has a contempt
for ‘comics’; likes natural history films. He goes now and
then to the music hall; likes best ‘‘ wit and humour,”’ if it is not too
vulgar, and music if it is good. He goes at long intervals to the
theatre.
LovE oF TRUTH.
»
He has read in the past “‘a fair quantity ”’ of books, but prac-
tically none of recent years. He attends no lectures or classes.
Evolution :; “ Seems to have a fair surface knowledge ; volunteered
information about both Darwin and Wallace.”
Political Economy : Knows practically nothing.
Scientific Research : Knows “‘ much more than the average.”
Any Branch of Science : Is interested in natural history.
Aristotle : ‘ Greek philosopher.’
Columbus : ‘ Discoverer of America.’
Newton : ‘ Discoverer of law of gravity.’
Darwin : ‘ Co-discoverer with Wallace of natural selection.’
Spencer : ‘ A philosopher.’
Huzley : ‘ British scientist.’
Haeckel : ‘ German scientist.’
Lodge’: ‘ A scientist and spiritualist.’
Edison : ‘ An inventor.’
' Does he show any signs of wanting to get at the truth? ‘‘ Appears
more concerned to prove that all is lies.”
LovE oF GOODNESS.
His ambition (“a receding vision ’’) is to be a captain of indus-
try, ‘“‘to say ‘Do this’ and see his will obeyed.” His greatest
pleasure is derived from gambling, studying records of horses, foot-
ball teams, etc. His attitude towards women is “ respectful, but
condescending.” °
240 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
He calls the churches ‘‘ whited sepulchres’’; he does not believe
in Free Will; he thinks Christianity ‘ all bosh’; he looks upon Jesus
Christ as ‘a myth.’ He is well informed upon the Bible.
“He has allowed discontent to darken his vision and has lost his
consciousness of the splendour of life. Life to him is indeed drab.”
“He is a waster. Sorrowfully I write it, but it is my conviction.
He is intelligent, but very, very cynical. His knowlege of the Turf
is profound. His whole outlook is spoiled through his inordinate
vanity. . . . I believe he is not lacking in ability (of a sort), but has
no character. I am trying to find out to what extent ill-luck or ill-
health is responsible for his demeanour. I imagine he is a spoiled
child of foolish parents. He is easily flattered, and 1 should imagine
flattery rather than real encouragement has marred him, as it, does
most of us. He despises his workmates. He has contempt for the
foremen who have charge of his labour, and thinks himself a much
superior person.”
NorrEs oN RoELL’s LIFE-HISTORY.
He went to an elementary school and stayed till he was just on
fourteen, ‘‘ acquiring a good grasp of such subjects as then constituted
the curriculum.”
“His father, a moderately prosperous wine merchant, died shortly
after his son left school. His mother died when he was nine. He
began life in earnest as a clerk at the age of fifteen. During this
period he appears to have had too much unbridled liberty, and he
lacked the restraining hand of discipline. It was probably at this
time that he read many books and acquired the fairly extensive. know-
ledge’ that he possesses. Probably his sourness is due to inherent
lack of will or consistency and to the unrealized ideals his early
adolescence framed. Since he settled down, if it can be called settling
down, his industrial life has not been a happy one. He was pushed
out of ‘clerking’ at the age of nineteen, not because he did any-
thing particularly bad, but because he wasn’t particularly good.
Since then he has been a labourer. He still aspires to something
better, but lacks that confidence and real dignity which alone can
elevate... . If he were one-half as clever as he thinks he is, or if
he made the best of the ability he actually possesses, his career would
be a different one. As it is, he is a labourer, who resents his menial
position, looks at everything through his fatalist spectacles, and
lazily omits the spurt which would send him up another rung of
the ladder.”
“He is extremely garrulous, and I have listened to thousands of
detailed digressions to obtain answers to this questionnaire. How-
ever, I am rewarded, for I noted to-day a new light in his eyes,
and I believe I have won his respect through my sympathy, and
who knows but what our enquiry may have made Robert Roell a
better man?”
‘STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 241
DABSON.
Aged 37; cutler ; lives with wife and children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
His home is everything to him; his wife and children are “‘ his
chief interest’; he spends much of his spare time at home; “ his
wife is a treasure.” ‘‘ His five children are all healthy, strong, active
and happy-natured.” ,
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING Work.
Not very robust, has a tendency to tuberculosis; does not dis-
like his work, but would prefer to go ‘back to the land’; regular,
punctual, industrious, efficient; not much initiative; capable of
responsibility in a small way.
ADEQUACY FOR LOCAL CITIZENSHIP.
“Says he ‘ takes no interest’ in local politics.” Does not know
any member for his ward; knows only one or two of the councillors
and municipal officials; has ‘never thought about’ what reforms
he’d like carried out in the city; has never heard of the W.E.A. ;
says the University is ‘all right’; has never lived in any other
town; would like to live in the country, right out of Sheffield.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
Said there were ‘six or seven ’’M.P.’s for Sheffield ; he knew the
names of three only. He voted Conservative at the last two elections
because his father was always a Conservative. (‘‘ He says he has
no other reason.’’)
“He had no knowledge of the Battle of Hastings, Magna Carta,
the Industrial Revolution or the First Reform Act; nor of Wolsey,
Cromwell, Watt or Owen. He said Gladstone was ‘a man in Parlia-
ment’ and Napoleon was ‘a Frenchy that the British fought.’ He
said-India was ‘ a lot larger ’ than England, and that the chief industries
of England were iron, steel, and wool.
Home Rule : ‘‘ Hasn’t thought about it.”
Socialism: ‘Thinks nowt to it; it’s not going to do no good
to nobody.’
Votes for Women : ‘It makes you laugh, but women will have to
vote next time.’
Conscription : * It ought to be the same for all; all men fit ought
to go.’
The Russian Revolution : ‘A bad thing for us.’
State Education : ‘ A good thing for every one to be taught to read
and write and such like.’
The King : ‘ An institution ’ ; * all right.’
Reads all parts of ‘ the Special.’
17
242 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He joined the Cutlers’ Union six years ago ‘‘ because some one
came along and told him it was the correct thing to join, it would
be best for him.” ‘‘ He is an exceedingly passive member”; has
read nothing of the Trade Union Movement, and takes practically
no interest in it.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He and his wife do not deal with the ‘ Co-op.’ because ‘‘ they get
better attention with less fuss at the smaller shops.”
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicuT UsE oF LEISURE.
Saturday afternoon and Sunday: At home reading ; long walks
by himself.
He spent the evenings of an ordinary week as follows :—-
Sunday : ‘‘ Was out for a walk till fairly late.”
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday : ‘‘ Read the paper at home.”
Thursday : ‘‘ Talked to a friend who called.”
Friday : ‘‘ Went to bed early.”
‘Saturday : “‘ Went shopping with his wife; went to pay club
money.”
He has no ‘hobbies, but before the War he used to go fishing
every week.
Were he rich enough, he says he’d go into the country, have a
bigger house and do his best for his children. He is one of those who
would like to get ‘ back to the land.’
Love oF BEauty.
‘‘ He will go three or four times in a week to ‘ Gilbert and Sullivan’ ;
enjoys listening to his children singing.”
His home certainly does not indicate a Love of Beauty, but it is
moderately clean and orderly ; he says he ‘ leaves that to the missis.’
He. takes, pains to keep himself clean and respectable. He loves
the country round about Sheffield and hates the town.
Knows nothing about Shakespeare, ‘‘ but says he has ‘a friend
wot’s great on this ’ere Shakespeare and goes to see ‘is plays reg’lar ’.”
Had never heard of a single other great English writer, dead or alive,
not even Dickens.
Goes but seldom to the picture palace; likes ‘‘a good, stirring,
mystery film.’’ He does not go to the music hall. He goes to the
theatre fairly often (for musical comedy).
i
Love oF TRUTH.
‘The books in his house are ‘“‘ paper-backed novels,’’ and ‘‘ some-
what blood-curdling magazines ’’; they are ‘‘ very light literature.”
He spends a fair amount of his leisure in reading such literature and
the papers. He does not use the public libraries.
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 248
He knows nothing at all about science and scientists; he shows
not the slightest desire to ‘ get at the Truth.’
LovE oF GOODNESS.
He attends no place of worship; he does no specifically social
or altruistic work; but in his way he is perhaps awakened to the
greatness of life. He gets his greatest pleasure from being with his
family and from walking. In his attitude towards women, he is
“respectful and kindly ”’; ‘he believes himself superior by virtue
of his sex, and thinks he ought to defend them.” «
“He is a man who does not bother much about religion, but he
believes that there is a God, and that God is good, and that He knows
what we do, and that He helps in time of trouble, and that He expects
every one to do his duty. His motto is that a man should work
and not think too much and not grumble. «He is kindly and generous
in his judgment, and very humble-minded; very simple and very
peace-loving ; has no ‘ rights’ or ‘wrongs’; could be affected by a
stirring sermon or a vivid personality—if he ever came across such
—and awakened into greater spiritual activity. Would not seek the
companionship of men of lower stamp than himself; is capable of
higher and wider thought if he were directed.”
Notes on Dasson’s LIFE-HISTORY.
He was at an elementary school till the age of thirteen ;. ‘ wagged
it’ whenever he could, and got many a thrashing for staying away ;
was also made to go to Sundayschool till he was fourteen. He
learnt to read and not much miore.
His father was a cutler. His upbringing was “‘not at all”
educational. He has always worked hard, and only been in two
places all his life. ,
JORDE.
Aged 37; railwayman (pre-war wage, 26s.); lives with wife and
children.
ApDEQuACY FoR HOME-LIFE.
He is extremely fond of his home ; makes a “ very good” husband
and a “‘ very good”’ father. He spends nearly ali his leisure in the
house, or with his family.
‘ Does he want to keep his children at school as long as possible ?’
“Yes, but under existing circumstances is obliged to send them
to work as early as possible.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WorK.
He is physically fit, punctual, industrious, reliable, and efficient ;
he seems interested in his work.
244 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
He guessed that the population of Sheffield was 280,000 in 1817,
and 400,000 at the present day. He knows a representative for his
ward, and several of the councillors and chief municipal officials.
His interest in local politics is “only very slight.” He is “ not
interested ”’ in the University. ‘‘ He only knows of the W.E.A. by
hearing me speak of it; he approves of the W.E.A., but cannot attend
on account of hours of duty.”
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL Potitics,
He showed no knowledge of the Battle of Hastings, Magna Carta,
the Industrial Revolution or the Reform Act of 1832; nor of Wolsey,
Cromwell, Watt or Owen. He knew Gladstone was a Liberal Prime
Minister.
He knew India was larger than England; estimated the popula-
tion of England and Wales at 16,000,000; stated the chief national
industries to be iron, steel, and. textiles, said there were ‘ about
600 M.P.’s.’
He has hitherto been a Liberal, but is now moderately Socialistic.
Home Rule: ‘Ireland should have it, not exactly because they
deserve it, but because it’s long standing, and to let them have a try.’
The House of Lords : ‘‘ He does not ‘ think much to it.’ ”’
Votes for Women : Agrees with it.
Conscription : Against it.
The Russian Revolution: He says that it is ‘at present, very
unsatisfactory.’
State Education : ‘‘ Says neither present conditions nor Education
Bill now under consideration are satisfactory to working man, who
must have assistance to enable him to keep children at school.”
The Future of the Workers in England: ‘Should be more demo-
cratic; not subject so much to capitalist; deserving of more con-
sideration.’
The King: ‘‘ Satisfied with the present democratic ruling of the
Monarch.”
Reads the leaders and general news in the papers.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He joined the N.U.R. (National Union of Railwaymen) in 1913
“for protection and in order to secure better conditions.’’ He is a
loyal member, but not very effective. He has read nothing about
the past or present of the Trade Union Movement. He knew nothing
of Place or the Chartists, Webb or Cole.
?
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He deals with the ‘ Co-op.’ “‘ as a matter of self-help and co-opera-
tion with his own class.” But he reads no Co-operative papers,
attends no meetings, and knows nothing about the Movement.
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 245
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut Use or LEISURE.
‘What ave his hobbies?’ ‘‘No particular hobby. Spends his
spare time assisting with children and home duty.” His annual
holiday he spends in the country (Derbyshire), where he was brought
up.”
‘If vich enough to do as he liked’ he would “‘ live in the country.”
But ‘‘ under present conditions’ he does not want to go ‘ back to
the land.’
Love oF BEAUTY.
He is not fond of music, though he might occasionally listen to a
band in the park. Will visit one of the art galleries or museums now
and then. His house is clean, but hardly indicates a Love of Beauty.
He is not indifferent to his own personal appearance. He has a
small allotment and takes a pride in it.
He does not read any poetry; he was unable to name more than
one or two of Shakespeare’s plays; he does not know who were or
are Milton, Morris, Stevenson, Arnold Bennett, Carpenter, Chesterton,
Shaw or Wells.
He goes to the pictures ‘“‘ not more than once a month or so.” He
never goes to the music hall or the theatre.
Love oF TRUTH.
“Keeps pace with the newspapers. That’s about the extent of
his reading.”” Attends no lectures or classes. Knows nothing of any
branch of science. Did not know Newton, Spencer, Huxley, Haeckel,
or Lodge; said ‘ Columbus was an explorer who discovered America,’
Darwin an ‘ evolutionist,’ and Edison ‘an inventor.’
He does not show any signs of wanting to get at the Truth.
LovE oF GOODNESS.
He does no specifically social or altruistic work ; but he is a good,
well-intentioned, clean-living man, getting his chief pleasure from
his wife and children.
Though he attends no place of worship himself, he sees that his
children attend, and believes in the doctrines of Christianity. He
could only manage to name ten of the twelve disciples and could not
give any information about Lazarus, Nicodemus, or Stephen.
Notes oN JORDE’s LIFE-HISTORY.
He had the usual elementary school education up to the age of
14; ‘‘he appreciates it as far as it went.”
He was brought up in the country by his mother and father, who
kept a small inn and did a little farming. He went into railway-
work soon after leaving school,
246 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
UMPLES.
Aged 42; boiler fireman ; living with wife and children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
‘‘Umples’ home is clean and tidy; he takes a good deal of
interest, in fact a certain amount of pride, in it. His love of home
is, as a matter of fact, one of his saving virtues; but I cannot
somehow or other regard him as an ideal home-maker, He is always
thinking of the material side, the appearance of the house, rather
than the atmosphere and spirit of it.” “He spends most of his
leisure time at home, and has done a good deal in the way of painting,
paper-hanging, etc., to improve his house.’”’ ‘“‘ He is a good father so
far as his limited capacity allows; he has a sort of animal fondness
for his children; their condition reflects real credit upon him, but
I am convinced that his purpose is that they may compare favourably
with other children round about in appearance.” ‘‘ His workmates
regard him as a ‘ Mary Ellen’ in relation to his wife, that is to say,
as too willing to do his wife’s bidding! ’’ In answer to the question :
‘Does he talk to his wife about things and ideas ?’, our investigator
replies: ‘’ He listens to his wife about things and ideas.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WoRK,
‘His mates say (and truly) ‘It wants a chap who’s strong i’ t’
arm an’ thick i’ t’ head for that job.’”’ He does not like his work ;
would prefer to go ‘ back to the land.’ He is regular, punctual, indus-
trious, and, “‘ for his particular job, efficient in every sense.” ‘I
don’t think he is capable of real initiative, but he has a sense of duty
which could be relied on were he put into any position of responsi-
bility.” He has no vice that reduces his value as a worker.
ADEQUACY FOR LOCAL CITIZENSHIP.
He knew the population of Sheffield in 1917; he knew the names
of two representatives of his ward, of the lord mayor, and of some of
the councillors and chief officials. ‘‘ He votes at municipal elections.
I believe he is quite sincere, too, in using his vote; but it seems to
me that any strong personality could impress him sufficiently to
capture his vote under certain circumstances. In short, he doesn’t
seem to have any fixed principles in this connection, but is led by
some whim of his own or by any influence that may predominate for
the moment.” “He gives no single councillor credit for honesty of
purpose ; ‘ they are all out for what they can get!’’’ “I can’t for
the life of me make out what reform he wants, and his criticisms are
all destructive rather than constructive.” ‘‘ He thinks the workers
pay for the University, and the rich enjoy—and will continue to enjoy
—its advantages; he hasn’t’a proper idea of the function of the
University.” ‘He knows all about the W.E.A., but is not at all
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 247
keen on it.” He says he likes Bradford and other towns he has lived
in better than Sheffield.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
He knows each of the five M.P.’s for Sheffield—name, constituency,
and political creed.
“To what political party does he belong?’ ‘‘‘ Ah wouldn’t tell my
own wife’; he’s a Tory to-day and a Radical to-morrow; mostly,
he stands apart and finds fault with all parties.”
‘How did he vote at previous elections?’ ‘ What shall tha’ want
to know next?’ ‘“ Will not say.”
He knows a little about Magna Carta, the French Revolution,
and the First Reform Act, but had ‘‘no proper conception ”’ of the
Industrial Revolution. He knew a good deal about Napoleon, a very
little about Wolsey, Cromwell, and Watt, and nothing about Owen.
He knows little of history, but is pretty well informed in geography.
He knows the population and chief industries of the country ; under-
stands fairly well how we are governed; guessed there were 600
M.P.’s in all.
Home Rule: ‘‘ He speaks against this very strongly sometimes ;
he appreciated the way in which Maxwell dealt with the insurrection
in shooting the revolutionaries.”
The House of Lords : ‘‘ He finds fault with the lords, but it seems
to me that he would be quite as enthusiastic for the abolition of the
House of Commons. Both sets of people are ‘there for what they
can get out of it.’”
Votes for Women: “‘ No advocate of this. ‘If they did as they
owt ter do, they’d stop at ’oam an’ luk after t’ kids.’”’
Conscription : ‘‘ He spoke strongly in favour of this as being the
only just method of recruiting. Since there has been a possibility
of himself becoming a conscript, his views have changed somewhat.”
Protection: ‘‘ He advocates boycotting German goods after the
War.”
Socialism: ‘He used to condemn Socialism wholesale; of late
he has said that Socialism is all right if it were carried out properly. |
He has a slight leaning towards the Socialistic ideal now, I think.”
The Russian Revolution: ‘‘ He thinks the Russians have let us
down, and speaks of the revolutionaries as ‘ traitors’ and ‘ mugs.’ ”
State Education: ‘‘ Thinks that children are kept at school quite
long enough now; he criticizes elementary teachers severely.”
“The Future of the Workers in England: ‘He speaks of the
Revolution: ‘ Wait till t’ lads come ’oam,’ etc.; but he has no con-.
structive policy of any sort in this connection.”
The King: ‘‘ He is no republican. In answer to a question about
this, he made a smutty remark about our present king.”
He reads the Sheffield daily morning papers, and sometimes the
Star. His main interest is the War news, but to some extent he reads
the political (national and local) news.
248 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He is a member of the National Union of General Workers. ‘‘ He
has been in and dropped out several times; this last time it was as
a result of pressure; his mates simply made his life intolerable
until he ‘brassed up.’’’ He has read nothing and knows nothing
about the Trade Union Movement. ‘ As a Trade Unionist, Umples
is a ‘ poor tool’; he will not attend the meetings under any circum-
stances, and yet no one criticizes the policy of the Union more than
he. All his thought is centred upon his own advancement, and his
membership of the Union is not only nominal, but extremely selfish ;
the great ideas of unity, love, and so on, find no place in anything
he says or does in this connection.”
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
‘He deals with the ‘ Co-op.’ because of the * divi.’; whenever he
finds a cheaper shop he goes there.’”” Knows nothing of the Movement,
and takes scarcely more interest in it than in Trade Unionism.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RIGHT UsE or LEISURE.
Working long hours each day for seven days a week, he has very
little leisure indeed. In what free time he has, he does a great deal
of the household work and manages a small allotment.
LovE oF BEAUTY.
He has a certain love of music; prefers music-hall tunes and
hymn tunes. He has bought a ‘piano for his wife.
His house is always clean and orderly ; he takes no pride in his
own appearance; he does not visit the local art galleries, etc. ; his
allotment ‘‘doesn’t look as if he has a prideé in it.”
He ‘never reads any poetry; could name only three plays of
Shakespeare; recognized the names of Plato, Milton, Beethoven,
Dickens, Tolstoy, Shaw, and Carpenter. Had no idea of Virgil, Dante,
Goethe, Ruskin, Morris, Stevenson, Maeterlinck, Arnold Bennett,
Wells, Chesterton, Raphael, Turner, Sullivan.
He goes very seldom to the kinema; never to music hall or
theatre.
LovE oF TRUTH.
He possesses no books and reads none. All his reading consists
of the papers and odd magazines that come his way! He attends no®
lectures or classes.
Evolution : ‘‘ Knew nothing about it.”
Political Economy : ‘‘ He can’t define the science in a fechnical
sense, but he has a fairly correct idea of the thing.”
“He knows a fair amount about agriculture, and talks about
astronomy, but he can’t be said to be interested in any science in
the real sense; all his knowledge has come to him in an accidental
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 249
way; he has never set. himself the task of acquiring knowledge for
knowledge’ sake. He shows no sign of wanting to get at the Truth.”
He has no idea of who were or are Spencer, Huxley, or Haeckel; he
knows Lodge is ‘alive’; he thinks Aristotle is an ‘ obscene, ancient
writer’; he associates Newton with gravitation, and Darwin with
evolution ; he “‘ knows ” Columbus and Edison.
Love oF GOODNESS.
“He seems to me a rather hopeless case. To be perfectly candid,
he has some characteristics that are positively repulsive to me at
times. He wants everything to pay in the material sense. . . . Some
of his mates call him ‘ balmy,’ some of them think he is selfish, and
on the whole he is an unpopular chap at work. One learns just to
tolerate him, but no one except his own children really loves or
respects him.” ‘He is materialistic throughout, and the height of
wisdom in his opinion is to obtain by hook or by crook plenty of
money.” ‘ He talks about women in a sensual and repulsive way ;
he is not the sort of chap one would introduce to one’s wife or daughter.”
He goes regularly to a place of worship. ‘‘ He often criticizes
the churches, and occasionally I have heard him advocate the preach-
ing of Socialism.”” ‘‘ He talks sentimentally about Christianity. His
ideas are rather of the Sundayschool type—not at all advanced. He
is well informed in the Scriptures, and has ‘ orthodox’ views about
Jesus Christ, Free Will, Future Life and God.”
Notes oN UMPLEs’ LIFE-HISTORY.
He went to school till twelve, and left in Standard VII. ‘‘ He
thinks he received a better and more practical education in his day
than his own children are receiving to-day.”
His father was a semi-middle-class shop-keeper, who died when
Umples was fifteen. His mother died shortly after. He has had
numerous jobs (all unskilled), but has remained in his present place
for several years.
‘‘Umples describes himself as having been * dragged up’ by his
parents; and since his parents died, he bas had to ‘ prog aht for
*issen.’ This is substantially correct; he lacks training and educa-
tion ; he has insufficient stuffing of good ideas and so on. He is no
better and no worse than one would expect, having regard to the
circumstances under which he was bred, born, and trained.”
RUSHBERRY.
Aged.47; labourer ; living with wife and children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
- “He is a good father and allows his children plenty of freedom,
though he does not seem keen on education,”
250 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
“He speaks with affection of his wife whenever he mentions her.”
He is very fond of his home, and its.condition reflects credit upon him,
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WoRK.
He is suited to his work, physically fit for it, likes it, is regular,
punctual, industrious, efficient; “he’s top side of his job.” ‘“ He
drinks in moderation, and gambles in a mild way; he is certainly
not idle; neither his drinking nor his gambling militates against
his efficiency.”
ADEQUACY FOR LOCAL CITIZENSHIP.
He correctly estimated the population of Sheffield in 1917. Asked
what it was in 1817, he replied: ‘Ah don’t know; Ah weren’t here
then.’ He‘ thought’ cutlery was manufactured in Sheffield a century
ago.
“He always votes at municipal elections, and seems to read the
council meeting reports in the newspapers.” He knew the names
of his own representatives, of the lord mayor, and of some of the town
councillors and officials. ‘‘ He seems to have no constructive ideas
of reforms he would like carried out locally. ‘‘ He regards the Univer-
sity as a place for the education of the rich, but not for him and
his class.” ‘‘ He believes the W.E.A. is good for a certain class of
workers, but that he himself is too old now to profit byit.”’ ‘He has
lived all his life in Sheffield, and doesn’t dislike it!”
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
He glances indifferently at either of the local morning papers
and at the local evening paper, as well as ‘‘ The Empire.” ‘‘ Seldom
reads leading articles or political articles; reads all the ordinary
news, and is in consequence pretty familiar with current events.”
He is moderately well informed about the industrial conditions, etc.,
of the country, and understands something of the working of the
English constitutional system. He voted Conservative at the last
election, but will quite probably vote Labour at the next.
Home Rule: ‘‘ He believes in a limited form of Home Rule for
Ireland. He remarked that Scotland governed herself, and said
‘Why not Ireland ?’”
The House of Lords : ‘‘* I should abolish them,’ he said, emphasizing
the word in italics.”
Protection : ‘ We ought to keep the foreigner out.’
Socialism: ‘‘ He said he believed in Socialism, but conversation
with him revealed the fact that his ideas on the subject were very
crude ones.” . .
Votes for Women : ‘ If a woman’s interested in politics, ah reckon
she owt ter ’ave a voat just same as a man: ah say treat both
sects alike,’
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 251
_ Conscription : “He thinks conscription is all right in time of war,
but would abolish it afterwards.”
The Russian Revolution: ‘ Revolutionaries ‘ud a been all right
if they’d all been under one head, but they spoiled the’sens in ’aving
too many bloody gaffers.’
State Education: ‘ Fourteen’s plenty late enough for a working-
man’s child to leave school; longer’s all right for them as can afford
it.’
The Future of the Worker in England: ‘ They'll be all right if they
keep united as they are now, if not they’ll be all wrong.’
The King : ‘ He’s no better man than ah am, an ah doant see why
1»?
us should keep ’im—let’s ’ave a republic, ah say !
ADEQUACY FoR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He joined the National Union of General Workers “4 good miany
years ago”’; “for protection mainly, in the first place”; ‘ now,
however, he is becoming far more familiar with the larger functions
of Trade Unionism.’”’ ‘‘ He knows very little about the Movement ;
mostly he regards it as an agency for getting more money out of the
* gaffers’. He has read no books about Trade Unionism; he knew
nothing of Place, the Chartists, Webb or Cole. He does not think
that Trade Union control of industry is possible, ‘them what’s got
hold will keep hold.’ He has recently become pretty regular in
attending meetings, and been made a collecting steward (paid work
—see below). ‘‘ He is very enthusiastic in making new members.”
“‘ He is very effective indeed of late; he is rapidly becoming a regular
‘out and outer’ in Trade Unionism.”
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He deals with the ‘ Stores.’ ‘I believe his original motive was
dividend, but although he has had a good deal of inconvenience to
put up with during the food shortage, he has stuck to the ‘ Co-op.’
He takes no extra-commercial interest in the Movement, however,
and knows next to nothing about it.”
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut UsE or LEISURE.
“ He can’t be said to have hobbies in one sense; his average
working day, Sundays included, is 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., and he
works a lot of overtime. He has no free days, except his annual
holiday, which he and his wife always spend with relatives in the
‘country. . During these ten days he ‘mugs about ’—walking, fishing,
etc. He does not want to go ‘ back to the land.’
Love oF BEAuTy.
He is very fond of music, especially operatic music, but does not
himself sing or play or possess a piano. ,
He is not indifferent: to his personal appearance, He does not
252 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
possess an allotment, but he has cultivated the patch of garden at
the back of his house. In conversing he showed appreciation of sunrise
and sunset,
He has never read any poetry, and appears to know nothing about
any of the great English writers, living or deceased.
He visits the picture-show about once a week. ‘‘ He likes a good
comic, also good scenery, but he’s not very particular what sort of
film ; he only goes ‘ just for a night out.’ He goes perhaps not more
than once in a year to the music hall, which he despises. He says
he can’t stand these revues—‘ there’s so much tommy rot in them.’
“He loves opera and good musical comedy ; occasionally, too, he will
go to see Martin Harvey, Fred Terry, etc., but drama does not draw
him as much as musical productions do.” ‘‘ He likes good stuff a
the theatre.”
LovE oF TRUTH.
** He says he has never read any bound books since leaving school.”
‘In fact, ah couldn’t sit down and read a couple o’ pages.’ He reads
only the newspapers and an occasional magazine. He is not well
informed upon scientific matters, and has little interest in such things.
Love or GooDNEss.
He belongs to no religious body, and attends no place of worship,
and does no specifically social or altruistic work. (He is paid for much
of his trade-union work.) ‘“‘ His ambition is to accumulate as much
money as possible in order to be independent of his employers; he
would, I suppose, enjoy himself gardening, gambling, fishing, and
so on—everything in moderation if he ever reached his ambition as
regards the money question.” ‘‘ He speaks of his wife and daughters
well, indeed of all women ; has nothing to be ashamed of in this con-
nexion.” He said Lloyd George was his hero in real life to-day.
When Nurse Cavell was suggested as a “‘ heroine,” he rejoined that
she suffered because ‘she were forced to do.’
Concerning Christianity, he remarked: ‘It’s all right if it’s lived
up to, but there’s very few, if any, who live up to it.’ ‘I could not
get him to discuss the question of Free Will intelligently.” ‘‘ He
made jokes about Heaven, and seemed doubtful about there being
any life after death.” As regards Religion, he said: ‘ There’s not
much nowadays, if ever there were. It’s ‘‘Do as I say” not “ Do
as I do.”’
He knew there were twelve disciples and could name six. He
knew and named the four gospels.
Isaiah : ‘ Let’s see, he’s in t? Owd Testament, isn’t he?’
John the Baptist : ‘‘ He was correct here.”
Lazarus: ‘‘ He said Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus
Christ.”
Nicodemus: ‘‘ He remembered his name, and said it was in the
New Testament,”
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 253
Paul: “ He could not tell me anything about him.”
Pharaoh : ‘ King Pharaoh, oh aah, ah know who he was.’
‘‘He’s a decent sort, though he is quite frankly selfish in his
outlook and activities. He professes no virtue except that of modera-
tion in all things. He always says ‘Self first!’ is his policy, and he
advises other people to say the same. He has been very successful
in making new members of the Union; some of these were transferred
from his book : he said had he known they were going to be transferred,
he would not have troubled to make them members.’ ‘ Ah’m goin’
to ’ave all I can get, and other foaks mun do t’ same.’ Still, he’s a
good chap in the sense that there is nothing underhand or hypocritical
about him ; he’s honestly selfish and self-centred, if one may say so.”
Notes oN RuSHBERRY’S LIFE-HISTORY.
He went to school at a very early age and did pretty well there
—so well, indeed, that he was able to leave school at the age of nine
or ten, and had reached standard IV. He thinks that his education
was quite as good as the average child of to-day receives. He says:
‘The kids nowadays can’t spell arf as good as we could.’
His parents were poor, ‘‘ but not abjectly poor,” working-class
people, with no interest in education. ‘“ His first job was (at the
age of nine) to nurse a little boy for a local publican. Then he spent
two years scaring birds for a farmer. After other unskilled jobs, he
reached his present position at the age of 22, and has remained in it
ever since.
‘When Rushberry married (at 21), life was a veritable struggle
to him. He purchased the furniture on the hire system, and in paying
for this he “ got into other people’s ribs as well,”’ ie., he contracted
debts with other people. His four children were born in quick succes-
sion during the first five years of his married life, and trade was very
bad at this time. When he started with his present firms he was
poverty-stricken. He didn’t booze because he had hardly enough
money to live on! The slightest chance of a bit of overtime and he
was “‘on it like a bird,” and eventually he managed to straighten
his debts up. He is very careful now of his home, his job, and his
‘Money. His mates say, and truly, that ‘ Rushberry’s not wi’out
a quid or two on t’ quiet !’”
ECKINGTON.
Aged 57; labourer in steel works ; lives with wife and children,
ADEQUACY FOR HOME-LIFE.
Very fond of his home; the house is well furnished, and he has
himself done many things to improve it; he delights in having a
* nice, white cloth for meals.” He makes a good father and husband,
254 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
“ but believes in the supremacy of the male.” He talks to his wife
about ‘ things,’ and if he had any ‘ideas,’ he would talk to her
about them. He believes in education, and wishes he had had
more of it.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING Work.
He is physically fit, regular, punctual, industrious and thoroughly
efficient, but is not the man to shoulder responsibility. He seems
satisfied with his job, but talks sometimes about wanting to go on
the land. He is a ‘handy-man’ at many things outside his own
work.
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
He guesses the present population of Sheffield at 1,000,000, and
the population a century ago at 5,000. He knows Sheffield was a
cutlery town in 1817. He has no interest in local politics and does
not belong to any party. Though he knows a representative of
his ward and a few of the councillors, he could not name the lord
mayor. (i
‘What does he think of the local W.E.A.?’ ‘ Thinks it good,
but believes I am wasting my time on it; thinks I should be wiser
to work overtime.’”’ ‘‘ Has no idea of the purpose of the University ;
thinks it a grand place where the ‘nobs’ go to acquire superhuman
powers.”
‘ ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
He knows not one of the existing M.P.’s for Sheffield, but remembers .
Roebuck, Mundella, Howard Vincent, Stuart Wortley. He has né
views on politics, but usually votes Liberal. ‘Why?’ ‘For no
reason whatever.”
His mind is a complete blank on English history ; he is not sure
whether India is larger or smaller than England; he has no idea of
the population of England and Wales; he will not attempt to guess
what are the chief industries of the country; he does not know how
many M.P.’s there are.
Home Rule: ‘‘He thinks that as Ireland has been subject to
conquest, she ought to submit.”
The House of Lords: He feels a vague annpathy to it.
Protection : ‘‘ Doesn’t profess to know nee it is.’
Socialism ; ‘‘ Believes it is sharing up.”
Votes for Women : Said he hadn’t thought about it.
Conscription : Said ‘ everybody had a right to go.’
The Russian Revolution: ‘‘ Thinks Russia has let us down, and
she should be smashed by Japan.”
State Education : Believes it good so far as he understands it..
The Future of the Workers in England: Thinks “ they will not
stand what they have stood.”
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 255
The King: ‘‘ Sometimes intensely loyal: sometimes thinks the
King is no use; exaggerates the influence and power of the King.”
Cannot' read, but manages to get the news from the Star read to
him.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He has belonged for some years to the National Union of General
Workers. He pays his subscription regularly, and thinks others
should do the same; beyond this he is not effective. He has read
nothing and knows nothing (beyond his personal experiences) of Trade
Unionism. He does not know the difference between a craft and
an industrial union. He avers that the purpose of a union is “ to
help men when they are on strike.”
ADEQUACY FOR Co-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He deals with the ‘Co-op.’ from purely commercial motives ;
is satisfied with his purchases, and thinks the ‘ divi.’ is good for ‘ ar
Sally.” He knows nothing whatever of the history or working of
the Movement, and takes no interest in it.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicHt Use or LEISURE.
His chief interest is his allotment ; he spends his free time mainly
in gardening; he would like to go ‘ back to the land’; he would like
to spend his old age on a small holding ; were he rich enough, he would
be a ‘ philanthropic gentleman.’ At the same time, he is no more
than a passable gardener.
Love or BEauty.
He is fond of music at home, but never goes to bands or concerts.
Although he cannot read English, he can understand musical nota-
tion, and plays a concertina well. He is particularly fond of hymns.
“The house is clean and well-furnished, with more regard for
ornament than beauty.’”? The pictures on the walls are “of the
sentimental kind ; landscape—nicely-framed—cheap art.” Eckington
really does care about the order and cleanliness of his home, as well
as about his personal appearance.
The pictures he most delights in are of the “sentimental and
religious kind.’”’ He never visits the art galleries. Sheffield Town
Halli is the most handsome building he knows. On his allotment he
gives a great deal of space to flowers. He genuinely, if not vocally,
appreciates beauty in nature.
He knows no poetry; cannot name six plays of Shakespeare ;
does not know anything about any English literary man, alive or
dead.
He visits the ‘movies ’ about once a fortnight; revels in senti-
mental and ultra-comic films. Going to the picture palace ‘ has
256 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
little influence upon him; certainly not a good influence; (this is
not a prejudiced statement).’’ He does not go to the music hall or
the theatre.
LovE or TRUTH.
He cannot read; there are few books in his house. He knows
nothing of the world of scientific knowledge. He knew Edison was
an ‘‘ American inventor,’’ but did not know anything of any other
leading scientist, alive or dead.
‘ Does he show any signs of wanting to get at the Truth?’ ‘No,
not in profound matters. He believes in many superstitions, includ-
ing the Christian myth of hell-fire and devils.”
LovE oF GOODNESS.
He is not now a member of any religious body, but was till
recently an evangelical Methodist, taking an active part in the
‘saving of souls.’ He looks back upon a definite conversion. To
a certain extent he realizes the splendour and seriousness of life,
but he is a curious mixture of meanness and generosity, of good-
heartedness and ill-nature, of ingenuousness and deceitfulness, of
capacity and silliness; ‘‘a man who might commit a crime and take
a lot of catching,” ‘‘a man with ready eer for all in trouble,”
“not a bad sort on the whole.”
He gets his greatest pleasure from his pactiun..
His attitude towards women is “respectful with a tendency to
amorousness!”’ His hero in real life is Gipsy Smith.
He has the “ old-fashioned’ views of Christianity. His know-
ledge of the Bible is rather confused ; he could not say offhand who
were Stephen or Nicodemus; he was not sure how many gospels
there were. :
Norss on Eckineton’s LIfE-HisTory.
Eckington went to Sundayschool, but had practically no day
schooling. He thinks his education has been of scarcely any value,
but he regrets he did not make use of what was offered him.
His father died in an accident before he was born; his mother
made what fight she could against destitution by keeping a small
shop; she died when he was eight; a grown-up cousin then gave
him a home (in one of the vilest parts of Sheffield), till he began his
apprenticeship at fourteen as a file-cutter. ‘‘ The master was of an
exacting and harsh type, his treatment of Eckington being in some
instances cruel. Eckington had to rise early in the morning and
perform several menial domestic tasks, after which his day’s work
at-file-cutting began. One process was to strip files of rough places,
and the method which was stupidly adopted was that Eckington
must hold the stump, in which the file was strapped, by: pressure
with his breast against an anvil. This led to a deformity, there being
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 257
even now a depression in his breast large enough to hold an egg. I
mention this because I know this treatment had much to do in
breeding a spirit of resentment which is sometimes manifested. The
evenings (that is, such time as was spared to Eckington) were spent
in company with boys and girls of his own age, knocking about the
streets, etc.; I am afraid the effect was altogether demoralizing.
At the age of twenty-one Eckington went into the world to ply his
trade. He was apparently badly equipped, both in industrial
capacity and all other respects, save physical fitness. Hence it was
that he found the public-house, rabbit coursing, pigeon flying, etc.,
the most attractive pursuits. He was saved from these vices by a
conversion to Christianity at a mission hall.”
“When he married, at 24 years of age, he was literally without
a penny. However, his religion transformed him and gave him a
desire for home comforts and the minor joys of life.”
“Steady application to work has been the industrial career of
Eckington. He belongs to the ‘ Old Brigade’; up to 1912 he worked
in a shop which he rented, although all his work was for Tezziwig
& Co. Each week he went down to the warehouse, taking in his
finished work, for which he was paid at piece-rates. His work was
hard and his wages low, although file-cutting is really a skilled
occupation.” ‘‘ He is dimly conscious that bad conditions and low
wages were to some extent due to lack of organization, and that the
system of piecework engendered the spirit of selfishness and turned
each man’s hand against his neighbour.”
PART IIT: WOMEN ;
StupiEs of 12 inadequately-equipped women workers, repre-
senting from two-thirds to three-quarters of all the women
workers of Sheffield. ;
MISS ITREBURY.
Aged 20; warehousewoman ; lives with her parents and brothers.
ADEQUACY FOR HOME-LIFE.
She has a real pride in her home, and does a great deal to make
it ‘‘more clean and comfortable and pleasant”; she spends most
of her evenings in it. She is “‘ very fond indeed of her parents and
brothers,” and is a “ very dutiful, helpful daughter.”
18
258 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING Work,
‘* Her work is not arduous, and I should not say it requires much
brain-power. The girl seems fitted for something better.” She is
quite strong enough physically, but though “she does not dislike
it, is not very enthusiastic over it.” She is regular, punctual,
industrious, conscientious, and efficient; her superiors never hesitate
to thrust small responsibilities upon her.
ApEQuacy FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP,
She does not know the name of any of the representatives for her
ward, and few or none of those of the town councillors and officials.
But she knew who was lord mayor. She has apparently no interest in,
or knowledge of, local politics. She hates living in Sheffield because
she has lived a good deal in the country outside it.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP,
She is a Socialist, but her opinions are at second-hand from her
father. “She said that the working-man was at present trampled
on, but would get his chance with Socialism ! ”
The House of Lords : ‘Down with it! Enemy of the working-
man !’ :
Votes for Women: ‘‘ No thoughts on subject. Only the usual *
jeers and smiles.”
Conscription : ‘ Everybody ought to go.’
State Education : ‘“‘ Knows nothing about it. Don’t suppose she
knows she had it.’
The King: ‘We should do as well without him as with him.”
“‘She said that she learnt the Stuart period at school, and the
part that interested her the most was ‘Mary, Queen of Scots.’”
She knows practically nothing of the history, geography, etc., of
the country. Her paper is the Evening Telegraph and Star, but
apparently she does not read it to any extent.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE Union MEMBERSHIP.
She is not a member of any Union, and has read nothing about
Trade Unionism. All she knows about it she has picked up from
listening to the talk in the house.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
The family do not deal with the ‘ Stores,’ and she knows nothing
of the Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut Usr or LEISURE.
Her hobbies are fancy work and painting. (Her efforts are
“very crude, but she longs for lessons.’’)
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 259
Saturday afternoons in winter: ‘‘In giving the house its weekly
soap and polish.”
Saturday afternoons in summer: ‘Same; afterwards, a walk in
town.”
Sundays in summer: ‘ Goes to Sundayschool in afternoon ; goes
out to tea for a change; nothing more exciting.”
Sundays in winter : ‘“‘ Same; perhaps a walk in the evening.”
Evenings : ‘‘ Always some housework to do; cooking in prepara-
tion for next day. Makes some of her own clothes too.”
Annual Holiday : ‘‘ Only has the Bank Holidays. Has never been
away to stay.”
LovE or BEAvutTy. é
She is fond of music—‘‘ mot the ordinary gramophone music.”
She “likes the bands, but not the noisy cruwds.” She says it is
‘heavenly’ to hear an opera. She ‘‘ began to learn the piano, but
had not patience to practise.’’ Her favourite songs are Until and
My Dreams. Her favourite hymns are From Greenland’s Icy Moun-
tains, A Ruler once Came to Jesus by Night and I’ve Found a Friend.
She does what she can to make her home agreeable, and “‘ dresses
becomingly and quietly.” She never goes to any of the local art
galleries or museums. The Town Hall is the most handsome building
she could think of. She wishes she had a garden; she appreciates
natural beauty; and to beautify Sheffield would introduce more
flowers and-trees into it.
She reads no poetry ; she cannot name six plays of Shakespeare ;
she knows practically nothing about English literature.
She goes ‘‘ very seldom ” to the picture palace, ‘“‘ now and again ”
to the music hall, ‘‘sometimes”’ to the theatre. She mentioned see-
ing at the theatre the plays called: The Rosary, Peg o’ My Heart, and
Daddy Longlegs.
LovE oF TRUTH.
The books in her home consist of not more than half a dozen
stories, among them Daddy Longlegs and The Way of an Eagle. She
makes no use of a public library, and spends “not much” of her
leisure in reading. She knows nothing whatever about science and
scientists.
Speaking of a communication from her, our helper says: ‘ Her
letter, though faulty as to grammar occasionally, was quite correctly
spelt, and her writing quite good compared with much I get from
working-class people.” ‘
Love oF GOoDNEss.
She is a member of a Bible class, and attends regularly, but
there her connexion with church ends. She cannot look back to
any ‘conversion’ or ‘awakening ’—and she is not a person who
realizes the greatness of things. ‘‘ She thinks Christianity is some-
260 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
thing connected with churches and parsons.’’ She possesses a fairly
good knowledge of the Bible, e.g., knew there were twelve disciples
and could name nine of them. Concerning her attitude towards
Jesus Christ, our helper says: ‘‘ She has the head knowledge, but
He has not become a motive power in her life.’’ She has no ideas
on the Future Life beyond ‘‘Heaven is harps and crowns if one does
one’s best down here,” ‘‘ She regards God as an All-Powerful Being
Who could do anything on earth, so wonders why He doesn’t stop
the War.” She thinks of Religion as being ‘‘ something rather
special for Sundays, but which inclines one to be honest and truthful
during the week,”
“In common with most girls of her type, thinks getting married
is inevitable. She had one ‘ boy,’ quarrelled with him by letter, and
was soon speaking of getting another.” ‘‘Is a very good ‘pal’ to
other girls, helping them in the way of altering clothes if they are
going out, giving them things if they are too poor to get them.”
“She is a girl who, while longing for beautiful things beyond her
reach, yet cheerfully makes the best of what she can get for herself
and the other members of the family.
“Her life is bounded by her warehouse and her home. She is
slightly above the average type of her neighbourhood in that she
has artistic tastes which lead her to dress suitably. She buys clothes
as good as she can possibly afford. She has not initiative enough
to join an evening school for the painting and fancy work and music
that she likes; but on the other hand, her time is so limited with
helping in the house, and the home itself is so crowded, that there
is no room for anything and certainly no quiet. She has nowhere
where she could get away from her family if she wished to do so, and
they all talk with very loud voices.”
Notes on Miss IREBURY’s LIFE-HISTORY.
“She had the usual council school education, leaving as soon as
possible to begin wage-earning. It enabled her to read and write,
but she did not value it enough to continue any branch of it.
Her father was a labourer. Both parents are good-hearted, but
rough and ready, and not well-educated. She is one of a large family,
and although there has never been serious want, there has never
been much margin,
MISS YOUNGLING.
Aged 22; domestic servant; when not in service lives with -her
parents, brothers, and sisters.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
She is really fond of her home, speaks with affection of her rela-
tives, and is liked by them. “In spite of her many defects as a maid,
she would keep a home of her own quite creditably.”
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 261
_ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WoRK.
She is physically fit for her work, and is “as well suited to this
as she would be to anything.” ‘She cam do her work well, but
she is careless, indolent, thoughtless, and happy-go-lucky ; she lacks
mental power and concentration.” ‘She cannot get up early, get
home at the time stipulated, etc.” ‘‘She is slightly industrious ’’!
“‘ She never does anything on her own; she seems incapable of doing
any but the cooking she knows; she doesn’t know enough or care
enough to shoulder any serious responsibility. She doesn’t chink
enough to initiate.’ On the other hand, she certainly has no vices,
such as drinking, that deprive her of efficiency. ‘‘I think she is
inferior, fundamentally because her education was inadequate, partly
because she was spoilt at one place she went to, and partly because
the War has enabled her to tell her mistresses to put up with her or
go to the devil.”
ADEQUACY FOR Locat CITIZENSHIP.
“‘T suggested ‘a million’ as the present population of Sheffield ; |
she thought move than that. She had no idea of the population or
industrial condition of Sheffield in 1817.” ‘‘ Her interest in local
politics is very slight indeed. She has told me more than once that
she doesn’t care and doesn’t think women ought to care.”
“‘T asked her if she thought the University of any use, and she
said: ‘Yes, it trains lawyers and teachers. ... What should I
have done if there hadn’t been any one to teach me?’’’ Does not
like Sheffield, prefers Doncaster, her native town.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
“Doesn’t know how she’d vote, doesn’t cave, and doesn’t want
to vote.” (‘Why’) ‘Because she has never been made to feel
herself as part of the community. She has no social sense. She is
not a moduriov Cwov. She has been taught that women ought not
to take part in politics.” ‘‘ She is certainly not fit to vote intelli-
gently, but I think she would be influenced by her idea of a ‘ good’
man. She has more than once referred to a previous lord mayor
as a ‘good’ man.”
“Told me she reads the whole of a weekly local paper, except
the political parts and the racing; she will pick up any paper, stale
or fresh, and read odd scraps in it. Gossip is what she loves: ‘I
like to see who’s born, who’s dead, who’s married, and all that—and
sometimes a bit of football.’ ”
Battle of Hastings : “‘ She told me the famous story of the Normans
pretending to retreat, and said their leader was King Alfred.” ‘“ Told
me history was her favourite lesson at school.”
Magna Carta: “‘ Had some vague idea of it; knew it was con-
nected with King John.” ‘
The Industrial Revolution : ‘‘ Had no idea what it was.”
262 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
The French Revolution : At first said she’d never heard of it, then
thought it was many years ago; then stated that it was when the
Germans were fighting the French.”
Reform Act of 1832 : ‘“‘ Had never heard of it. When I told her,
she opined that men would have been better off without the vote.”
Martin Luther; “She said he ‘introduced Christianity’; but
she did not know his nationality.”
Wolsey : ‘‘ Apparently knew something about him.”’
Oliver Cromwell : “‘ Blank look, then—‘ He belonged to Scotland,
didn’t he?’”
James Watt: “Said she did not know him, but when told who
he was, she said: ‘ Oh, yes! and I’ll tell you how he did it!’ (kettle
story).”
Napoleon : ‘“‘ She knew he was a general and something to do with
the French.”
She estimated the population of England and Wales at 5,000,000 ;
she knew India was larger than England, but had no idea by how
much.
Socialism: ‘“ Doesn’t understand it, except to make the joke
about: ‘ If I had two pigs, etc.’ Once said she thought we all ought
to be treated alike. Vaguely wants better conditions for the workers.”
Votes for Women: ‘“ Doesn’t think women ought to have a
vote. Thinks it unladylike. Spoke of the suffragettes as ‘ crack-
brained fools.’ Has a very low opinion of the political ability of
women.”
State Education : ‘‘ She sees its value and wishes she’d had more.
Once even said that ‘ every one ought to go to school until they were
seventeen,’ and really seemed to see what a difference it would make.”
The King : ‘‘ She said that ‘ from a girl she never could see why
we should want a king.’ But, there! she’d cheerfully listen to
Republicanism one minute, and cheer the King the next!”
“She once remarked: ‘ Let’s see! Russia once belonged to us,
didn’t it?’ (‘‘ No, it’s one of our Allies.”) ‘ Well, but: the Queen
used to be Empress of Russia.’ ”
“She always refers to Conscientious Objectors as ‘ Conscious
Objectors,’ and to Lloyd George as ‘ Lord George.’ And, of course,
like all the workers, she calls the ‘ Belgians’ the ‘ Belgiums,’ and
“the Allies’ ‘the Alleys,’ and a ‘ queue,’ a ‘ kwee.’” .
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
Has no knowledge whatever of Trade Unionism, and is not in any
Union. ‘‘ I don’t think she would be efficient, were she a Unionist.
But in a workshop with other girls, I can imagine her being quite
to the fore with ideas and push.”
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
“Her people have dealt with a Co-operative Store, and she has
had boots, etc., from there. She is a co-operator solely from commer-
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 263
cial motives, and has cooled off latterly because she says ‘ they stick
a bit on to take it off again.’’”’ ‘‘ She understands something of what
the Movement means to the workers, and admits ‘ good value,’ etc.,
but her loyalty is not strong, nor her interest well founded. She
knows nothing of the history or ethics of the Movement.”
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicHt UsE oF LEISURE;
Hobbies : None, except needlework.
Free afternoons : Goes home always.
Sundays: Goes home. ‘ Likes to go to a service as long as it’s
not too burdensome, and especially when she gets off a bit of work
for it.”
Evenings : “ Sits and reads Charles Garvice or a paper, or—more
often—goes to sleep. Once remarked that she wished we slept twelve
hours a day and worked eight, instead of vice versa. Would never
enter a public-house or loaf about the streets, or do anything noisy,
vulgar, or low.”
Annual Holiday: ‘‘ Has had in eight years only three several
weeks ‘off.’ She complained of this, but said she was glad when
each of those weeks came to an end.”
, Love oF BEauty.
- Without having an educated taste, she is really fond of music.
On hearing Tschaikowsky’s Chanson Triste, she remarked, ‘ Life’s
worth living while there’s a bit of music. . . . I do love music... .
When I was a little girl, whenever I heard a barrel-organ I was off.’
“‘Her preference is for something ‘ goey’ or ‘‘sentimental.’”’ ‘“ She
would get bored by a classical concert.” The Rosary is one of
her favourite songs; Pack up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-bag
another.”
“She would keep her home passably clean and tidy.”’ ‘“‘ She has
a real sense of personal cleanliness.”
“She told me she used to be very fond of poetry, and ‘ always
got top in that,’ but she never reads any now.” ‘‘ When I asked
her if she had read any Shakespeare, she said: ‘Oh! lor! not
me ! a> =
Milton : ‘ A poet.’
Dickens : “If she had heard of him, that is about all. She has
read none of his novels, and says he’s ‘dry.’ ”’
Ruskin, Morris, Stevenson : (vaguely) ‘ Literary men.’
Bernard Shaw: ‘A theologican [sic] or a writer or something of
that.’
H. G. Wells : ‘ He’s another.’
Tolstoy : ‘ He’s another.’
Edward Carpenter : ‘ He’s another.’
She did not know at all who were Plato, Virgil, Dante, Goethe,
Raphael, or Turner.
264 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
She goes to the ‘pictures’ every now and then. Likes comic
films best, especially Charlie Chaplin ones; fond also of ‘ Indians.’
Goes occasionally to the music hall. Likes the comic turns. Prac-
tically never goes to the theatre.
Love oF TRUTH.
Evolution : ‘' ‘It’s something to do with Revolution, isn’t it?’
After a little explanation she said she’d ‘ always believed we’d come
from monkeys because we were so like them.’ ”
Scientific Research : ‘‘ Would scarcely understand what it meant,
or what its value, unless she had it explained to her very carefully
in a particular case.”
Columbus, Newton, Lodge : ‘‘ Did not know at all.”
Darwin and Spencer : “‘ Said she knew they were statesmen, and
didn’t know any more about them.”
‘Does she show any signs of wanting to gat at the Truth?’ “ None
whatever. Intellectually inert—in this sense.” She reads a great
deal. Her favourite author is Charles Garvice—~-‘ read dozens.’
Likes such books as Stepping Heavenward. Once remarked: ‘I
don’t read blood and thunder books. When I was a girl I used to
get penny books like John Halifax’s Gentleman, and Grime’s Fairy
Tales.”
LovE oF GOODNESS.
Though she is not an actual member of any church, and does not
do any active work in connexion with any place of worship, she is
a regular church-goer, and believes sincerely if not intelligently in
the Christian religion. ‘‘ She knew there were twelve disciples, but
said she couldn't name all of them; she has a fair knowledge of the
Bible." She probably supposes herself orthodox about a Future
Life. She believes in it, but has the vaguest ideas of what it would
be like. Doesn’t mind a wholesome kind of joking about Heaven and
Hell. She once said ‘Nobody’s ever seen the devil... . There
isn’t one. Everybody makes their own devil. .. Everybody makes
their own ’eaven an’ ’ell. That’s what I believe. . . . You have to
make it while you're on earth.’ ”
Ambition : ‘‘ There is no doubt that she’d like to have a nice
home of her own and children. (She has a succession of followers.)
. Pending the coming of the right young man, she thinks of being all
sorts of things that women are now taking up. She has nothing in
the nature of ambition in the larger sense, nothing towards which
she will steadily direct herself.”
“She is a very agreeable, pleasant, clean-minded, well-meaning,
honest sort of girl; never does more than she’s absolutely obliged ;
always has an excuse for every smashing, etc., etc.; is constantly
causing her mistress vexation and irritation; very careless; never
dusts properly, etc.; wits always wool-gathering; dawdles as a
matter of course; not at all a fool; could do well; would have done
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 265
well if properly trained ; plenty of capacity and potentiality ; bakes
bread magnificently because she has been taught to do it, and takes
a pride in it.”
Miss YouNnGLInG’s LIFE-HISTORY.
Left school from Standard VI at the age of 14. She attended
fairly well, but made little effort to get her best out of school, and
is now sorry she didn’t try more.
Her parents were “ superior working-class.” She has been in
service ever since she left school.
MISS YENN.
Aged 24; shop assistant ; living with her people (mother dead).
ADEQUACY FOR HOME-LIFE.
She is very fond of her home, mostly spends her evenings there,
and takes a certain pride in it. She has a great affection for one
brother, but she seems to have little affection for the rest of her
family.
ADEQUACY FOR WaGE-EARNING WorRK.
X is very delicate, and the work she does is not unsuitable for
her, though perhaps light outdoor work would be more beneficial
to her health.
She is regular, punctual, efficient, industrious, and in a way capable
of initiative and responsibility. She is ‘‘ fairly interested ’ in what
she does.
“Her present job consists in keeping her portion of the counter
in good condition, serving customers, and sometimes dressing a
window. In this last part of her work she is very expert and displays
great taste.”
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
She thinks there are a million people in Sheffield now, but has
no idea of the population in 1817; she does not know whether the
town existed then. She belongs to no political party. She knows the
names of the representatives for her ward, of the lord mayor, and
also of some of the councillors and officials, but has no interest what-
ever in local affairs, and ‘cannot see any need for reform in any
matter.”
She has lived in another town, but likes Sheffield best ‘‘ because
her friends live there.”
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She does not know anything about the representation of Sheffield
in Parliament. “ She at first said that India was smaller than England,
266 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
and then wasn’t sure.’ She does not know the chief industries of
this country, nor its population, nor the number of M.P.’s in Parlia-
ment, nor how the country is governed. She knows next to nothing
about English history.
She reads the News of the World, the Yorkshire Telegraph and
Star, the Daily Mail. The parts she absorbs are: ‘ To-night’s Smile,’
War news, and “ any exciting or ‘ newsy ' item which appeals to her.”
Home Rule : “‘ Doesn’t know, and doesn’t want to know.”
House of Lords: ‘‘ Doesn’t know exactly what it is composed of
and will not offer any opinion.” :
Protection : ‘‘ Knows nothing about this.”
Socialism; ‘‘ Hasn’t any knowledge of what Socialism is, but is
very prejudiced against it and is very sarcastic and abusive to any
one who calls himself a Socialist.”
Votes for Women : “ Still sticks to the old idea that women should
have no interests outside their domestic affairs.’
Conscription: ‘‘ Supports Conscription whole-heartedly as being
a means of rooting out slackers, who, she says, ought to go and help
her brother to protect the women and children.”
The Russian Revolution: ‘‘ Thinks that the Russians are traitors
to the Allies.”
State Education : ‘‘ Hasn’t any views on this.”
The Future of .the Workers in England: ‘Seems to think the
workers will always continue as they are.”
The King: ‘‘ X is much disgusted with the present King, and at
times uses a great deal of abuse regarding his capabilities. She
believes we ought to have a leader, a warrior, as a king. Her ideal
king is King Albert of the Belgians.”
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP,
She is not a member of a Trade Union, and knows nothing about
it, and is further “‘ very much prejudiced against Trade Unionism.”
“ Prejudice will not allow her to get any information.”
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
X deals “a little’ at the ‘ Stores’; often goes to a Co-operative
Café for her dinner; but has no interest in, or knowledge of, the
Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicuHt Use oF LEISURE.
Her hobby is crocheting. On Thursday afternoons in winter she
usually goes home at 1 o’clock and helps at home. After this ‘ she
goes to the ‘ pictures,’ or to dances, or to meet gentleman friends.”
In summer much the same, except that she goes for walks instead of
dances, “‘ but on no account misses the ‘ pictures.’ ”
On Sundays she stays in bed till 12 o’clock, then goes for a walk,
afterwards crochets, reads, or tries to amuse herself in some way.
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 267
Very occasionally she attends morning service at the Cathedral or
at chapel. ‘‘ The same thing summer and winter, and she thinks
it a great shame that Sheffield has no place of amusement open on
Sunday.”
Of late she has begun to attend the Victoria Hall fairly regu-
larly, owing to its cheerful service. She has usually been in the
habit of spending her evenings at home crocheting or helping in the
house, but always on Thursday she goes to some place of amusement.
“ Recently X has not gone home at all after leaving the shop, but has
gone to a place of amusement with some gentleman friend about
three evenings a week.”
She goes to the seaside every year and gets pleasure out of the
usual amusements provided at such resorts.
“‘Her ambition is to livein a smart villa in the West End of Sheffield
(Psalter Lane preferred), and would amuse herself with concerts.’’
She has never thought of how she would like to spend her old age,
but would not like to go ‘ back to the land.’
Love or Beatty.
She is very fond of music, good music of any kind. She listens
occasionally to the bands in the parks, likes to hear professional
singers, but hates amateurs. She cannot sing or play. Though
there is a piano in the house, it seems to be merely an ornamental
piece of furniture, and is used only very occasionally (by visitors).
X dislikes the gramophone.
The house is plainly but tastefully furnished, and looks cheerful
and homely; the pictures are very tew, but show taste. There is
just enough furniture to make the house look comfortable. The house
has particular care bestowed upon it, and there is no disorder or un-
tidiness anywhere. X herself is very particular about her personal
appearance ; but she seems to know nothing of pictures or art galleries,
and is not enthusiastic about scenery.
She could name six plays of Shakespeare, and had seen more than
one of them at the theatre. She had read several of Dickens’s novels.
But apart from these two authors, she seemed almost ignorant of
English literature.
She goes to the ‘ pictures ’ fairly often, and “ prefers Shakespeare’s
plays and racing pictures.”’ She never goes to a music hall, but
visits the theatre about once a month, and “‘ prefers good operas and
Shakespeare’s plays or any play that has been successful.”
LovE oF TRUTH.
X does not seem to have much time for reading and does not
care for it. There are very few books in the house; she does not
belong to a library. She knows nothing of scientific subjects and
seems to have never heard of Newton, Spencer, etc.
268 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
LovE oF GOODNESS,
X does not belong to any church or chapel, nor eee any interest
in religious or social work. ‘‘ She seems to be of the opinion that one
should not talk of goodness, but that our daily conveisation should
be full of idle, frivolous, empty talk. Serious conversation should
be barred, and whatever good intentions we may have should be
stifled by frivolity.”
“On one occasion I asked her if her ambition was to do as much
good for our fellows as we could. Her answer was: ‘ Well, everybody
thinks that, but it follows that we shall do that in the course of the
following out of the ambition of each of our lives.’ ”
Her own ambition is ‘to have plenty of money and to live in a
smart villa in Psalter Lane with a family of her own.’
Her greatest pleasures are visiting ‘the pictures,’ ‘going walks
with gentleman friends, crocheting, seeding dancing, “ or anything
which causes excitement.” ;
“She has a horror of remaining single, and therefore tries all her
charms to captivate all eligible young fellows; she is indifferent to
all others.”
She has no opinion about the churches, “‘ except that plenty of
good ‘ fashion-plates’ attend them.” She will give no opinion on
the subject of Christianity or Religion or the Future Life. “It is
very difficult to get X to talk seriously at all. I rarely could get a
Serious answer.”
Nores on Miss YENN’s LIFE-HISTORY.
X commenced school at five and finished at twelve. During this
period she had several serious illnesses but in spite of them reached
the seventh standard.
She places no value on her school training, but says during the
months she was at home through illness, her mother taught her a
great deal of what she now knows.
“Her parents were very particular about external things, but
the principles of religion were entirely neglected.’”” Her mother died
when she was twelve.
X commenced to workin ashop. She was there for twelve months,
and was then ill for six months. She then took another place, but
had to leave on account of illness. Two years ago she was managing
a fancy and jewellery shop, but left in order to mmpreye her position.
She has always been used to shop work.
MRS. GOLDSPOON.
Aged 26; hawker; lives with her three children, (Husband
killed in the War.)
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 269
ADEQUACY FoR HoME-LIFE.
She is ‘‘ a good mother in her very rough and ready way ; appears
very fond of her children, who are all big and bonny, and well-fed.”
She is kind also to her mother-in-law, who has been invited to share
the home. In her own way she does what she can to make her
dwelling home-like.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WORK.
She is “very, very fit” physically; is ‘“ undoubtedly” doing
what she is suited for, and likes it. ‘“ She is up in the mornings very
early, and at the markets looking for goods to sell; she is very good
at buying, and especially good at selling.”
ApDEQuaACY FOR Local CITIZENSHIP.
She has lived in the same locality in Sheffield all her life, and
would not dream of moving from it. She has not a scrap of the
knowledge about local things that would fit her to vote. She does
not even know the name of the lord mayor.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She reads the Evening Star, John Bull, and Answers. Her con-
viction is that the country is governed ‘“‘ by men who try to make
it very difficult for poor people to get a living.” Beyond that she
has no opinion on politics! She knows nothing whatever of English
history, etc. She does not know the name of a single one of the M.P.’s
for Sheffield.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNton MEMBERSHIP.
_ She knows nothing at all about Trade Unionism, and is quite
indifferent to it.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP,
She knows nothing at all about the Co-operative Movement and
is not a member of it.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicHT USE oF LEISURE.
She spends her afternoons “ standing by a handcart at the corner
of a side street near the G.C.R. station, selling her goods.” She
spends Sundays “sorting her goods ready for sale next day.”
She spent the evenings of one ordinary week as follows :—-
Sunday : ‘‘ Out for a walk.”
Monday : ‘‘ Picture palace.’”’
Tuesday : ‘‘ Sorting her wares.”
Wednesday : “‘ Washing clothes.”
270 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Thursday : “ Sorting her wares, then picture palace.”
Friday : “ Sorting and housework.”
Saturday : “ Hawking until 9 p.m.”
She never has a holiday. If she had plenty of money she would
‘have a lot of very nice furniture and things about the house.”’ She
has no wish to go ‘ back to the land.’
s
LoveE oF BEAUTY.
She is fond of ‘‘ any kind” of. music, but especially rag-time.
There is a piano (costing £50) in the house, and it is enjoyed ‘ very
much indeed.’’ She loves barrel-organs, and will often pay a man
to play for hours together in front of her house.
The condition of her home does not indicate a Love of Beauty.
‘* Everything in the place is very third-rate and dingy. In amongst
all this, with steam and smoke, is the {50 piano. At times it is almost
impossible to get the door open more than a few inches, as there are
huge boxes of things waiting to be sorted. All this, as well as
cooking, washing, and baking has to be done in the one living room.
The combination of smells is indescribable.”” She does not bother
much about order and cleanliness in her house, but keeps herself
fairly smart. She never visits any art galleries, etc., and appears to
be quite indifferent to ‘ grand scenery.’
She knows nothing whatever about authors, artists, and com-
posers ; she does not know whether Shakespeare was a writer or a
prize-fighter.
She goes to the * pictures ’ about once a week, and prefers ‘ comics.’
She goes to the music hall about once a week, and prefers ‘ comedians.’
She goes to the theatre “‘ very seldom indeed.”
LovE oF TRUTH.
She nevers reads a book, and has none in her home. She knows
nothing whatever about science or scientists.
LovE oF GOODNESS.
She never goes to any place of worship, she never does any
specifically altruistic work, she is not one of those who have been
awakened to the dignity of life. Her ambition is ‘‘ to make money
‘and buy nice showy things.” Her greatest pleasures are “‘ making
money ’”’ and “ having a little variety at nights.”
She thinks churches are all right for children; she says she
‘prefers not to think about Christianity for herself’’?; and knows
next to nothing about the Bible.
“A very queer mixture. A very large-hearted woman, but has
absolutely no conception of morality. Considers a ‘ Bohemian’
life the thing. She will work willingly to get any little extras for
her mother-in-law. She will also lend small sums of money to neigh-
bours in need or let them have things until they can pay.”
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 271
Notes on Mrs. GOLDSPOON’s LIFE-HISTORY.
‘“She attended a Church of England school as a child, but stayed
away whenever possible.” .
Her parerits were very poor and illiterate people, but not in
“Class III.”” She left school at 13 and went to work in a factory fér
some years. At the age of twenty she became very friendly with a
young man at her shop. After a time he persuaded her to go and
live with him, and a little later she started hawking. At twenty-one
she had a baby girl, and by this time she was living with the man as
his wife. This condition of things went on until there were three
children. Before going to France the father married X, and was
killed after being out there just over a year. ‘‘ When I went in to
see her, she said she was sure getting married had brought her ‘ bad
luck.’ All the years they have lived together they have been very
happy and done well. She wished she had not married.”
MISS YELLTON.
Aged 28; shop assistant ; living with her people.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
She is very fond of her home. She helps to keep it clean and
pleasant. She makes a good daughter and sister.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING Work.
(Hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ; conditions of work, good.)
She is physically fit for her job, interested in it, and fairly well
suited to it, but she wants to take up music as a profession. She is
regular, punctual, industrious, efficient; she has sufficient power of
taking responsibility to be left occasionally in charge of the business.
ApDEQguAcY FoR Locat CITIZENSHIP.
Thinks the population of Sheffield ‘‘may be something over a
million’; knows nothing of its past. She has absolutely no know-
ledge of, or interest in, local politics—does not even know the lord
mayor’s name. ‘ She thinks the University is all right for the clever
and rich people.” She has only once been out of Sheffield —on a
holiday to Wales. She wishes she could live in Wales.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She does not know the number of M.P.’s representing the town
in Parliament, nor anything relating to them; she has no interest
in such matters and has no political views.
Votes for Women : ‘‘ Did not know that women had the franchise.”
272 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Conscription : “Is against Conscription, but would not help in
any way to put it down.”
The Russian Revolution: ‘‘ Has heard of it during conversation,
but does not really know anything about it and cannot give any
views.”
‘State Education: ‘‘ Does not regard education of children over
the age of fourteen as of any value. ‘ Of course it is all right for
those who have plenty of money, but not for the working-class,’ ”
The King : ‘‘ Has no love for the King. Said once that the King
and the Kaiser should finish the War between themselves.”
‘‘ When asked these questions, the answer is every time: ‘I do
not know anything about the matter; I never read; and have no
time to take any interest at all.’”
‘She reads the Sheffield Independent and the Yorkshire Telegraph
and Star occasionally. ‘‘ She does not read the leading articles or
the news on the War; trifling bits and local news are the only parts
she takes any interest in.”
She is totally ignorant of the history of England, and could not
give a guess at the population or chief industries of the country. She
knew India was larger than England.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP,
She is not in any Trade Union. She is entirely indifferent to
Trade Unionism.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP,
“The only reason that her family deal with the ‘ Co-op.’ is that
it is near to them and that they get the ‘ divi.’”’
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut Use or LEisurE.
She spends all her spare time in practising music. She ‘ some-
times ”’ attends chapel on a Sunday, and “ very occasionally ” goes
for a walk in the country. If she could afford it, she would “ live
quietly in the country and play music to her heart’s content.” She
has no desire to go ‘ back to the land.’
LovE or BEAUTY.
She is very fond of classical music, of sentimental songs and hymns.
Her favourite composer is Beethoven. She can play the piano ex-
tremely well. “Her one enjoyment is derived from the playing
of the piano.”
The home is in good taste; ‘‘ whenever possible, X advises about
the order and cleanliness.”” She is “ very particular ” about her own
personal appearance. She has a small window-box of flowers, and
takes great pride in it. She appreciates the stars, the moors, etc.
She cannot name six. plays of Shakespeare, does not know any
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 278
of the great English writers, except Dickens. Some years ago she
read A Christmas Carol.
“Goes but seldom to the picture house, and never to the music hail
or theatre.
Love or TRUTH.
She does very little reading; she knows nothing of science or
scientists ; she shows no signs of any active desire to find out about
things.
LovE oF GOODNESS.
She has been a devoted member of a dissenting church, but has
now lost interest in such work and never goes to service. ‘ She just
acquiesces in what the churches teach.” ‘‘ She believes that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God, who was sent to save us from our sins}
she thinks as the old-fashioned ranters do; her father and mother
were also brought up in that belief, and it has been handed down in
the family.” ‘She will not talk about God at all; she seems to
think of God as a superior person about whom we must speak with
bated breath.” ‘‘She thinks of religion as something which she
cannot define, but which is outside ordinary everyday life.” Her
knowledge of the Bible is well above the average.
“Lack of strength of character has been one of the influences
which have made her what she is.”’ ‘‘ Her character has not developed
because of the narrow views she possesses, her parents being the same.
Lack of education, together with little or no leisure, has provided
few opportunities for study and thought of general matters and the
seriousness of life. ... She seems to be rather selfish and has no
friends, although she is a favourite at home. . . . From what I have
observed, if she had diligently studied either at home or at evening
school, or taken any interest in general matters, she would have been
a clever girl, with a genuine love of beauty and truth and goodness.
There is the making of a good and useful woman in her.”
Notes on Miss YELtton’s LIFE-HISTORY.
She left school at thirteen, without having reached the top standard.
But she certainly learnt ‘the three R’s’ pretty thoroughly.
Her parents (the father was a blacksmith) were estimable but
uneducated people, and did not regard education as at all a necessity
for their daughter. She helped at home when quite a child, and went
out to work not long after leaving school.
MRS. JENN.
Aged 36; housewife and shopkeeper ; lives with children (husband
in France).
19
274 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FoR HoME-LIFE.
She is very fond of her home; it means everything to her. She
takes a great pride in it; keeps it very clean and tidy; and is very
thrifty. She is fond of her children, does all she can for them; and
lives on good terms with all her family. The children are a great
credit to her, but she only means to keep them at school till they are
old enough to earn money.
She discusses things to some extent with her husband, and loves
her home because “‘ her children are young and about her.”
She is physically fit and has been able to keep her husband's
business together while he is on active service. She is industrious.
“She must be an excellent worker because, besides managing her
husband’s business, she has cooked, baked, and washed for seven
children without any assistance whatever.”” None of the children
is over school age. “ Their ages are B, 12; B, 10; G, 8; G, 5;
B, 3; G, 2; B, 1 month.” She cannot pay for assistance, ‘‘ as it is
a great struggle to get sufficient food for all these growing children
out of her army allowance.” x
ADEQUACY FOR LOCAL CITIZENSHIP.
She knows nothing of local politics, but ‘‘ would like more equal
distribution of food, so as to prevent queues and having to leave
children alone so long to try to get food.” She. knows nothing of
the University or the local W.E.A., but thinks “ that poor people
need help, so that their children should have a fair chance.” She
has never lived in any other town or district, but ‘‘ would like a
better and larger house if it could be obtained.”
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She has no knowledge of politics, history, etc. She seems to think
the chief industry of the nation is the cutlery manufacture of Sheffield.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
She is not 4 Trade Unionist, and knows nothing of Trade Unions.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
She is not a Co-operator, and knows nothing of Co-operative
societies.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RiGHT USE or LEISURE.
Her only hobby is sewing, and in winter all her leisure time gets
used up in ‘“‘mending.’’ In the summer she frequently - manages
walks into the country with the children. She stays at home on
Sunday to cook, etc.
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 275
She spends her evenings “ bathing the children and getting them
to bed, ironing, or finishing something that has had to be left during
the day.”
She is never able to get a holiday. She looks forward to spending
her old age “ quietly, with a trifle of money and a cottage, so that
she and her husband are not in any way dependent on the children.”
She has no wish to go ‘ back to the land.’
LovE oF BEAUTY.
X is fond of music, and owns a gramophone on which she says
she likes ‘tenor songs and marches’ best. She listens sometimes to
the bands in the parks but never goes to concerts.
There is not much beauty in this home, only photographs of members
of the family on the walls. The furniture consists of sideboard,
sofa, wringer, wooden chairs, and large ornaments on sideboard and
mantelpiece. The home is very clean and tidy; there is no garden.
She has no appreciation apparently of scenery, stars, or sunsets. She
reads no books, and has no knowledge of Shakespeare or any great
writers, etc.
She occasionally goes to ‘ the pictures,’ and prefers Charlie Chaplin ;
she finds them ‘‘a recreation after the continual rush of the day.”
She never goes to music halls or theatres.
Love or TRUTH.
There are no books in this house, and X does not belong to a
library, nor attend any classes. She knows nothing about evolution,
political economy, etc.
Love oF GOODNESS.
a
X belongs to no church, chapel, etc. ‘“‘ She is a clean, thrifty
mother—sharp in manner, at times blasphemous. In spite of all,
a diamond in the rough.”
Her ambition is to ‘‘ make a little more money, so that the children
may be able to live in a bigger house where there is more fresh air.”
Her greatest pleasure is to see the children grow up, looking healthy
and strong.
She has not considered Christianity for herself, but thinks it all
right for the children. She thinks “‘ certainly there is a Heaven and
a Hell,” and that ‘‘ God is above all and sends joy or trouble according
to what is ‘lotted’ out to each of us.” She believes that children
should. go to Sundayschool, and sends her own regularly.
On many occasions she has been sent for by the neighbours in
cases of sickness, and she has given food to three badly neglected
children when their mother was out.
Notes on Mrs. JENN’s LIFE-HISTORY.
She was one of a family of six childrens Her father was a cutler,
276 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
earning small wages. She was sent to 4 church school until she was
13 years old, and then was sent out to work as an errand girl. Later
she became a buffer. She says she earned ‘‘ enough to get through,
and was able to earn her own living up to the time of getting married.”
MRS. THORNSON.
(Written directly for publication by the helper.]
Aged 38; housewife and charring, etc.; lives with husband and
children,
Aprouacy ror HomeE-.ire.
Mrs. Thornson has been kind and helpful to her widowed mother
before and after her marriage, and is genuinely attached to her
husband. She is the leading spirit, and is referred to by her husband
in all matters of business as being the partner with the stock of
worldly wisdom. She loves her children in an easy-going fashion,
and has never ceased to mourn the loss of a, boy, who died in infancy.
She nursed the delicate little girl most assiduously through pneumonia
when she was a baby, getting no rest by day or night for almost a week.
The husband had an illness, and was out of. work or on short work
for months. The family income was precarious, and always inade-
quate to provide the barest necessaries, and the mother was the
person who went shortest of food—as is usually the case with working-
class women in such a position. She was much annoyed when she
found that she was likely to become a mother yet again, and she
tried various means to bring about abortion. However, in due time
the youngest child (a girl) was born, and once in the world she was
made welcome, but it is by design and intention that there have been
no more children during the last five years. Mrs. Thornson had
several miscarriages in her earlier married life. Since Mrs. Thornson
has gone to work regularly her home and children (never very tidy)
have been much neglected, e.g., a piece of dirty newspaper takes the
place of a proper tablecloth. The children seldom sit round the
table for their meals, but are allowed to snatch a piece of bread and
treacle in their dirty hands, and then eat it in the street. Mrs.
Thornson is ambitious that her children shall outshine those of her
friends (and rivals) in the matter of fine clothes for Whitsuntide and
Sundayschool parties, but she is content that they shall wear dirty,
torn garments on ordinary occasions. The eldest girl showed con-
siderable promise at school, and the parents would have liked
her to go on to a secondary school, but means would not allow of
this being done. The girl has been pampered and encouraged
in her unwillingness to give assistance in domestic work. She has
lessons on the hired piano, chiefly to gratify her mother’s social
ambitions.
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 277
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING Work.
Mrs. Thornson is of medium size and ordinarily robust, but
she is incapable of doing very heavy work. She attends regularly
and punctually at her place of work, and apparently gives satisfaction
to her employer. Her own housework is done ‘rather more or
less.” She is not a good cook, and does not make the best use of the
food at her disposal, especially in these days of small rations. The
income of the house from the various sources is considerable, and a
large sum is spent each week on food which is spoilt in preparation
or by remaining on the table in the hot kitchen until it is unfit to eat.
She is only fairly good at sewing—she has a sewing-machine on the
hire system, but scarcely ever uses it. Her laundry work is quite
good—when she is making a grand effort over the children’s white
frocks for an ‘‘ occasion.”
ApEguacY FoR Loca CITIZENSHIP.
The population of Sheffield in 1917 she puts at 300,000. In
1817 ‘it was a small town, where silver and cutlery goods were made
in private workshops.’
She knows the-names of the lord mayor, of one of the councillars
for the ward, and of a few of the chief citizens. She is anxious to have
improvements in working-class houses, chiefly in the direction of
making them more convenient to work (gas and water laid on, etc.).
She knows the University buildings, but has no interest in the
University, and does not care to know about the W.E.A.
She lived for some months as a young girl with prosperous rela-
tives in Middlesex (the eldest girl acquired some of her superior ways
by a similar proceeding). She would like to live in a better house
in a pleasanter part of Sheffield, but would not like to live in the
country. In early married life she lived in the country near Sheffield,
where she missed the amenities of town life.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP,
She knows that Sheffield is represented by “several M.P.’s,”
including Hope (Conservative) and Tudor Walters (Liberal), Her
husband being a convinced Liberal, she has a certain leaning in that
direction, but politically she is a vague wobbler She knows nothing
about the Reform Act of 1832, and confuses the French Revolution
with the Franco-Prussian War.
She thinks the Industrial Revolution had something to do with
the Broadhead riots, of which her father used to speak.
Magna Carta and the Battle of Hastings are just names to her.
Gladstone was a Liberal statesman and churchman-~-'a good
man.’
She has never heard of Robert Qwen.
Napoleon was an Emperor and general. I do not think she realizes
278 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
that he was not the same Napoleon as the husband of Empress
Eugénie.
‘ Watt invented something.’
Cromwell was ‘a general,’ and Wolsey appears to be identified
with the late General Wolseley. :
India is a ‘ very big country,’ but there is no realization of its
vast extent.
She has no idea as to the probable number of the population of
England and Wales.
The chief industries of the country are ‘ coal, iron, and steel.’
She does not know the total number of M.P.’s. She ‘has not
heard much about Home Rule lately, but the Irish are always
grumbling about something.’
. She accepts the House of Lords (‘ part of Parliament’) as part of
the natural order of things.
She does not understand Protection.
She knows nothing about the principles of Socialism. It is sug-
gested to her that certain neighbours of hers (the best educated
people in the street) are Socialists. ‘ They seem all right.’
She is quite pleased to have her Parliamentary vote, but she is
not as keen about Votes for Women as her husband is. He used to
take and read a Suffrage paper regularly. She has no high ideals as
to the privilege and responsibility involved by the: franchise.
‘ There has been a lot of rioting and fighting amongst themselves,’
but the Russian Revolution is ‘too far away to make much impression.
She has no special views as to State Education. She wants her
girl to go to a Commercial School so as to improve her position as a
clerk, but she would not be prepared to make sacrifices to give her
children a good education, apart from the utilitarian side of it.
She thinks the workers ought to have more wages in time to come.
She compares her husband’s wages unfavourably with those of certain
unskilled munition workers, and is rather jealous and greedy in
consequence.
She thinks the King * does his best.’ She has no revolutionary
ideas as to ‘ doing away ’ with Royalty. She reads daily the Evening
Telegraph, and often the Daily Independent, and weekly News of
the World, and sometimes John Bull. The local information and
personal paragraphs and Police News receive most attention—scandal
and divorce cases, etc., she finds interesting. She says ‘ the country
is governed by Lloyd George and Parliament.’
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
She has never been a member of any Trade Union; the oppor-
tunity did not present itself. She encouraged her sister (a leather
stitcher) to join the appropriate Union when an organizer was running
a Trade Union campaign. Her husband is not in his Union, and she
hardly thinks it worth the bother and expense of the contribution
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 279
(no immediate benefit-appears to be offered). She has no knowledge
of the history or literature of Trade Unionism.
ADEQUACY FOR Co-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
She is not a Co-operator, and has no interest in the Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicHT USE or LEISURE.
She usually spends her evenings at home, especially since she has
gone out to work regularly, her own housework having to be done
after her return home about 4 p.m. She attended a War Working
Party (knitting and sewing) for a year or so, although at the time
the family wardrobe was woefully in need of repair, and waited indefi-
nitely for these repairs to be done. She is a regular attendant at
a weekly evening class and a monthly guild meeting in connexion
with her church. She attends church services on Sundays with fair
regularity, but her interest in this direction has slackened somewhat
during the last five years or so. She does not have a regular annual
holiday (very few .working mothers have this luxury). Empha-
tically, she would not like to live in the country, although she
enjoys a day’s outing occasionally with the members of the “ class.’
LovE oF BEAUTY.
She professes ‘to like music’ (the conventional reply). She neither
plays any instrument nor sings. She enjoys concerts of a popular
character, e.g., entertainments by Club girls. There is no gramo-
phone in the house. A piano was acquired about a year ago—on
the hire system—so that the eldest girl might learn music. This
piano occupies an inordinate part of the available space in the very
small (and only) living-room. A couch had to be sold to make room
for it. The floor is covered with shabby linoleum, and there is a
“pegged”? hearthrug. The house is usually untidy—articles of
clothing lying about, dirty “‘ pots’ waiting to be washed up at some
future time. The windows and window curtains would look better
if they were washed more frequently.
Mrs. Thornson is careless about her personal appearance, except
on ‘state occasions,”’ She usually looks as if she had been interrupted
when half-dressed and unwashed, and had never had time to finish
her toilet.
She never goes to museums or art galleries, and she does not appear
to have any appreciation of grand scenery. _Her husband had an
allotment when they lived outside Sheffield in the early part of their
married life, but she took no interest in it apart from the use of the
vegetables produced. She never has plants or flowers in the living
room.
She never reads poetry, and cannot name any of Shakespeare’s
plays. -
Milton was ‘ a blind poet.’
Dickens ‘ wrote Pickwick and Oliver Twist.’
280 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Sullivan ‘ composed music.’
She knows nothing of R. L. Stevenson, Morris, Ruskin, Raphael,
Turner, Beethoven, Chesterton, Bernard Shaw, H. G. Wells, Bennett,
Tolstoy, Maeterlinck, Goethe, Dante, Virgil, Plato, or Edward
» Carpenter.
She sometimes goes to the ‘pictures.’ She likes best the comic
pictures (Charlie Chaplin is a favourite), and next pictures of ‘ high
society life, with fine clothes.’
She very rarely goes to a theatre, and never, I think, to a
music hall.
Love or TRUTH.
There are few books (if any) in the house, beyond the children’s
prizes, There are shelves in a cupboard containing miscellaneous
articles, on which the prizes are placed when received, but they are
not cared for. The children are allowed to dirty and tear them, and
leave them lying about in the room. Owing to lack of discipline,
no one troubles to put anything in its proper place. Mrs. Thornson’
never reads a book except occasionally a paper-back novelette, e.g.
Family Story Teller.
She shows no knowledge of Evolution or of Political Economy, or
of any branch of Science.
Darwin ‘had something to do with men being monkeys in former
times.’
Edison ‘ invented electric lamps and telephones.’
Columbus ‘ discovered America.’
She seems ignorant as regards Isaac Newton, Spencer, Lodge,
Aristotle, Haechel, and Huxley,
Mrs. Thornson is shrewd, without being intellectual, and does
not trouble herself about seeking ‘“‘ the Truth.”
Love oF GOODNEss.
When Mrs. Thornson moved back into central Sheffield a few
years after her marriage she came under the influence of active
church workers, joined a ‘class,’ and soon was admitted to full
membership of the Church of England by confirmation. She had
lacked definite religious ae a and something of the
nature of a mild ' awakening ” “conversion ” took place at this
time. The first ardour has asus. off but on the whole, having regard
to family ties, she fulfils her religious duties regularly and carefully.
She sends her children regularly to church and Sundayschool, and
meetings in connexion with church organizations,
She is a little self-seeking, and likes to stand well with the
‘church ladies” with the hope of getting presents, and helps for the
children. She is somewhat critical as regards the alleged back-
slidings of some of the fellow-members of the church guild, especially
if.they havg been known to give way to drink or betting—two vices
common amongst the women of the district, but presenting no temp-
tation to herself.
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 281
She is a little narrow in her outlook, and her acts of kindness are
usually limited to her immediate circle; but some years ago she
showed true friendship and neighbourly helpfulness to a young
woman who gave birth to a child soon after her husband was sent
to prison. ‘Perhaps she did not know much about her husband's
too worldly goings on, and it is a bad time to be left alone, so I went
and stayed with her at nights until baby was born, and the older
child came amongst mine, and then I looked after the poor soul’
(i.e., prepared her meals and helped to nurse her).
Her present-day heroes appear to be Nurse Cavell and Horatio
Bottomley !
She has a fair knowledge, remaining from school days, of Bible
stories, but does not often read her Bible. She believes in a Future
Life, and thinks that one’s fate hereafter depends much on one’s life
here and now, but God is merciful and’ will make great allowances for
people ‘ who do not always live up to it.’
Notes on Mrs. THorRNsoN’s LIFE-HISTORY. ‘
She was born in Sheffield, her father being a semi-skilled silver
worker and her mother a “ case-liner’”’—a hard-working widow,
the father dying when she was about fifteen years of age. She left
the council school out, of Standard V. She went to work at thirteen
years of age at jewel-case lining, later being employed in a stay-busk
factory. She never acquired real skill in any industrial employment.
She was married at the age of nineteen, and has had seven children
born alive. There have been two long periods of poverty during
the married life, one due to the husband’s prolonged illness, and the
second caused by his having to take uncertain outdoor labouring
work—the indoor work in large East End works being injurious
to his health. It is creditable to Mrs. Thornson that she never
reproached her husband for their sufferings during these times, but
tried to make the best of things, and earned a little money herself.
by washing, etc.
_Her character has coarsened and deteriorated to a certain extent
with increasing prosperity. (Is this deterioration a late result of
earlier privations ?)
She suffers from a lack of real education. The church undoubtedly
has a good infiuence on her, apart from the strietly religious aspect,
and the social gatherings, classes, etc., in connexion with it give her
companionship and necessary social intercourse.
MRS. YEAXLEE.
Aged 39; housewife; lives with husband and children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
‘* She seldom stirs out of her home.”
“She is very fond of her hushand and children, “a goad wife
282 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
according to her lights,’”’ but ‘‘ a weak-willed mother, getting angry and
tearful by turns when the children disobey her, but would easily deny
herself to give them necessities.’ ‘‘ The house is generally clean,
but poor and bare.’”’ She does not want the children to stay on at
school, she says ‘if they keep them on much longer they will stay
till it’s time for them to get married, and she needs their money.’ ”
Likes her home ‘‘ mainly because she is used to it, and it provides
a shelter.” ‘‘ She is very proud of it now the papering has been done,
but its previous forlorn aspect did not really distress her greatly.”
She is physically fit. ‘‘ She couldn’t be considered a good worker
because she does so little. She just ‘sits about’ in the house all
day—of course there is very little to do in that tiny house.” ‘ She
doesn’t do much of either sewing or cooking.’ ‘‘ She neither likes
nor dislikes her work.’ She is not capable of initiative or responsi-
bility.
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
Puts the population of Sheffield in 1917 at 2,000,000; in 1817
at ‘less than now; ” and does not know what Sheffield was in 1817.
“ Does not think of political questions, or know anything about them,
and takes practically no interest in local politics.” ‘‘ If she were in
power she would take the money from the very rich and give it to
‘ those who haven’t nearly enough ’ (thinking of ‘herself).”’” She thinks
the W.E.A. ‘ would be all right.” She has never lived anywhere else
and does not want to change.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She has no politics, and does not know the names of any M.P.’s
for Sheffield.
She thinks India is larger than England. Has no idea of the
population of England and Wales, or the chief industries of this
country. She ‘can’t think’’ how many M.P.’s there are. Thinks
Votes for Women “‘ would be good if women could thereby help other
women, but obviously had never thought about it. Thinks the
Russian Revolution is ‘awful.’ She reads the Star—‘the War
mostly ; doesn’t like the murders and suicides.”
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP,
Is not a member of a Trade Union, aid knows nothing about
Trade Unions.
ADEQUACY FoR Co-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
She is not a Co-operator.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut Use oF LEISURE,
She spends her evenings ‘“‘ just sitting at home.” Never has an
annual holiday. If rich enough, she would like to ‘ have a larger
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 288
house and help other folks a bit.’ Wishes to spend her old age “ more
or less in the same way as now, but with more money or a bigger
house.”” Does not want to go ‘ back to the land.’
Love or BEAUTY.
Mrs. Yeaxlee does not seem to have any Love of Beauty. The
pictures on her walls are the usual photos of relatives; the furniture
consists of a table and two chairs ; there is a stone floor and no carpet.
She is clean, but generally untidy. Never visits picture galleries or
museums. Has no garden or allotment. ‘‘ Never goes out on to the
moors.” Has read no poetry, and knows the names of none of
Shakespeare’s plays.
She does not go to the ‘ pictures’ ‘‘ because she went on one
occasion and came back to find the youngest child had smashed the
window ; also she is afraid of the children being burnt.” She does
not go to the music halls or the theatres.
LovE or TRUTH.
*' She says she likes a book now and then, but if some one comes
and interrupts her she ‘ can’t settle to it again’.’’ She knows nothing
of science or scientists, philosophy or philosophers.
LovE oF GOODNESS.
“She is a good wife and mother in so far as she is faithful to her
husband, doesn’t ill-treat her children, and shares all she has with
them. Very thriftless ; she once tried to give me 3d. a week to save,
but soon tired of the attempt. Just exists from day to day; easily
moved to tears or laughter. Cannot spend her money properly, and
so is continually short; then she rails against the Government.
Promises things readily (e.g., to come to a mothers’ meeting), but
seldom or never fulfils promise, more from general slackness than
anything else.”
She is ‘easily moved to expressions of admiration on hearing
of some noble deed, but has no desire to ‘go and do likewise ’.”
“The children are fond of her, and she nurses and caresses them
gently when they are ill.”
_ Her greatest pleasure is ‘‘ seeing her husband back from the
Front.”
“Does not like men; prefers women.” ;
She attends no church as a regular thing. Of churches she “ thinks
it is a good thing we have them, as, if not, ‘ Where could us women
be churched ?’” :
She thinks Christ is ' the One we always go to first.’ ‘I allus say
‘Lord help me!’ when I’m in trouble; I said it a lot when Jimmie
was ill.’ Said of Religion: ‘We have to have it.’ Said of Chris-
tianity : ‘It’s a good religion,’
284 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Said there were twelve disciples, but could not name them, and
did not appear to know who were Isaiah, John the Baptist, Lazarus,
Nicodemus, Paul, Pharaoh, or Stephen.
Notes on Mrs. YEAXLEE’S LIFE-HISTORY.
Received her education at a Wesleyan school.
“She thinks education was better in her day than it is. now,
because they seemed to teach the children more sewing. According
to her, children appear to be taught very little to-day; ‘ they can’t
all tell the time even,’ she said.” ;
Her parents were “‘ inadequately-equipped ” working-class people,
MISS DRAGON.
Aged 47; charwoman ; lives alone.
ADEQUACY FOR HOME-LIFE.
“‘ She is very fond indeed, and very proud, of her home.” ‘“‘ She
mends everything about it that she can herself, and when the damp
comes in, she cements the bricks up herself.”’ ‘She often speaks
of her home with affection.” ‘‘ Her furniture is very much superior
to the ordinary furniture, and she is very conscious of it; also she
copies ideas from the people among whom she works.” “‘ She lives
in a part where the surroundings are very bad, and very rough people
rqund,””
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WORK.
She is physically fit for her work and likes it, but would prefer
farm-work. She is regular, fairly punctual, industrious, capable of
small responsibilities, and very efficient, She “ throws all her strength
and heart into her work.”
‘She earns every penny of her money, and does a good deal of
extra work over and above the ordinary charwoman’s job. She is
always willing to do anything we ask her. But she is rather strong
in her likes and dislikes, and will do nothing for any one unless she
is ‘treated properly’ !’’
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
She has no idea of the population of Sheffield, but she knows
personally one representative for her ward and the names of several
other councillors and officials. She wants the housing and sanitation
in Sheffield to be improved—her own house is practically uninhabit-
able in very wet weather. ‘ She once did a week’s scrubbing at the
University ; that’s all she knows about it.” ‘She was very much
impressed with the idea of the W.E.A. when I told her, and said,
‘My word, that’s all right!’ ‘She has never been out of Sheffield,
.
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 285
but says she would like to go to Canada (‘‘ doesn’t know why, but
has always wanted to’’).
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She is a Conservative‘ because she has worked for Conservative
people, and always been among Conservatives; it has never entered
her head to belong to any other party.” '‘ She is very one-sided ; she
has no power of reasoning; she is such and such a thing, because
she likes such and such a person. She has not enough brains to be
taught much.”
She does not know the names of any of the Sheffield Members of
Parliament. She has no idea of the total number of M.P.’s. She
could not make a guess at the population of the country, and she
opined that India was smaller than England.
‘Steel’ seemed to be the only British industry she was aware
of. She thinks the Government of the country is carried out mainly
by the King. :
Home Rule: ‘' Thinks if the Irish get it they will want to rule
England.”
Socialism : “‘ Said that meant ‘ share and share alike.’ ”’
Votes for Women: ‘‘ Once joined something at a suffragette meeting.
Believes in it strongly.”
. Conscription : “ Believes in it strongly. 'They ought to be made
to go if they won’t go!’”
The King: ‘‘ She says ‘ He’s all right!’ (Has a photograph of
the Royal Family in a gorgeous frame.) ”
‘She cannot now see well enough to read the newspapers much ;
when she perused them more thoroughly, she was interested mainly
in local news, advertisements, ‘ and a murder if there was one,’
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE Unton MEMBERSHIP.
She is totally inadequate for it.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
She doesn’t believe in Co-operative Stores, ‘‘ thinks they do you!”
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicHt Use or Leisure.
Free afternoons : ‘‘ Washes.”
Sundays: “Communion in the morning at 8 a.m. Does a bit
of housework. Goes to church mission at night.”
She spent the evenings of an ordinary week as follows :—
Sunday. : ‘‘ Went to mission.”
Monday : ‘‘ Whitewashing cupboards.”
Tuesday : “ Didn’t get home till 8. Did a little sewing.”
Wednesday : ‘‘ Went to church.”
Thursday : ‘‘ Washing.”
Friday : ‘‘ Got home late, didn’t do much.”
‘
286 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Saturday : ‘‘ Cleaned all the windows.”
She never has any holiday.
Were she rich enough to choose, she would live a quiet life in the
country and help others. She is afraid of the workhouse, but refuses
to look on the dark side of things. She would very much like to go
“back to the land.’ ‘‘ She would be excellent on the land—strong,
full of common sense, and doesn’t mind any amount of hard work.”
LovE oF BEAUTY.
She is “ fairly fond” of music. She likes hymns, but not songs.
(‘ Mother never would allow me, and I never have done.’) Her six
favourite hymns are :—As with Gladness Men of Old ; Fight the Good
Fight ;- Onward, Christian Soldiers; Thy Way, Not Mine, O Lord;
Jesus Loves Me, This I Know; Jesu, Lover of my Soul. She goes to
concerts at the church. :
In its cleanliness, and to a considerable extent in its attempt at
a colour scheme, her home does indicate a Love of Beauty. ‘‘ She is
often up till two in the morning cleaning and polishing. She is out .
tilk eight every night nearly, and does all her work when she gets
home.” She is particular about her own appearance.
She never visits the local art galleries or museums. The Mappin
Art Gallery is the most handsome building she knows. She has a
real appreciation of beauty in nature.
She knows nothing whatever about any English writer, alive or
dead—not even William Shakespeare.
She goes to the ‘ movies’ about once a week, and prefers tragedies
and murders, and sensational films. ‘‘ She doesn’t like racing pic-
tures or funny things.” ‘‘ The influence of the picture palace upon
her is a very morbid one. She imagines stupid things about people,
and tells the most exaggerated stories about the places where she
works, such as ‘ the husband running round the table after his wife
with a knife,’ and also dreadful stories of deaths and accidents. I
am sure it is the ‘ pictures’ and a morbid mind.”
She never goes to the music halls or theatres.
LovE oF TRUTH.
Religious magazines and Bibles are the only books in her house ;
they are read very little because of her poor eyesight, and the little
free time she has. She is entirely ignorant of the world of science
and philosophy. ‘‘ She has reached a level, and sees no higher one.
She is quite contented with what she thinks she does know.”
LovE oF GOODNESS.
She is a loyal church-member and regular communicant.
She belongs ‘‘ because she has always been brought up to it.”
She thinks ‘‘ everybody ought to have Christianity.”
She regards Jesus Christ as ‘“‘ the best man that ever lived, and
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 287
says ‘ It ’ud be a good job if ’e was alive now, there’d be better doings ’ ;
I can’t make out if she connects Him with God.” She has no doubt
there is a Heaven and a Hell. She knows there were twelve disciples,
but could recollect the names of two only. Her knowledge of the
Bible is scanty.
“She has no ambition.” She gets her greatest pleasure from
“washing and whitewashing.”
Her favourite character in history is Alfred the Great—‘‘ I think
because he’s the only person she can remember.” Kitchener and
Queen Mary are her hero and heroine.
“She is an egotist, and extraordinarily sensitive to slights. She
is very excitable, and has a low type of mind. She has always lived
what she calls a ‘ good’ life. I think she is a little deranged—she
loves morbid, horrible stories.”
“She is very kind-hearted when she likes a person. She will
take mending home for me and not let me know; she thinks nothing
of staying up all night with a woman after a hard day’s work; she
is very fond of children. But she is quick to take offence, and difficult
to live with. She is very capable about her work, and always cheerful.
She is almost childish in some things, and has no thinking powers.”
Notts on Miss DraGon’s LIFE-HISTORY.
She went to church school and board school till she was twelve.
She remembers learning sewing more than anything else, but she also
learnt to read pretty well, to write a little, and to do sums a very
little, She says she got no French, drawing, or other ‘ fancy subjects.’
She does. not think much of the value of her own schooling ; thinks
schools are much better nowadays.
Her father was a drunken quarryman. Her mother had to go
out cleaning to earn the household income. She was brought up
along very strict lines by her mother, and made to go regularly to
Sundayschool and church.
She went out to service immediately upon leaving school, and
has been in such work ever since.
“She has done nothing but work hard all her life at washing and
charring. She left one or two places because she quarrelled with
the mistress, and was not content until she had a place of her own.
She has had no inspiration to know or be more, but I doubt whether
she would in any case have been much different from what she now
is.”
MRS. DRABBLETHWAITE.
Aged 48; charwoman ; a widow ; living with her one child.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
“ Does the condition of hey home indicate that she has a pride in it ?*
“Yes, in every way.” ,
288 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
‘ What sort of mother does she make?’ ‘A very good one: she
is devoted to her little girl.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WORK.
She is physically strong and capable, and doing the work suited
to her.” At the same time ‘‘ she detests her work, and would prefer
to be in a factory.”’ She is regular, punctual, industrious, efficient,
and responsible, but has no initiative.
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
Her interest in local politics is “‘ very limited.” The one thing
she feels strongly about is ‘‘ housing reform.” She knows scarcely
anything about Sheffield, past or present, not even the name of the
lord mayor now in office. She says she ‘can’t be bothered.’
ADEQUACY FOR NaTIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
’ She does not know any of the M.P.’s for Sheffield, nor the number
of M.P.’s for the country as a whole, nor the chief industries of the
country, nor the population of England and Wales, nor whether India
is larger or smaller than England. She is almost entirely ignorant
of English history, The only political views she could be got to
state (at various times) were that the Russians were ‘a rotten lot,’
that education was a ‘ good thing,’ that the King is ‘ all right,’ and
that Lloyd George is ‘all wrong.’ She knows nothing, and cares
nothing, about Votes for Women. “She is too busy making both
ends meet to have any interest in politics at all.”
She reads any papers that are lying about, and any odd scraps
of news in them.
AprEguacy FoR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
She is not a member of any Union, and knows nothing about
Unionism.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP,
She ‘ doesn’t hold with it,’ and knows nothing about it.
ApEQUACY FOR THE RicHtr Use oF Letsure.
Saturday afternoons in wintery: ‘‘Cleaning her own home, as she is
so busy on other days cleaning other people’s.”’
Saturday afternoons in summer : “‘ She takes walks.”
Sundays in winter : ‘‘ Having a lazy time (and I don’t blame her).””
Sundays in summer : “‘ Walks.”’
Evenings : “‘ Doing her own housework, shopping, and sewing.”
Annual holiday : ‘‘ Doesn’t have one.”
She is ‘‘ too tired to bother ” with any hobbies.
If rich enough to do as she liked, she would ‘‘ have a good time.”
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 289
She “ doesn’t contemplate” what she would like to do if she were
old, and “ doesn’t want to live to be old.” She has no particular
wish to go ‘ back to thé land.’
LovE or BEAUTY.
She is fond of music of the “ picture palace style—November the
Fifth style—all fireworks and display.” She sometimes goes to listen
to bands in the parks. Her home shows little signs of estheticism,
but she cares “ very much” that it should be orderly and clean, and
she takes pains with her own personal appearance.
She reads no poetry, does not know a single English literary man,
alive or dead, and cannot name a play of Shakespeare.
She goes, “‘ but not often,” to the picture palace; she would go
more if she had more time and money; shelikes dramatic and comic
films. She goes but rarely to the music hall. She goes very rarely
to the theatre—only to see melodramatic plays.
LovE oF TRUTH.
She does not read books at all. ‘‘ She really hasn’t time ’—and
probably wouldn’t read books if she had. She knows nothing what-
ever about science or scientists. She has no trace of a desire to find
out the meaning of things.
LovE or GOODNEss.
She attends no place of worship, but says she believes in the
churches. Concerning Christianity, she thinks that the “ real
stuff’’ is good, but that the bulk of the “ stuff’’ she sees is ‘‘ not
much advertisement for it.” She knows almost nothing of the Bible.
She thinks of Jesus Christ as ‘ Perfection,’ and of God as ‘ Omnipotence
and Goodness’; she hasn’t any definite views about the Future Life,
and is content without them; she thinks religion is ‘ good for all.’
She does no specifically altruistic work; she does not appear to
be awakened to the greatness of life; she is without ambition; she
thinks rather unfavourably of men; her heroine in real life is Lady
Mabel Smith,
‘‘ She is a simple, natural soul, honestly striving to get an honest
living, and has not much time or inclination to study or think deeply.
She is helpful, and always ready to help. Lies she abominates. Her
criterion of right and wrong is a simple one, but it keeps her clean and
good. She wins the respect of all those who employ her.”
Nores oN Mrs. DRABBLETHWAITE’S LIFE-HISTORY.
She had a little schooling, enough at any rate to enable her to
read pretty well. She wishes she had had more.
Her parents were manual workers, ‘ good’ people, but not well-
educated, and not well-off.
20
230 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
MRS. RELTON.
[Written directly for publication by the helper.]
Aged 58; cook; a widow with no home of her own.
ADEQUACY FoR HoME-LIFE.
She certainly feels sorrowful in thinking of her short married life,
her old home, etc. From the way she talks of her husband, she
seems to have been fond of him. I think she would make a pretty
good wife and mother.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WORK.
She appears to be physically fit. She is about as suited for this
work as any other. In her own way she likes her work. I doubt
if she would be happy without it. She is fairly industrious, but
no doubt she wastes any amount of time. She'can cook quite respect-
ably, even well (makes jolly good soup and pudding !). But she is
extraordinarily deficient in many ways—forgets, blunders, etc. One
day brought me a glass of water without the water. Another day,
when I asked for water, she queried: ‘Hot or cold?’ and when
I said ‘cold,’ promptly brought me hot! She is quite devoid of
capacity for initiative or responsibility. But she has no serious vices ;
on the whole, she is perhaps above, rather than below, the average
of domestic servants; but she has not enough intellect to be really
capable.
ADEQUACY FoR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
She estimated the present population of Sheffield at five or six
million. She did not know the name of the lord mayor or of any
other person “in authority over her” in the city. The animals
that inhabit Sheffield are scarcely more ignorant of their native town
than she is.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
Her ideas are very muddled and original—and changeable.
But the fact is she is entirely ignorant. She says her favourite
nephew is a Liberal, and she seems to think she is a Liberal.
Protection: She thinks the nephew likes Free Trade, but did
not seem clear on it. She hasn’t really any idea of the meaning of
either Free Trade or Protection.
Socialism : She said she was not a Socialist.
Votes for Women: She doesn’t believe in it. She detests the
Suffragettes (‘ breaking folks’ windows,’ etc.). She understood that
as she was not in her own home, she would not have a vote.
The Russian Revolution : She vaguely thinks of it as a big disaster,
without in the slightest knowing who or where the Russians are, nor
—probably—whether they were fighting on the side of England or
Germany.
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 291
State Education: She agreed that all children ought to go to
school, but not beyond the age of fourteen. (‘ Their mothers want
them at home.’)
The Future of the Workers in England: Thinks there will be a -
lot of unemployment and rioting after the War.
The King: She likes King George! The proudest moment of
her life was that when, as a domestic at an hotel, she was allowed
by the butler to touch the King’s boots! But she said that King
Edward was a ‘rum ’un.’
She thinks it is the fault of the poor that they are poor; says
they shouldn’t waste so much on ‘ pleasuring,’ by which she means
smoking, drinking, picture palaces, etc. She avers that ‘ they don’t
lay nothing by!’
She has only the vaguest ideas as to how the country is governed.@
She never reads the paper. She thought India was far smaller than
England, and contained only three or four million people. She
once said: ‘ London’s the biggest place in the world, and then the
foreign parts’ (whatever that means !).
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE Union MEMBERSHIP.
She once said to me that she did not hold with Trade Unions,
but she is the sort of person who might say just the opposite the next
moment.” She understands nothing about Trade Unionism,
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
Without knowing anything of the History or working of Co-opera-
tion, and without having any extra-commercial interest in it, she
believes it to be good for working-people, and dealt with a Co-operative
store when she had a home of her own.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut Use or LEISURE,
On her free Sundays she goes to service and visits her relatives.
Of an evening she sleeps in front of the fire. She goes to bed early
and gets up early. She has not had many holidays, but says she likes
going walks in the country. Her only hobby is reading. She said
that even if she had plenty of servants she would still always want
some work to do. The poor thing says she has often thought about
her old age, and ‘ wants to end her days in one of them almshouses.’
Love oF BEaAutTy.
She declared she had a great fondness for music. Said she ought
to have been brought up to play the piano. The organ and the violin
are her favourite instruments; she does not like the gramophone
—‘it’s too noisy!” She sometimes goes to listen to the bands in the
park, but prefers sacred music, She dislikes modern and music-hall
songs ; is fond of hymns and songs ‘ of old time, like my mother used
to sing.’ She says she can sing, but I question it.
292 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE .WORKERS
She keeps herself and her environment passably clean, but her
standard of cleanliness is not a high one. She at first stated that
the University was the most handsome building she knew, but on
reflection substituted ‘Wesley College’. She thinks Sheffield an
ugly town, and prefers Rotherham, where she was for a time in service.
She is fond of flowers, and when I gave her a hint about beautifying
Sheffield by pulling down houses and substituting gardens, she readily
developed it.
She said she had heard of Shakespeare, and would like to read
some of his poetry. She had never heard of any other great English
writer, except perhaps Tennyson. And she had not read any Tennyson.
(See below under ‘‘ Love of Truth ”’ for further notes on her reading.)
She told me emphatically she mevey went to ‘them pictures.’
Nevertheless, when given the money later on, she cheerfully went
and thoroughly enjoyed it; but her statement is practically true.
She never goes to the music hall, and she has been only once to the
theatre (in her courting days).
LovE oF TRUTH.
She possesses Good Wives, Little Women, various lives of
missionaries, books of religious poems, etc. She is very fond and
proud of her library, and struggles through a fair amount, though
she is an extremely poor reader, e.g., she read out the phrase ‘‘ Stream
of Tendencies” as “‘ Stream of Tenderness.”
The student must decide for himself whether reading of the sort
indicated by the following extracts from Mrs. Relton’s favourite
books is indicative of a Love of Truth.
I. The Lord’s Day,
from a volume of poems called Thoughts about God.
(The narrative is described as ‘ founded on an occurrence related
in Old Jonathan.’)
‘A wicked vessel-owner,
God’s precepts to deride,
Had named one ship “ the Sabbath,”
In bold blaspheming pride:
Upon God’s day he launched her,
But fearful was the cost,
For lightning struck the vessel,
And all on board were lost!
Another hardened seaman
Then scoffed at those who spoke
Of a hand divine, directing
The fatal lightning stroke.
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 298
God’s righteous interference
Most strongly he denied,
And swore, with impious boldness,
The question to decide.
Lo then for the fulfilment
Of his unholy vow,
He dared upon the Lord’s day
A certain field to plough.
The corn was sown, and flourished,
And soon was borne away,
And stored up in the garner
Upon Jehovah’s day.
The scoffer gazed in triumph,
And almost failed to mark
That in the heavens above them
A cloud was gathering dark ;
Ere long from out the blackness
The electric fluid came,
And granary and harvest
Were wrapt in livid flame!!!
Soon only ashes smouldered
‘Where corn and wheat had been,
And the owner’s reason tottered
As he beheld the scene ;
In drivelling insanity
Some weary years he passed,
And without return to reason
The seaman died at last.’
II. An Extract from a Story called
Tossed on the Waves
by
The Author of the Junior Clerk (6th Thousand).
‘« There’s on’y one link broken, Master Charles, and that oné
is poor Mr. Bob. I could ha’ wished, if it ha’ been the Master's will,
that he should ha’ been spared to us a little longer. The place won’t
seem quite the same old place to me now he arn’t here. But I do
eh he was ready to go, Master Charles; do you really think he
was ?””
‘I do believe most truly that he was, Bill. If his death had
happened a week before, we should have been left in very painful
doubt ; but during these last few days he was clearer in his thoughts,
294° THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
happier in his love and confidence, more trustful and believing than
ever I knew him before. He felt and knew that God had begun his
own good work in him, and we know, Bill, our Father never begins
that which He does not carry on to the end.”
“Ah! that’s true, Master Charles,’’ said Beetlebrow, ‘ but it
ain’t allus that we can foller th’ Almighty through all His ways.
Sometimes He works in the dark like, and sometimes in the sunshine ;
and though we know He knows and allus does what’s best, and though
He don’t allus let us know down here what His secrets is, we can
trust Him, and we know He’s settled it all right for Mr. Bob.”
“Poor Bob!’ said Charles, with a deep sigh ; ‘‘ his was a chequered
life, Bill, it was very merciful that he should be removed from the
evil; there. was that on his mind which would have oppressed him
all through life, and have. made existence a sad and bitter thing.’”’’
III. An Extract from Section VIII (Measurement of Eternity),
from Chapter XVI (Perpetuity of Bliss in Heaven) of
The Believer's Journey (6th Edition).
‘... He, alone, Who inhabiteth eternity, can survey the whole,
Yet it is well for us to ascend our little lighthouse, and look off toward
the eternity to come. With our backs, then, upon the past, let us
strive to-penetrate this night of time as far as possible.
Starting with an annual revolution of the earth as unity, we wheel
round the sun till we have measured off the allotted age of man.
We continue our revolution till we have travelled as long as did the
oldest man who ever lived: ‘ And all the days of Methusaleh were
969 years—and he died’; call it a thousand years—but he died.
Since then he has been living in eternity; yes, our first parents are
now in the world of spirits; more fully conscious where and what
they are than we ourselves. They are now about six thousand years
old. We take this period as unity, and, for convenience, will just
add four-thousand, making it ten-thousand years. The period is
coming when we shall be as old as the progenitors of our race now
are; yes, ten-thousand years old. Ten-thousand years with the
Lord! We dwell a moment upon that, till the term is distinctly
before the mind ; and then multiply by ten, and we send our thoughts
rapidly forward one hundred-thousand years. One hundred-thousand
years with the Lord! As we attempt to grasp the idea of a life of
such length it grows dim and shadowy. O how venerable the saint
of such an age! But that being the merest commencement of
eternity, we must make it a starting-point for something beyond.
Let us here borrow a familiar device. Imagine a bird to come and
remove one grain from Mount St. Elias, and, after 100,000 years, to
come and remove another, and thus continue till the whole mountain
is made level with the plain. Let that Phoenix repeat her visits, at
the same intervals, till the whole hilly barrier that lines our western
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 295
coast has been borne away ; yea, till the entire globe itself, one grain
in each 100,000 years, has been transported to another planet.
During that period we dwell with the Lord.
Try an experiment of a more tangible character; fathom the
ocean. ...
If these confuse instead of aiding conception, something may be
demanded that shall take us more rapidly along the path of immortal
life. The distance a cannon-ball.. .’
IV. An Extract from Chapter II of The Missing Link
oy Bible Women in the Homes of the. London Poor.
‘These BIBLE Visits, it will be perceived, are paid to a class of
persons BELow THE DEcENT Poor, and to those who compose that
large underlying mass of humanity which never seeks to bring itself
within the range of moral or spiritual effort for its own elevation.
The one concern of these people—winter and summer, and year after
year—is merely to live, and to thousands the easiest and idlest way
to attain this end is by the vice and in the filth amidst which they
were born and bred. ... They eat and drink and sleep, and to-
morrow, perhaps, die—knowing nothing of the revelation of a life
beyond and Not Carinc To Know... .
‘Of what unspeakable importance then was it to penetrate these
regions with the Bipie!! ... its welcome from the lost and fallen
was somewhat unexpected, and facts seemed very early to point to
the supposition that the right agency, the ‘‘ Missina Linx ” between
them and those who wished to serve them, had accidentally, perhaps,
been found.’
LovE oF GOODNEss.
A big mission hall is her spiritual home. She goes to a service
there every free Sunday. She ‘belongs,’ because she was brought up
to it. She knows the Bible pretty well, although she cannot commu-
nicate her knowledge. She said there were ten disciples, named five
and then got stuck; and ended by informing me that there were ten
disciples and ten virgins. She insisted that there were six gospels ;
when I named the four that I had been brought up to accept, she
added Peter and Moses. She believes firmly in a future life, but
had no conception what it would be like; when I suggested ‘ Harps,’
she said that some said there would be, but that she didn’t know,
and that nobody had ever come back to tell us. There is no ques-
tion that her religion is a strength to her. I believe she gets her
greatest pleasure from the services at the hall. The Superinten-
dent of the Mission is her ‘ favourite character in real life,’
I rather like her face and herself. She can be extremely ill-
tempered and rude, but it is all on the surface. She is really a
good-hearted person, and properly treated will respond well. She
296 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
has quite a keen sense of humour, and it does you good to hear her
laugh. She is honest, respectable, and all the rest of it. She boasted
to me that she could ‘do anything’ in the kitchen, and ‘ plenty of
things she’d never done before.’ She has a certain capacity and
initiative, of which a proper education might have made a good deal.
As it is, she is too intellectually feeble to be competent.
Notes on Mrs. REtton’s LIFE-HISTORY.
She had no day schooling at all. She learnt to read partly at
Sundayschool and partly by setting herself to read later on.
Her father was a skilled engineer, who died when she was seven,
Her mother then went out to work in a factory. Being the eldest,
she helped at home till she was twelve, and then went into service.
But even at the age of eight she had begun to earn money outside
the home by running errands, blacking boots, doing odd jobs, etc.,
for various employers. She married at twenty, had one boy who
died two years later, and then lost her husband at the age of twenty-
nine. Since then she has been in service, mostly as cook. She has
been in scores of different places, but has frequently stayed in a
situation for two, three, or four years. She says she ‘ doesn’t think
any one ever had so many ups and downs as she has had,’ and ‘ many’s
the time she has felt like drownding herself.’ —
MRS. ROGGSON.
‘Aged 60; charwoman ; a widow, living alone,
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE,
“She says she is willing to work all her days just to keep a little
home of her own.’’ “ She has no inclinations to spend her evenings
elsewhere than in her own home.” ‘‘ The few goods and chattels
she has‘are set out to the best advantage ; although it is huddled at
the back of some houses, she has a fine curtain to her window.”
** Although she is very poor, her little room is a ‘home’; it is scrupu-
lously clean and tidy; she likes it because it is all she has in the
world to lavish her affection upon.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WORK.
(Hours, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day in the week, when she can get
a place.) ;
She is too old for the work she does; it would have suited her
well enough when she was younger. But she likes her occupation,
and takes a pride in it; ‘‘she would not like other work.’’ She is
regular, punctual, and industrious; ‘‘she can only perform tasks
that are set her, and has to be constantly supervised and instructed ;
she does her work very well so far as her age allows, but it takes her
a long time to do it.” “She has only one way of doing things, and
STUDIES OF THE INADEQUATELY-EQUIPPED 297
if interfered with, sulks; suggestions as to a more modern way of
doing her work, e.g., washing with a vacuum cleaner, are received
by her with great scorn. ‘ There’s nowt like t’ old ways; gi’e ’em
reed
a good rubbin’.
ApEQuacy FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
She has absolutely no knowledge of, and no interest in, local politics.
“She has had too hard a struggle to get her money to take an interest
in anything else.’ She has never been out of Sheffield.
ApEQuACY FOR NaTIONAL CITIZENSHIP,
She has not a trace of any knowledge upon English history,
geography, economic conditions, etc. She said of Votes for Women :
‘What do a parcel o’ women know about voting? They ought to
stop at home and mind their own business.’ She regards the King
as ‘‘a pampered individual, much to be envied for his easy lot in
life.”’ She thinks the Government “are a bad lot, out to fill their
pockets at the expense of poor folk.” In papers given her by her
employers she looks at the pictures only.
“She gets all her news about what is going on in the country
from the various people who employ her, and consequently the news
is tinged with the personality of the person imparting it.”
“‘ The rises in the price of food and its scarcity have dumbfounded
her. ‘Well, I wonder what next!’ and ‘It’s fair sickening, the
prices things is getting to!’ are her usual remarks. She has no idea
of economizing to save the country’s supply, but while she can get
food, she will eat as much as ever she wants. I have tried to explain
to her why we should help the country, but she cannot understand
at all. What she can get for herself, she will stick to. She cannot
be convinced that all are treated alike with regard to food, even now
rationing schemes are in force.”
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
None.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP,
“She does not understand the benefit she would receive from the
‘Co-op.’ She thinks the goods are dearer there than at other shops.”
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicHT USE oF LEISURE.
‘*She has no hobbies. She is so tired when her work is finished
that she just sits still and rests.’’ She spends all her free time at
home doing her own housework, etc.
She spent the evenings of an ordinary week thus :—
Monday : Shopping, looking at paper.
Tuesday : Cleaning her room.
Wednesday : Sitting by the fire reading the paper.
Thursday : Ditto.
298 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Friday : Shopping, looking at some magazines.
Saturday : Shopping, mending her clothes.
Sunday : Cleaning her home and looking at papers.
She does not want to go ‘ back to the land.’ She seems very hazy
on the subject of how she’d like to spend her old age.
‘
LovE oF BEAUTY.
She is ‘not strikingly fond ” of music, and never indulges what
taste she has for it.
“She has several ornaments on her mantel, obviously much
cherished.” ‘‘She has no pictures on her walls, being too poor to
afford any, but she takes a great interest in ours.”
“Is any of the furniture artistic?’ ‘‘ Well, hardly. There is
only a bed, a chair, and a table in the room.”
She is very particular about the cleanliness and order of her home,
as well as about her own personal appearance.
She knows nothing whatever about English literature, not even
the names of Shakespeare and Dickens. \
She has never been inside a picture palace, or a music hall, or
a theatre.
“She has a great appreciation of flowers. If there are any on
the table, she admires them, fingers them, and bends over them. She
is curious about the arrangement of our home and about the pictures.
If she had the money and the opportunity, she would have beautiful
things about her.”
Love oF TRUTH.
Love oF GOODNESS.
She has apparently no knowledge whatever of the Bible. She
thinks that the churches are not for the likes of her. Of Christianity
“she doesn’t think at all.”
She gets her greatest pleasure ‘‘ from eating good things.” ‘‘She is
an industrious, hard-working woman, but circumstances have deadened
all her finer feelings. The struggle for mere existence leaves no room
for anything higher. The hard fight which she has had to keep body
and soul together has made her selfish. The lonely life she leads has
made her seem peculiar, and at times half-witted.”
Notes on Mrs. Roccson’s LIFE-HISTORY.
She had ‘very little schooling,” and ‘“ seems to have forgotten
that she ever had any.”
She was brought up from the first as a maid: of all work. Till
her marriage she was in various places as a housemaid. She married
at the age of thirty, and “ was very comfortable for four years.”
Then her husband was taken ill, and she nursed him till he died. Since
his death she has been a charwoman.
CHAPTER X
INTENSIVE STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED
PART I: MEN
StupiEs of 7 mal-equipped men workers, representing about
one-twelfth of all the men workers of Sheffield.
SPING.
{Written directly for publication by the helper.]
Aged 21; cutler by trade; more recently ‘on munitions’; now
in the army; has lived with parents in three-roomed “ single,”’ back
to back house with only two bedrooms. Sping slept in attic bedroom
—two beds—poor furniture, scanty bedding; second bed occupied
by Sping’s sister, aged 18.
ADEQUACY FoR HoME-LIFE.
Was not happy nor comfortable at home ; the mother is a slattern,
improvident, and fond of drink, etc., anxious to get as much money
out of Sping as possible, giving him poor return.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING Work.
He is fairly fit physically, rather thin and tall, and not really
robust, but has no illness. He was a good workman at his trade.
He left it from restlessness and desire for bigger wages. He is skilful
and efficient at the craft of whetting, but lacks application. He is
now getting in the army the discipline that was wanting previously.
He has a bad record as regards honesty, but has no vices that mili-
tate much against work. Do not think he drinks. Fond of girls’
society. Has done a certain amount of gambling, especially since
going into the works; this was on the increase, and would in time
have had a bad effect on his work.
ApDEQuacy FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
He puts the population of Sheffield in 1917 at 300,000. In 1817
‘it was a much smaller town and made cutlery.’ He has no know-
209
800 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ledge of, or interest in, politics. Knows that there is a University and
a Technical School, but knowledge does not extend further. He knows
the names of a few city councillors, who happen to be Labour men
connected with Trade Unions. He has never lived in any other tdwn,
and knows nothing of country life. He has never considered the
question of choice of place of residence. He likes his life in a military
camp.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP,
He knows that there are five M.P.’s for Sheffield, and can name
Roberts and Anderson. He knows the latter-is ‘ Labour.’ His school
days being still fairly recent, he retains a hazy knowledge of the main
facts of history as taught in elementary schools.
The Reform Act of 1832: ‘ ‘Was connected with voting for Parlia-
ment.’
The French Revolution : ‘ Had to do with Napoleon’ (just a name).
The Industrial Revolution : ‘ Was steam-power.’
Magna Carta: ‘ Was in the time of King John and Becket.’
Battle of Hastings : ‘ Was fought in 1066.’ _
Gladstone : ‘ Was a Prime Minister a long time ago.’
Robert Owen : (No knowledge).
Napoleon : ‘ Was a great French General and Emperor.’
Watt: ‘ Made the first steam-engine.’
Remembers the name of Cromwell from school history. He
knows that India is much bigger than England, but has no idea of
the number of people in England. He names the chief industries of
England as steel and cotton. He thinks there are about 600 M.P.’s.
He knows of the existence of a House of Lords in ‘ London,’ and
that Home Rule is connected with Ireland. Knows nothing about
Protection, thinks Women householders should have votes (no reason
for opinion). Thinks of ‘Socialists as people who speak wildly at
street corners. As to Conscription, he had an objection to being
taken into the army personally, but now accepts the situation. Per-
sonal patriotism is non-existent. He thinks the Russian Revolution
‘ was a lot of fighting and bloodshed, and the Russians have not acted
right in the War.’ ;
As to the Future of the Workers in Engiand, his idea seems to
be that he and others of his class will want to get as much money
as possible, giving as little work as possible in return. He has
no sense of the responsibility of the individual to the community
or State. He remembers the King’s visits to Sheffield, but has no
special respect for him or loyalty to him.
He reads the Evening Star, sporting papers, Early Bird, etc.,
and occasional picture papers, e.g., Sketch and Mirror.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He was a member of the Cutlery Union for a short time, but lapsed
on going into the works asa labourer. He has heard something
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 301
of Trade Unionism in Sheffield from his uncle, a keen Trade
Unionist. He has read no books on Trade Unionism. His member-
ship was of such short duration that one can hardly say what he
might become in that direction.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
Knows that there are Co-operative Stores, and there his knowledge
ends.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicHT UsE or LEISURE.
He likes going to picture houses two or three times a week, and
likes the society of girls (no special girl). Some reading of a light
character. Belongs to several church organizations. Lads’ class
or Sundayschool on Sunday afternoon; rambles or meetings in con-
nection with the same on certain week-nights. Would not care to
work on the land, a regular town lad. He would like td “ enjoy
himself,” i.e., lead a ‘‘life of pleasure,” commonly so-called, if he
were rich enough.
LovE oF BEAUTY.
He likes music, and sometimes goes to bands in the parks (usually
with lads and girls, and not chiefly for the sake of the music.)
He never goes to good concerts. There is no piano in the house,
but a big gramophone. This is the property of Sping, who has nearly
finished paying £8 for it, by weekly instalments. This instrument
has been described as his ‘‘ god” by a relation. He has spent £3
on records during the last year, chiefly cheerful military music, selec-
tions from popular operas and songs of the day.
His parents’ house is ill-furnished and wretched, but Sping is not
responsible for this condition. He is always neat and clean in his
own personal dress.
Knows that Milton was a poet who wrote “ Paradise Lost,” and
that Sullivan wrote the ‘‘ Lost Chord” and some operas, and has
heard of the Ruskin Museum. Knows nothing of Avynold Bennett,
Shaw, Chesterton, Dante, Goethe, Virgil, Plato, Morris, Raphael. He
has read Stevenson’s ‘‘ Treasure Island,” and used to get boys’ books
of adventure and such-like books from a free library. Has read a
little of Dickens. He has also purchased and furtively read low,
immoral books, the sort of thing that is displayed as a “‘ translation
from the French” (badly printed on poor paper) in low-class
thoroughfares in certain quarters. He went to the ‘pictures’ at
least twice weekly, and liked the ‘exciting films.’ The ‘pictures’
had a bad influence on him, as tending to unhealthy excitement and
depicting successful crime. He has sometimes gone to the Empire
or Hippodrome, or other music halls, but hardly ever to a regular
theatre. His statements as to his favourite songs, etc., are quite
valueless.
802 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Love oF TRUTH.
He possesses a Bible, a few prize books, but nothing to give any
index of his real tastes. He used to get books from the free library
from time to time, the usual boys’ books of adventure, etc.; now
and then he procured a good novel or story, e.g., Dickens; with a
little wise guidance, he could have been brought to appreciate a better
class of literature. He has attended no classes or lectures since leaving
school, beyond classes in connection with the lads’ organization at
church. :
He has heard of the term ‘‘ Evolution,” but has no actual know-
ledge. His knowledge of Economics and of Scientific Research is also
nil. Siv Isaac Newton ‘ discovered gravitation,’ ‘he saw an apple
fall from a tree,’ etc., etc. Darwin ‘ wrote a book about men being
monkeys at one time.’ He has never heard of Herbert Spencer and
Oliver Lodge. Edison ‘invented the telephone.’ Columbus ‘ dis-
covered America’ (story of egg standing on end). Avistotle wrote
certain books that Sping has read on the sly, ‘books procured from
dirty little shops in back streets. He has never heard of Haeckel
or Huxley.
LovE oF GOODNESS.
For some years he has attended an Anglican church, where he
was taken by the aunt with whom at one time he lived. Has been a
member of the Sundayschool and lads’ class, and more recently a
teacher of a small class of junior boys. He was “confirmed”’ about
four years ago, and has been a communicant with fair regularity ever
since. A curate at the church took a good deal of interest in him,
had him in his class, entertained him (with others) in his rooms, and
took him and others for rambles, etc. (And I am quite certain has
never got beyond surface knowledge of the lad, a very ‘ unperceptive ’
good and earnest parson.) Sping writes from camp that he goes
to the Hut (probably Y.M.C.A.) a good deal, is friendly with the
chaplain, attends services regularly, and receives Holy Communion
weekly. A good Bible text is stuck at the top of the letter, and he
goes on to speak of the help and comfort it is to know that Miss A.
and B. (ladies at the church) and his aunt, etc., are praying for him.
(Wonder sometimes if he is consciously a hypocrite, or is it a case of
Jekyll and Hyde?) A very complex character. When I used to
pay long calls on the aunt, he was usually quite silent, keeping on at
his work, but was listening intently to the conversation. A very
acute and sly lad, and covetous and greedy. When about 14 years
of age he managed to get hold of a considerable sum of money by
a clever (and long continued) scheme of falsifying accounts. On
discovery the employers insisted on a prosecution. He is very deceitful
and loves money and what money can buy in the way of pleasure ;
and has on many occasions, extending over years, cheated his
relatives since that time. He is ambitious to get on in the world.
Materially self-centred and really cares for no one but himself. Smart
and keen, without being intellectual. He knows that he is making
‘
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 303
use of the church, clergy, people of influence generally, purely and
entirely to further his own personal interests. He takes a good deal
of pleasure in the society of various girls. I do not know of anything
specifically guilty in this connexion, but have strong suspicions.
(There is a strong underlying sensual animal strain.) He has no
recognized sweetheart. He is very reticent, and his stated opinions
are not necessarily his real ones. He knows the facts of the Bible
fairly well, and would ostensibly accept orthodox Christianity. There
have been no real conversion and awakening, spiritually, religiously,
or in any other way. He is probably a ‘moral imbecile.”
NotEs ON SPING’s LIFE-HISTORY.
He was born in Sheffield, a few months after the marriage of his
parents. The father is an indifferent character, a somewhat colourless
person, with very little influence over others for good or evil; a semi-
skilled labourer in steel works. The mother is a grasping woman,
thriftless and improvident, with little regard for husband or children,
and fond of drink. Sping for some years was brought up by his
paternal aunt. She took the boy partly to get him away from poor
home and partly as a companion. She was strict and a little exacting
as to hours of work; did not allow him to mix very much with neigh-
bours’ children. Often took him out herself after working hours,
when he would have preferred younger companions. She gave him
an increasing proportion of his earnings as he grew older. In time,
he became anxious to have more money and freedom (saw others
around him, etc.), and his parents, anxious to make him a profit to
themselves, persuaded him to return home.
He attended elementary schools (council and church) up to 13}
years, reaching Standard VII. He is dissatisfied with his education,
and would have liked to have had schooling that would have furthered
his advancement in life. He does not want wider education for the
development of the whole man, but merely for strictly utilitarian
reasons.
Later: While on his last leave, Sping acquired some knives by an
elaborate system of “‘ false pretences.”
He was killed in action in the autumn of 1918.
_ PEAKS.
Aged 27; labourer ; living with wife and children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
“He makes very little use of his home except at bedtime.” ‘‘ He
does everything he can to upset his home.” ‘‘ He is most cruel to
his wife,” etc., etc.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WorK.
He is physically fit, but irregular, unpunctual, lazy, and thoroughly
inefficient.
304 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FoR LocAL AND NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
He is entirely devoid of the knowledge and geal that would
fit him for citizenship.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION AND Co-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He is entirely devoid of the knowledge and qualities that would
fit him for membership.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RIGHT UsE oF LEISURE.
His hobbies are card-playing, pitch and toss, and all forms of
pambling. If rich enough to do as he liked, he would run a gambling
saloon. He does not want to go “ back to the land.”
Love oF BEautTy.
“Nib.”
Love or TRUTH.
ee Nil.’”’
LovE oF GOODNESS.
*¢ Nil.”
NoTEs oN Peaks’ LIFE-HISTORY.
“T cannot get him to talk about his schooling or about any other
subject. He just sits mute and refuses to answer any questions.”
“ His home was a poor-class working home. He was very wilful
and disobedient. He went from one school to another, avoiding
schooling as much as possible, and constantly playing truant. His
parents thought it was useless to try to do anything with him, so
let him go his own way.”
“ After school age he went to one place and then another ; still
the same old unsettled spirit there. He would be in one place a few
weeks, then would take it into his mind to stay away and find another.
He has been at scores of jobs, and never long at any one of them.
“At 22 years of age Peaks was the father of a boy. He did not
marry as he was out of work, and had been for several months. The
girl worked and kept the child as best she could. Her mother was
a widow (very respectable), who advised her to let him go.
He followed the girl to and from her work, and would give her
no peace until she promised to marry him. He got a place of work,
and went on nicely for the first few weeks after they were married.
Then once more he was out of work, and the second child was born.
This time he said he was not having a ‘ boss’ any more, so started
with.a rag and bone barrow, so that he could begin when he liked,
and leave off the same. Whenever his wife spoke to him about the
amount of money being inadequate, he beat her... She was so very
short of food, etc., that she again went out to work, and kept on until
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 805
the third child was born, Peaks still earning a mere trifle. A little
later he was called up for military service, and eventually went out
to France. When out there he wrote the most repentant letters to
his wife, saying how unkind he had been, and. how foolish not to have
seen her worth, how kind he would be if only spared to return,
how he would make amends for all he had done. His wife, believing
all this, went to work, and with her money, and thrift, got a nice
little home together, thinking that he would really be a different man.
After a time the firm, through the pleading of his wife (Peaks had
written to ask her to do this), got him home on working leave. For
two months he worked well. Then he began to take days off, then
weeks at a time. In one complete year he has only worked twenty-
four weeks. ‘
He tries to make a bit by tossing, card-playing, or any other
form of gambling.
He walks into the house and expects to find food provided. If
there is no meal, he at once thrashes his wife. ;
A girl was born in May, 1918, and the day she was born there was
no money in the house or any food. Peaks’ wife was entirely
dependent on the generosity of her widowed mother.
Five weeks before the girl was born, he beat his wife shock-
ingly because she would not find him money. During the ten days’
lying-in Peaks’ wife had not a penny from him, neither has he done
one day’s work.
He makes the most plausible tales up, and promises every day
to go to work, but never brings home any wages. Tells his wife to
get the money best way she can.
Her home is very clean, and she herself very tidy and most willing
to forgive if only he would try to do better.”
UNSTONE.
Aged 28; small shopkeeper, etc., now ‘on munitions’; - lives
(more or less) with wife and family.
ADEQUACY FOR HOME-LIFE.
On one occasion, in a fit of rage, he kicked one of his daughters
on the head, making a fearful wound. The girl was afraid to tell
them at the Hospital who’d done it, and said she’d fallen down. ‘On
four or five different occasions has gone to live for several days with
the wife of a soldier serving in France.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WORK.
He is not over strong, but can manage to do manual labour well
enough ; he likes his work “ so long as it keeps him out of the army.”
In his present job he has been fairly regular, punctual, and industrious,
21
306 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ApEQuacy FoR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
He has no interest in local politics, and knows nothing about
local affairs. He has lived in Sheffield ever since he was five, and
does not want to live anywhere else.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP,
His papers are the Early Bird and the Evening Star, of which
he reads the “sporting parts only.” He knows nothing whatever
that would equip him to vote intelligently, and has not the slightest
interest in politics.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP,
He is not a member of any Union.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP,
He has no dealings with the Co-operative Society.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RIGHT USE oF LEISURE,
‘ What ave his hobbies?’ ‘‘ Gambling.”
‘ Free afternoons in winter’: ‘In the public-house, playing
cards or games for money.”
‘ Free afternoons in summer’: “‘ At street corners, ‘ tossing '.”
‘ Sundays in winter’: ‘‘Gambling in lanes near home or out
in the country after long walks.”
‘ Sundays in summer’ : “ Playing cards, etc.”
Evenings : ‘‘ In the public-houses or places of public amusement ;
sometimes betting, sometimes picking pockets.”
Always goes to Doncaster Races, etc.
Lover oF BEAUTY.
Fond of taproom music; possesses a gramophone, on which he
likes to put the latest music hall ‘ comics.’
‘ Does the condition of his home indicate a Love of Beauty?’ “He
is accustomed to seeing it always tidy and comfortable.’’ The house
is extravagantly furnished with showy things. He is particular,
too, about his personal appearance.
He visits the kinema at least once a week, and best likes Charlie
Chaplin and similar films; he goes to make “a change from the
public-house.” He visits a music hall about once a week, and, best
likes revues and comedian turns; he goes “just to pass the time
and make fresh pals.” He goes very rarely to the theatre.
LovE or TRUTH.
He reads no books ; goes to no meetings; ‘‘ does not even know
the meaning of ‘a branch of science’;’’ of the names of great
scientists, he recognized only that of ‘ ‘Edison,’ a stated that he
made the phonograph,
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 807
LovE oF GOoDNEss.
His ambition is ‘to get as much money as possible without
working for it, either by fair means or foul.” (Among other amuse-
ments he “ waylays men in the dark.”’) He gets his greatest pleasure
from ‘“‘ sexual vice, drinking, and gambling.”
He says Christianity is ‘‘ piffle,” and that the churches are * only
used by women who are weak in t’ head.’
NotEes on UNSTONE’s LIFE-HISTORY.
Frequently played truant at school, and did not learn much.
His parents were themselves ‘bad characters.’ He was the eldest
son, and was allowed to tyrannize over the younger children. He
never settled down to any trade, but went from job to job.
OLLIS.
Aged 30; furnaceman ; lives with wife and children,
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE,
‘‘He would be glad to see his home broken up so that he could
be free.” ‘‘ Beats his wife without any provocation.” ‘ Will not.
bring home sufficient to provide food for his wife and children.”
“The children shrink at the sound of his coming home.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WorK.
He is physically fit, regular, punctual, industrious, and efficient.
He is suited for his work, and likes it because of the money it brings in.
ADEQUACY FOR LOCAL CITIZENSHIP.
He has no idea of the present or past population of Sheffield ;
knows the name of the lord mayor and those of several councillors
and officials; but is interested in local politics ‘‘only at election
times.” He thinks the University is ‘all right for toffs’; has no
desire to know anything about the W.E.A. Has never been outside
the town except for his training in camp; likes Sheffield ‘ right
enough.’
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP,
Apparently knew only one of the M.P.’s for Sheffield. ‘Expressed
a preference for the Labour Party, and hinted that Socialists did more
to help working-men.”
Knew nothing at all about English history. Thought ‘steel and
cutlery ’ were the chief industries of the country. Could not state
any intelligible opinion upon Home Rule, House of Lords, etc., but
he seemed to judge adversely certain institutions and movements
because they ‘did not get him anything.’
His paper is the Evening Star.
808 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He is not a Trade Unionist. He said.that a Trade Union existed
‘to help men when they did not get proper wages,’ but beyond that
seemed to know nothing about the Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP,
He is not a Co-operator. He knows nothing about Co-operation.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicHT UsE or LEISURE.
Saturday afternoon: ‘‘ Off out as soon as he has finished work;
returns late at night.” .
Sunday : “ Goes out first thing in the morning and stays out until
late at night ; tells his wife he has been out in the country ‘ enjoying
himself,’ ”’ /
Evenings: ‘‘In picture palace or music hall, or public-house;
anywhere but at home with his wife and children.”
He said that if he had enough money, he ‘ would travel round
the world and “see life’”’’; also that ‘he never thought about old
age, it would be soon enough to think about it when it came.’
LovE or BEAUTY.
‘“ No doubt he is fond of music-hall and public-house music.”
‘ Does the condition of his home indicate a Love of Beauty?’ ‘No,
because he breaks anything near his hand when in a temper or under
the influence of drink. Pictures are nearly all broken, as X has
thrown things at his wife and they have hit the pictures, etc.”
‘Does X.cave about his own personal appearance and cleanliness ?”
“Yes. He looks a proper dandy when out. Not anything like a
man with a wife and children.”
The names of leading English writers, alive and dead, were abso-
lutely unknown to him.
Love or TRUTH.
He seems to read no books of any kind; there are certainly none
in the house.
Scientific subjects ‘‘are absolutely foreign to this man,’’ The
names of Newton, Darwin, etc., are, of course, ‘“ unknown.”
LovE or GooDNEss.
Our investigator sums up his ‘ Love of Goodness’ by saying that
he has “ absolutely none.”
“What is your personal impression of him?’ ‘‘ That he is a cruel
villain and not fit to be called either a husband or father.”
‘ What is his ambition ?’ ‘‘ To be single again.”
“ From what does he get his greatest pleasure ?’ ‘‘ Drinking, gambling,
and sexual immorality.”
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 309
He said churches were places where weak-minded people and
children went.
‘What does he think of Jesus Christ?’ ‘No thought of Him,
except in connexion with curses.”
‘What does he think of Chyristianity 2?’ “Too sacred to discuss
with a man of this type.” . ;
Notes on O.tis’s LIFE-HISTORY. P
Learnt at school to be quite efficient with the three R’s—as he
still is. '
“ Until he was 21 years of age he seemed to be fairly respectable.
After this he began to gamble and go to the public-house for sporting
papers, etc. He then began to drink in addition to the gambling.
Later he began to ill-treat his wife.
He was called up when the War broke out, and was eventually
sent out to France. When out there, he wrote the most pathetic
letters to his wife, and promised how very good he would be if only
he were spared to return to England safely. After he had been out
there several months he got wounded in his hand and was sent home,
and finally sent back to work. When he came home, he was very
kind to his wife for about two or three weeks (the happiest time she
had spent with him since her marriage). Then he began his old life
again.
(P.S.—He is now cohabiting with another woman ....
The wife of X has tried in every way to make her husband care
for his home and his children. She now goes ‘on munitions’ to
try to keep the house going. She says she would be afraid to live
with her husband any more.)”
ALPBERG.
Aged 40; labourer ; lives with wife and children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
How Sond ts he of his home?’ “ Only recognizes it as a place to
sleep in.” ‘Does he like to spend his evenings at home?’ ‘‘ Not if
he has any money to get drunk.” ‘Does he do anything about the
home to make it move pleasant?’ “‘ No: would do his best to upset
it.” ‘ How fond is he of his wife and children?’ ‘‘ He is the reverse
of fond of his wife and children.” ‘ What sort of father does he make ?’
“* A very, very bad one.” ‘ Why does he dislike his home?’ ‘' Because
he has to work to keep it going, and he does not like work.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING Work.
He is physically strong; is doing the unintelligent work which
is all he is fit for; does not like his work. ‘ What would he like to do
310 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
instead ?’ ‘* Sit and smoke and drink, without the trouble of earning
money.” He is not regular, nor punctual, nor industrious, nor
efficient, nor: capable of initiative and responsibility. Love of drink
and laziness greatly militate against his industrial usefulness; he
can never keep a job long enough to become competent. He has
had many different places of work, but in every case they have had
to let him go because they were never sure when he would tum up
or stay away. On many occasions he has had to be fetched ont of
bed when the work was urgently wanted.
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
He has not the slightest interest in, or knowledge of, local politics.
He has never been in any other town, and is “ quite content to stay
where he is.”
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP. f
He has not the slightest interest in, or knowledge of, national:
politics. He knows nothing whatever about the history of England,
or its present industrial and social conditions. He does not read
newspapers at all.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He is not a member of a Trade Union. He knows nothing and
cares nothing about the Trade Union Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He does not deal with the ‘Co-op.’ He has no interest in, or
knowledge of, Co-operation.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut UsE oF LEIsurRE.
‘ What ave his hobbies?’ “‘ Sleeping.”
‘ How does he spend Saturday afternoons?’ “ Sitting half-way up
the chimney smoking, if he has not money for drink. His wife and
children are all afraid to speak.”
‘What would he do if rich enough to do as he liked?’ ‘“ Never
work ; always be drunk.”
Love oF BEAuTY.
He is not fond of music, never goes to hear bands, etc. ‘‘ The
poor little children are not allowed to sing even in their own little
way if he is about.”
His wife is a very clean woman, who does her best to keep the
house pleasant, but he nullifies her efforts. He is indifferent to his
personal appearance; ‘‘he will sometimes go for days without
washing.”
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 311
He does not know anything whatever about a single English writer,
alive or dead.
He never goes to picture palace, music hall, or theatre.
LovE oF TRUTH.
He never reads any books; he knows nothing whatever about
science or scientists. He does not show any overmastering eagerness
to get at the Truth!
LovE oF GOODNESS.
“ Alpberg is about the most lazy man I have ever met. He is
married, and there are seven children. The eldest boy is 14 years
of age, and the next, another boy, aged 13 years, who was sent out
to work. These two children’s earnings were 13s. weekly. As soon
as Alpberg knew there was 13s. coming into the house, he refused to
do any work. He told his wife she would have to manage with that
to feed and clothe seven children, hers and himself. Things got
so bad that his wife had to pawn every article she could to get food.
She told him what she was doing, also that she had not been able to
pay any rent. Still he refused to go to work, but sat by the fire day
after day, and expecting food to be provided for him out of the
earnings of these two children.”
He has no knowledge of the Bible; ministers of religion will be
glad to hear that he is not a member of any church; he thinks
Christianity is ‘ rot.’
He is a “brute” in his attitude towards women. He gets his
greatest pleasure from sleeping and drinking. »
NoTEs ON ALPBERG’S LIFE-HISTORY.
Educated in infancy at a church school and in childhood at a
council school. ‘‘ The father is still living. It is a great grief to
him to know what a wretched husband and father his son is. Many
times he has gone without food so that Alpberg’s children should have
it when he knew it was impossible for the wife to get food, as she had
not a penny.” ‘“‘ Alpberg’s wife says that for the first years they were
married he worked fairly well. After the first child was born he
began to go out at nights and leave her with the baby. Then he
began to have a day off a week. As years have gone by, he has got
work and’ stuck to it for five or six weeks; then he has given it up
and had a rest of three or four weeks before taking another job.”
“Of recent years he has worked more and more irregularly.”’ ‘‘ His
wife and children looked half-starved, with scarcely any clothing.
At length, through the initiative of the N.S.P.C.C., he was put in
prison for neglect of his children, and when he came out of prison he
did well for three weeks, working every day. Then he took to bed
812 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
again. For weeks he did not work, and the children were almost
starving for food.”
Once again he was imprisoned.
And so on.
FINCHEL.
Aged 44; cooper; lives with wife and family. [Subsequently to
the writing of these notes, Finchel has been made a foreman.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
‘Does he like to spend evenings at home?’ ‘‘ Partially—say half
the night!” ‘ Does the condition of his home indicate that he has a
pride in it?’ “Certainly not!” ‘What sort of husband does he
make?’ “‘ Pays up moderately well, never goes far from home:
not fond of his wife, but devoted at a crisis.” ‘ What sort of a father
does he make?’ “ Good, sgfar as his outlook permits; fairly fond
of his children; but their Brdition certainly does not reflect credit
on him.” ‘‘ He has a large family.” “ His wife is a vulgar woman.”
“He cannot appreciate a real home.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WorK.
He is a fairly strong man, he likes his work, and he is fitted for it.
He is regular, punctual, industrious, efficient, and fully capable of
showing initiative and taking responsibility. His vices do not much
impair his effectiveness as a worker.
bp
ADEQUACY FOR Loca CrrizENsHip.
He has no idea of the present population of Sheffield, but guessed
that a century ago it must have been far less than now, and also that
there were factories then in existence. He does not know a repre-
sentative for his ward, nor any of the local councillors or officials,
nor even the lord mayor. He has “no interest whatever ”’ in local
politics—‘' never gives these things a thought.” He has “no idea
what the University does or could do.” Is quite content with
Sheffield as it is.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
“Gets mixed with Anderson and Henderson; knows nothing
more about the M.P.’s for Sheffield.” ‘
‘What ave his politics?’ ‘‘ He has absolutely no political concep-
tion. ‘Why?’ “He is too ignorant to realize his relationship to
the community.”
“T find it impossible to get him to talk about Home Rule, Protec-
tion, Votes for Women, etc., though I have heard him say in regard
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 818
_to Conscription that ‘everybody ought to go,’ and in regard to the
Russian Revolution that ‘we ought to wipe Russia out.’ Such
opinions as he has are violently held—though only temporary and
according to the Daily Mail. The majority of the workers are incap-
able of holding intelligent views on these subjects. They usually
have very strong prejudices. There is perhaps a growing number
who have views. X is certainly not among them. He will some-
times listen, he will sometimes argue, but he is not consistent. There
are plenty of labourers who have much more intelligent ideas about
things than he has. His tendency is conservative or imperialistic.”
His papers are the Daily Mail, the Sketch, the Independent, etc.
He reads mainly the War news.
Of Wolsey, Cromwell, Watt, Owen, and Gladstone, he apparently
had no knowledge whatever; he seemed to recognize the name of
Napoleon; the Battle of Hastings, Magna Carta, the Industrial
Revolution, and the French Revolution, were not even names to him.
He knew India was larger than England. He named coal, iron, and
steel as the chief British industries.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He is not (and never has been) in a Trade Union. He knows
nothing whatever about Trade Unionism. His definition of a Trade
Union would be that it is to ‘‘ protect workmen, provide officials
with jobs, make trouble, and elevate the incompetent.”
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He deals with the ‘ Co-op.’ in order to get the ‘ divi.” He knows
nothing whatever about the Movement, and has no shadow of interest
in it.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RIGHT UsE oF LEISURE.
Saturday afternoon in winter: ‘‘ In the public-house; goes to bed,
or sleeps on the couch.”
Saturday afternoon in summery: ‘In the pub., or walking about.”
Sunday in wintery: “Sleeps late in the morning; goes to the
pub.; makes a few friendly calls; lounges about; never goes far
from home.”’
Sundays in summer : “ As in winter.”
Evenings: ‘‘ Visits the local picture palace. Very often hangs
about with some amorous or lascivious intent. I have known him
spend every night in the week with another’s wife. He is at present
mating with a soldier’s wife.’’ One week is pretty much as another,
and might be described as follows :—
Sunday : “‘ A drink, a very short walk, an amorous call.”
Monday : “ A drink, the pictures, an amorous call.”
Tuesday : ‘‘ A drink, rather later leaving home, an amorous call.”
314 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Wednesday : ‘‘ Does not go out, waits at home for his other woman.”
Thursday : “ A drink, the pictures, an amorous call.”
Friday: “A little longer at the public-house, the inevitable
amorous call.”’
Saturday: ‘Still more drink, probably a walk, and then the
inevitable.”
Annual Holiday: ‘ Lies later in bed, spends a little more time
in the pub., makes Jenger visits to one of his sweethearts. Time
hangs heavy on his hands. I believe he longs to be back at work.”
LovE oF BEAUTY.
He is a man “that hath no music in his soul.” The condition
of his home is far from indicating that he or his wife has a Love of
Beauty. ‘‘ He cares much about his appearance and exterior cleanli-
ness.”’ “‘ He does not have a garden, and would not take a pride in
it if he had.” He cannot name a single play of Shakespeare, and he
did not recognize a single one of the names of great English writers,
etc., that were at different times mentioned to him.
He goes to the kinema once or twice a week, and prefers comic
and vulgar films; he goes to the music hall almost as often; very
rarely to the theatre.
“ Literature, art, music—he knows absolutely nothing of them.”
LovE or TRUTH.
He practically never reads a book at all. He never goes to any
lectures. He knows nothing about any branch of science. He did
not know who were Aristotle, Columbus, Newton, Spencer, Huxley,
Haeckel, Lodge. He stated that Darwin ‘ was the man who said we
came from monkeys, and that Edison was an inventor.’
@ LovE oF GOODNESS.
He regards the churches as ‘all sham” and “ believes that on
the whole the worst human elements attend church.” ‘ Thinks
Christianity ridiculous; looks for blood,-and believes in the policy
of force. The Daily Mail has far more influence over him than any-
thing else.’ Knows next to nothing of the Bible. Does not believe
in Free Will, or Future Life, or God.
'
NotTEs ON FINCHEL’s LIFE-HISTORY.
Received a mere smattering of education ; was often away through
illness, and also played truant; ‘“ thinks it did him little good, but
sometimes regrets that he did not better appreciate it, and make
sure of it.”
His mother died when he was -very small; his father was a
“wicked man,” who drank himself to death. His upbringing was
altogether unfortunate. “‘ His adolescence, like that of very many
working-class youths, was worse than wasted.”
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 815
JENNALL.:
Aged 60; skilled building operative; lives with his wife and
children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE. ;
He is ‘“‘ too fond of the pub.” to spend his evenings in his home,
the condition of which does not reflect credit upon him. ‘In his
own way, he is fond of wife and children ”’ ; but he is an “ indifferent ’’
husband, and his children do not bear witness to his success as a
father.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WORK.
He is fitted, physically and temperamentally, for his job. If he
does not like his work, he does not dislike it. But he is not regular,
nor punctual, nor efficient, and industrious only “‘to a moderate
degree.” He has “some initiative,” but is not capable of taking
responsibility.
His defects as a worker are due to drink.
“‘T have known Jennall idle for weeks when he has been on the
booze. On the other hand I have known him do private jobs after
an ordinary day’s work that would have been considered a good day’s
ordinary work. I have known him be off work ill (?), but plugging
away on some private contract. I have known him take other work-
men’s tools away at night, when the workmen have been at home,
use them, and return them next morning before the men were astir.
Alas! I have known him take other workmen’s tools away and
never return them at all.”
ApEQuacy FoR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
He has not a shred of the knowledge that would fit a man to vote
intelligently. He knows the names of none of the members of the
Town Council, not even thatof the lord mayor, ‘‘ unless they are magis-
trates.’’ ‘‘ He has no interest in local politics, excepting the Watch
Committee.’ The local reform he wants carried out at the moment
is ‘internment of aliens.” He has no particular fondness for
Sheffield, but is a “‘ bird of passage.”’
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
“He neither knows nor cares”? who are the representatives of
Sheffield in the House of Commons. His politics consist in ‘“‘ dodging
the policeman.” ‘‘ He cannot read, but listens to War and police
court news, and remembers wonderfully.”
1 Possibly Jennings ought to go in Class II. Certain of his defects, at
any rate, are mere inaptitudes for existing industrial and social arrangements.
The poacher is not regarded as ‘‘ Class III” in popular song and legend.
316. THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Home Rule: “ Against. He does not like the Irf&h.”
The House of Lords: {‘‘ To hell with it!’ He is a some-time
poacher.”
"Protection : “ Has no idea of it.”
Socialism : ‘‘ Has no idea of it, but believes in the worker’s right
to a larger share of things.”
Votes for Women: ‘‘ Against. ‘ What do they know of voting ?’”
Conscription : “‘ Agrees with it.”
The Russian Revolution: ‘‘ He would exterminate the Russians.”
State Education : ‘‘ Is no good.”
The King : ‘Ought to be shot for what good he is.’
He showed no knowlege whatever of English history, except that
he knew something about Gladstone. and knew Napoleon was a
Frenchman. He knew India was much larger than England; had
no idea of the population of this country; said coal-mining and
cloth-working were the chief British industries.
'
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
He is not a member of any union., He knows nothing about Trade
Unionism.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
He is not a Co-operator. He knows nothing about Co-operation.
‘
ADEQUACY FOR THE RIGHT UsE oF LEISURE.
Free afternoons in winter: ‘In the ‘ pub.,’ or on the field where
rabbits are worried.”
Free afternoons in summery: ‘ As above, or taking mental notes
of promising apple-trees or stackyards favoured by straying hens.”
Sundays in winter and summer : ‘‘ As above.”
Evenings: “Occasionally goes to the ‘pictures.’ Frequently
goes to the ‘ pub.” Works on buildings. Goes marauding.”
Annual holiday : ‘‘ On tramp.”
He does not want to go ‘ back to the land,’ but if he were rich
enough, ‘he would be a sporting gentleman.” ‘‘I have seen the
stockings that Jennall puts over his clogs when he visits his orchards.
I have seen his dogs returning with his ‘bag.’ I have seen his
breakfast-can full of new laid eggs, which he had not bought. I
remember a few turkeys (I think there were five) being reared in the
street where he lived—a most unusual sight!”
LovE or BEAUTY,
He enjoys public-house sing-songs.
He cares nothing about the condition of his home, but is generally
clean himself. He never visits art galleries, but “he can appreciate
grand scenery. I have heard him discourse upon the places he has
seen when tramping.”’ f :
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 817
He cannot read, and knows nothing whatever about English
literature. :
He goes to the ' pictures ’ occasionally, and prefers ‘‘ silly, sporting
and sloppy’ films. He never visits music hall or theatre.
LovE oF TRUTH.
Knows nothing whatever about science or scientists, and is
entirely indifferent to both moral and philosophic Truth.
LovE oF GOODNESS.
“I do not dislike Jennall. His wrinkled and weather-beaten
face is lighted by a pair of the brightest eyes; he has a shrewd head,
much-worldly wisdom, and a fine spark of humour. ... He has
courage, which is a great virtue, and endurance, which is a fine
quality. He may be cruel to rabbits, but he is kind to dogs. He
hates. steady work, cheats at games, steals, etc.; he is a rotter;
but I’d rather have him than the saintly sort.”
On one oécasion, to the knowledge of the writer of this study of
Jennall, he voluntarily assisted a stranger whe was carrying a heavy
load of timber. When pressed to accept sixpence, he refused for a
long time, afraid that it would be thought his services were offered
for an expected drink. ‘‘I know he was penniless and homeless
at the time.” i
“He gets his greatest pleasure from boozing.” His attitude
towards women is described as ‘‘ respectful.” He knows nothing
about religion, and cares nothing.
Notes ON JENNALL’S LIFE-HISTORY.
He had practically no schooling. He simply refused to attend
school even when he had a chance. His parents were rough and
uncultured manual workers.!
PART II: WOMEN
! ,
Stupres of 6 mal-equipped women workers, representing about
one-fifteenth of all the women workers of Sheffield.
1 Our helper concludes his notes by saying: “‘ And do you know that a
questionnaire applied to an ‘X’ with sympathy repays the investigator far
better than coin of the realm? My X has approached me with a new
understanding in his face. It is wonderful how far men live apart and how
near they get to each other when ee. interest is shown. St. Paul
was tight. The greatest of these is charity |’
318 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
MISS BATER.
[Written directly for publication by the helper.]
Aged 19; domestic servant, with spells of ‘‘ being at home.”
Large family ; lives in seven-roomed house.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
She has no pride in the condition of the home, and does not care
to spend evenings there, unless ‘‘ some one is coming in for cards,
games, or some fun.” Father objected to her ‘‘ galloping about
dark lanes in company with wild companions.” Has more than
once thrashed her for it.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WORK.
She is physically strong and healthy, except for slight deafness.
Has no pride or interest in work. Lacks knowledge of training
in house-work. Dislikes any sort of work. Her laziness, slovenliness,
and “running after men” militate against industrial efficiency. Has
been influenced by bad companions, and, inher turn, exercises bad
influence on workmates. ‘
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
She has no idea of the population of Sheffield in 1917. ‘It was
much smaller in 1817.’ Has no interest in local politics. Knows
nothing of the University or of the W.E.A. Was in domestic service
at Worcester for eight months, and has lived with family at Chester-
field, after spending early childhood at Conisbro’. Prefers Sheffield,
‘“‘ because it has more life,’ i.e., kinemas and the like—opportunities
for “ picking up’”’ men in the streets. ‘
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP,
Knows nothing of national politics, except that some M.P.’s are
‘‘put in” by the Miners’ Union (she has two brothers in the pits).
She has ‘ heard of’ Magna Carta and the Battle of Hastings.
Industrial Revolution : She knows that at one time small children
worked in the coal-pits and cotton mills, and that this practice is not
allowed now. ‘ There is a great deal more machinery used nowadays.’
She knows nothing of Oliver Cromwell, Wolsey, Watt, Owen.
There used to be a picture of Gladstone in her grandmother’s house.
She thinks that India is bigger than England, and that the chief
industries of England are coal and iron and farming. ‘ There are
hundreds of M.P.’s.’
Votes for Women appears to be just a vulgar catchword to her.
The House of Lords ‘ is in London.’
Conscription ; ‘ All ought to be treated alike.’
The Russian Revolution : She knows that there has been a rising
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 819
in Russia. She has no opinions as to State Education or as to the
Future of the Workers.
She remembers the King’s visit to Chesterfield, and thinks that‘ he
has a good time.’ ‘The Queen wears nice clothes and rides about
in a carriage; she does not have to work.’
Her newspaper reading is confined to the police court proceedings,
scandal, and snippy bits. She sees the Evening Star sometimes,
and likes to look for news of local soldiers.
Stated that the King and Parliament govern the country.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP,
She herself does not belong to a Trade Union, but she knows
something of the Miners’ Union, of which her brothers are members.
‘ She looks to Unions to get bigger wages and less work for the men,
and the Union will see that the poor colliers get plenty to eat.’ (This
in time of difficulty about supply of certain articles of food.) Appears
to think that colliers are the only people doing hard work, and that
they must have preferential treatment above all other classes of people.
‘ They will go on strike if they cannot get plenty of tea and butter
and meat. The Union will back them up.’
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
Her mother is a member of the Co-operative stores. She herself
knows nothing of the Movement. The ‘Co-op.’ is just ‘a shop
that has tickets.’
ADEQUACY FOR THE RIGHT USE oF LEISURE,
Has a low ideal as to right use of leisure. Never spends an
evening quietly at home if she can help it. She sews badly, and
will hardly take the trouble to mend ragged clothing. She never
knits or occupies herself with any handicraft. (Writes foolish letters
to several soldiers.) Prefers being in streets with a female friend of
like tastes and behaving badly—attracting the attention of men
(especially soldiers), making casual acquaintance with men, going to
cinemas, etc., getting presents of cheap jewellery, etc. Last Christmas
went home for two days, stayed a week, returned to place of service
defiant and insolent, had spent time in “‘ riotous living,” heavy meals,
foolish games, e.g., fortune telling, card playing ; had sat up all night
once to play cards. (Gay company, more than gambling, is the
attraction.) Likes dancing (horseplay style). Sensual, sexual pleasures
are chief appeal. Does not care to attend place of worship on Sundays !
Would like to ‘‘ enjoy herself,’’ i.e., have a life of idleness and pleasure,
if she were rich.
She would not care to goon theland. Shehas talked about joining
the W.A.A.C.’s (uniform and chance of being with soldiers being
chief attractions).
¢ -
820 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Love oF BEAUTY.
She professes to like music, but has low tastes. She used to go
to bands in the park for the sake of the company to be had there ;
did not listen much to the music. Her favourite songs are the latest
topical ones, the very sentimental and the vulgar. Plays no instru-
ment, and there is no piano in the iad Her brother has a gramo-
phone of the noisy “ braying ”
The condition of the home is pie All the family are rough and
careless in their table manners, do not mind if food is scattered or
wasted or spilled on cloth. She is not dainty in personal matters,
her bedroom is always untidy and strewn with dirty clothing. Wears
scanty, poor underclothing and ragged stockings; unbrushed_ hair ;
but likes fine clothes and hats “to walk out in.”
She has never been to any museum or art gallery. The ‘‘ Cinema
House ”’ (Sheffield) is the most handsome building she knows!
Her father used to work an allotment, but she has no interest in
work on the land. She has no appreciation of grand scenery.
She never reads poetry, and cannot name any play of Shakespeare.
She knows nothing of Milton, R. L. Stevenson, Wm. Morris,
Ruskin, Raphael, Turner, Beethoven, Sullivan, Chesterton, Shaw,
Wells, Arnold Bennett, Tolstoy, Maeterlinck, Goethe, Dante, Virgil,
Plato, Carpenter. Once heard Dickens’ Christmas, Carol at a concert.
Goes to the ‘ pictures’ preferably (because of chances for flirting)
——or music-halls or theatres—whenever she can get men (casual ac-
quaintances) to take her. She likes society films, depicting gay life
and extravagantly-dressed women or in a lesser degree very senti-
mental American style films—Mary Pickford, Ragged Princess, etc.
She is not,sensitive to impressions, and cinema has no marked
effect beyond fostering her taste for idleness and luxury (through
character of films).
: LovE oF TRUTH.
She does not use a library, and hardly ever reads a book,—an
occasional novelette, coarse or sentimental, and untrue to life.
She has never attended any classes or lectures since leaving school.
She has no interest in science. Knows that Columbus discovered
America, and has a hazy recollection of name of Edison; but she
knows nothing of Newton, Darwin, Spencer, Lodge, Aristotle,
Haeckel, or Huxley.
She is lazy in mind as in body, and has no desire to “ get at the
Truth.” In narrower sense, she is most untruthful and unscrupulous.
LovE or GooDNEss.
She is not an active member of any church or society. She was
baptized (Church of England) at Conisbro’ church; she has spoken
with some respect of a certain vicar she met (only person thus
respected). He was known as the “ Colliers’ Parson,” and “‘ got hold ”’
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 821
of the miners in a remarkable way. She went a little to a Primitive
Methodist Sundayschool as a child. Quite uncertain as to whether
she is “ church or chapel,” and is devoid of religious feeling. Pleased
to have memorial service for cousin killed in the War; she liked the
importance of it, religious sentiment absent. Emphatically, there
has been no “ conversion.”’ She is thoroughly selfish, and never does
anything for others; a very shallow nature, with no deep feelings or
convictions. Coarse and abusive at times, temper uncontrolled and
violent. Her only ambition is “to have a good time.’ Whilst
‘engaged ’’ to be married to a respectable man serving with the
army in France, she has no scruples about outrageous flirtations and
real unfaithfulness to him. She is not helpful to her parents. She
has no heroes or favourite characters in history, fiction, or real life
to-day. She is nominally a Christian without any real convictions.
. Thinks that ‘‘ Jesus Christ was a good man, who was kind to the poor
and cured people of disease.’’ It has not dawned upon her that He
might be Divine. ‘‘He had some men with Him called disciples.”
‘ Paul is in the New Testament,’ and ‘ Isaiah is in the Bible.’
‘ Pharaoh lived in Egypt and had to do with Israelites.’
‘ John the Baptist wore skins, and a girl danced and his head was
‘cut off.’ (Vague association with the Salome dance of notoriety.)
‘ Lazarus was raised from the dead.’
‘ Gospels in the Bible ’ (hazy).
As to Future Life, she appears to think that people will go to
Heaven, apparently as angels with wings; but has no clear ideas
as to what constitutes Heaven, or the mode of existence of the
inhabitants of Heaven. Displays no special interest in the subject.
She volunteers the information without shame, that her father
has given her good hidings because she chased about dark lanes at
night with lads, and was lazy and unhelpful at home. He told her
finally that he did not intend to support her in idleness any longer;
she then returned to domestic service, after a period of some months
at home. She is a great ‘“‘ romancer,’’ and also tells numerous straight
lies; she breaks promises without the slightest twinge of conscience,
and has no shame when her lying and misdeeds are discovered. She
was very rude, inconsiderate, and unkind to her elderly mistress,
who showed her nothing but kindness; she does not appreciate
kindness, mistakes it for weakness. She is very unthrifty. Neither
saves her money, nor spends it wisely. Her wages are “ frittered
away” on sweets and rubbish.
Notes on Miss BaTER’s LIFE-HISTORY.
She was born at Conisbro’, the fourth child of a family of seven,
of fairly decent parents. Her father (now deceased) was at first a
farm labourer, but became a collier in early adult life. He has tried
to restrain “‘ wild Ethel ’”’ by stern methods, when gentler ones failed.
He insisted on her pledging herself formally to the man in France.
He was not going to have her playing any more with respectable
22
822 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
men and making fools of them. The mother is more colourless and
easy going. It has always been a home of rough plenty, with a good
‘deal of waste. F
Family removed to Chesterfield on account of pit work, when she
was ten years old. She attended an elementary school until 13}
years old and reached Standard V. She was glad to get away from
‘school ; an irksome discipline simply endured ; had no love of learning
and has “‘ brought very little’ out of school. -After a period of
helping (?) at home she was maid at an hotel for a few months, then
at a private school for girls, and had various other short periods of
domestic service, remaining at home in idleness at intervals until
driven out by her exasperated father. Started really “‘ walking out”
at the age of fifteen. Was nursemaid in Worcester for eight months,
then, after home interval, was for four months housemaid in Sheffield.
Then a rapid exchange of situations. Bears bad character as a
domestic servant; only gets situations because of the great shortage
of maids and the consequent willingness of mistresses to “ take any-
thing.” Looks forward to marriage as a means of escape from work.
MISS MORNE.
[Written directly for publication by the helper.]
Aged 25; domestic servant and prostitute chiefly ; no fixed abode
‘(in prison at present).
ADEQUACY FOR HOME-LIFE,
Has never had a home in the sense of living ordinary family life
‘except for five years spent in Poor Law Cottage Homes, the best
substitute available under the circumstances, and much better as
regards training, affection, etc., than many real households. She
has no clear recollection of her parents, and has shown no matemal
affection (as it might be exhibited in provision and care for its
“welfare) towards her .baby-boy.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WorRK.
A big, strong, healthy, young woman, quite fit and capable of
doing the ordinary domestic work for which she was trained in the
Cottage Homes. She is capable of doing it fairly well, when she is
inclined to do her best. She is also quite able to earn her living
at the simple kinds of industrial (factory) work she has done from
time to time. She is not stupid, but very lazy, dishonest, and un-
truthful, immoral, and with no sense of responsibility, which faults
of character tend to make her unsatisfactory to any employer. Her
restlessness and love of change cause her to leave her employment
after a short period, even if she is not dismissed for. grave cause.
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 823
ADEQUACY FOR LocaL AND NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She has no interest in the government of the city or country beyond
her interest in the police force, due to her coming in contact with
various members of the same, owing to her frequent breaches of the
law of the land. She has a certain knowledge (from the inside) of
the working of the Poor Law, owing to her five years’ sojourn in the
Cottage Homes and her sojourn in the Maternity Ward, and the
ordinary able-bodied sections of at least two other workhouses.
Magna Carta associated with King John. Has heard of the
Battle of Hastings at school. She has heard of the French Revolution,
and knows of Napoleon because she once went to the play The Royal
Divorce. Watt invented the steam engine. ‘There are a great
many M.P.s.’ She has no ideas or opinions on such matters as Home
Rule or Protection. She has no interest in State Education, beyond
her unavoidable endurance of it during school life. ‘ King George
rules over England, his wife is Queen Mary, and they have one daughter
and several sons. Kings and Queens have a good time and plenty
of fun.’
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION AND CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
Did not join the National Federation of Women Workers when
employed at a works where many of the employees were members ;
probably stayed too short a time to get into touch with organizer.
Then, too, does not look upon her work as a thing of permanent
interest and importance to herself.
Knows nothing about Co-operation.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut User oF LEISURE.
Likes gay life and excitement, music-halls, lounges of smart
hotels, expensive food and drink. Fond of alcohol, all ‘ pleasures of
the flesh.’ Likes picture houses or any pleasure resorts to which she
is taken by the men who are her clients.
Lover or BEAUTY.
Says she likes a good band, actually the noise and the ‘ environ-
ment’ of the band give her pleasure. She finds beauty apparently
in the braying of the class of gramophone found in public-houses,
her taste not rising above the ordinary topical song of a coarse and
vulgar character. Likes to be gaily and smartly dressed (part of
her stock-in-trade or war-paint), but is not dainty and clean in her
person. It is all top show. Her taste is crude and showy. Her
abundant yellow hair is dressed ‘bird’s nest’ style, and her high
colouring, accentuated by ‘aids to beauty,’ giving a bold, handsome
effect.
Lovre oF TRUTH.
Cannot find that she reads anything beyond an occasional novelette
of the improbable, sensational variety, and certain little books of a
324 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
vile character, the latter only to a small extent. She knows that
Columbus discovered America, but has no knowledge of Huxley,.
Haeckel, etc.
LovE oF GOODNESS,
(See Life-history.) Her mother’s creed was stated to be Roman
Catholic. So Miss M. was brought up in that faith during her residence
at the Cottage Homes, when she should have received thorough
grounding and teaching as to her religion. She soon fell away from
the practices of her’ faith after going out to work, and is notorious
for the clever way in which she can assume different religions (like
a cloak) when such a course is likely to bring her material advantage.
Her “‘ creed ”’ has been that of Church of England, Wesleyan, Salvation
Army, and other Protestant forms of Dissent as it has been possible
to exploit the adherents of the various Christian bodies and to get
help from. them. No love of goodness is perceptible. There is no
sense of gratitude; she has time after time preyed on other people
and taken advantage of their kindness and generosity.
NotEs on Miss Morne’s LIFE-HISTORY.
She attended elementary school regularly up to the age of fourteen,
reaching Standard VI. She was born in Liverpool. Her father was
a carpenter .(thriftless and drunken). The family came to Yorkshire,
and after drifting about the county came into a workhouse, destitute,
in 1898, she being seven and her brothers four and two years old. In
1907, at the age of sixteen, she was placed out as a domestic servant in a
Midland town. After-care and supervision on the part of the Poor Law
authorities and of the Roman Catholic body were perhaps somewhat
inadequate, but she was an extremely difficult character. She stayed
a short time only in this situation, and soon made her way to Sheffield.
(Her own story as to her industrial career and the treatment meted
out to her by the various employers is not reliable.) From 1907 to
1915 she had various ‘‘ short employments” in unskilled factory |
work or in domestic service, but during most of that period.she was
a prostitute, frequenting the streets in the centre of Sheffield, having
alternation of luxury and poverty. Sometimes she was taken about
by rich young men (during the War she has been a good deal in the
company of army officers), given hotel dinners, taken to music halls
and picture houses, frequented hotel lounges, etc. The “ treating,”
of course, varied with the social status of the client, but she always
expected to get a certain amount of “ gaiety ” out of the transaction.
On several occasions kind, religious people have been interested in
her case, and she has taken advantage of their kindness for her own
ends. There is no evidence whatever of any genuine desire (however
fleeting) to lead a better life, no sign of repentance. She has been
an inmate of a ‘‘ Protestant Undenominational Home’”’ (posing as a
Wesleyan), of a Salvation Army Rescue Home, where she professed
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 825
to have been truly converted to Salvation Army doctrines. The
same applies to a short sojourn in a High Church Institution. The
stay has always been short, and the end has been associated with
cheating and disgrace. Late in 1914 she made the acquaintance
of a young man, with whom for séveral months ‘ off and on’ she
lived. As a result she was confined of a boy. She tried to get the
baby adopted by various people, passing herself off as a member
of this, that, or the other church, but in this effort she failed,
The guardians obtained an affiliation order against the “ putative
father” on behalf of the baby boy (3s. weekly); the man disap-
peared promptly, and js said to be in the army, so the. order has
been of little value. Early in 1917 she placed the boy in a very
unsatisfactory home as a nurse child, and obtained work ‘“‘ on. muni-
tions ” at a wage of 30s. weekly, at the same time reverting to her
“gay life’? in the evening. She did not keep her work long; she
may have had short periods of honest employment during 1917, but
I think it unlikely ; during this time she was one of the best known
girls on the Leopold Street, Fargate, Cinema House, and Grand
Hotel “run,” and became quite “ fashionable ” in a certain set. The
Infant Protection Visitor was obliged to complain about the unsatis-
factory conditions under which the baby boy was living. Her small
payment to the foster-mother ceased, and she herself was of ‘‘ unknown
address,” constituting desertion of the child. A warrant was issued
for her apprehension ; she got to know of this, and obtained admission
to Union Workhouse, bringing the child with her. She gave her
creed as Church of England; certain Roman Catholic philanthro-
pists now became interested in her, it being discovered that she
had been brought up in that faith. The Guardians made enquiries
as to a Roman Catholic institution to which she could be admitted
with her child, she now asserting an “ earnest desire for amendment.”
Difficulties arose owing to the child being beyond infancy, and her
previous record not inspiring confidence. Negotiations were still
pending when she left the Workhouse in March, taking her child with
her. She at once made her way to the house of a woman whom she
knew, “borrowed 7s. 6d.” on pretence of redeeming her boots from
pawn, and asked and obtained permission to leave the child with the
woman ‘for an hour.’ She failed to return, and in a few days the
child was re-admitted to the Workhouse.
She next went to kind working people and obtained a night’s
shelter, ‘“‘ borrowed’ a complete outfit of decent clothes worth at
least £5 to have her photograph taken, obtained 5s. from a young
servant by means of a lying tale, and vanished. She went to various
other houses, induced the people to take her as a lodger, at the end
of the first week excused herself from payment ‘as her works were
keeping a week’s wages in hand.’ Before the end of the next week
she disappeared, to repeat the performance elsewhere, Early in May
she got a position as “ day-girl ” at a public-house through a Registry
Office! ! Within a few days she went off with £5 and some jewellery.
826 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
She was arrested for this offence, and is now serving a sentence of
‘several months’ imprisonment. The child is legally adopted by the
Guardians, so that it may have a chance of a decent upbringing
away from the mother.
‘ Heredity ’ may account for certain traits in this character, and
have been too powerful for ‘ environment.’
Communicated later : Miss Morne is allowing herself to be rescued
for the nth time. The Roman Catholic prison visitor writes that
she is ‘ truly penitent,’ and ‘ will go to a good situation on leaving
the gaol in a few weeks’ time.’
MRS. JODDER.
Aged 27; housewife ; lives with husband and children.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
“She is not fond of her home in any way.” ‘It is fearfully
dirty at all times.” ‘‘ She shows very little love for either husband
or children.” ‘A most careless and neglectful mother.” “A
drunken and unfaithful wife.’’ ‘She dislikes her home because it
is a responsibility, and she does not wish to have any such thing as
responsibility.”
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WORK.
** She is quite fit for work, but she is not doing work of any kind,
not even keeping her home clean.” Drink, laziness, and immorality
militate against her efficiency. ;
ADEQUACY FOR LocAL AND NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She reads the Evening Star ‘‘ very occasionally,’” and then not
for any information that would equip her for her civic duties. She
is quite unfit in every way to undertake any share of the communal
responsibilities.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION AND CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
Trade Unionism and Co-operation are entirely outside her world.
ADEQUACY FOR THE RicHT UsE oF LEISURE.
Her hobbies are gossiping and drinking.
Saturday afternoon: ‘‘ Going from one public-house to another
to get as much drink as possible, then to bed to sleep until the opening
time again.”
Sunday : ‘‘ In the public-houses when they are open.” |
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 327
Evenings: “On August 28, 1918, I traced her from 6 p.m. to
9.30 p.m. She visited no less than seven different public-houses,
where she obtained drink.”
Love oF BEAUTY.
She likes ‘public-house music: ‘‘ vamping on piano and any person
gets up to sing.”
“Does the condition of hey home indicate a Love of Beauty?”
“No.” “ The furniture of the living-room consists of an old table
and two broken chairs.” ‘‘She is most neglectful of her home.’”
“‘She herself is a disgusting sight to see.” __
She goes to the ‘pictures’ sometimes, to the music hall very
seldom.
' Love or TRUTH.
She loves the other thing ! :
LovE oF GooDNEss.
““My personal impression is that she is hopeless. She does not
seem to be able to stand firm for an hour at atime. She will promise
to do better every time you meet her, but every time she is back in
the old ruts again before the day is over.”
She gets her greatest pleasure from drinking and ‘ men.’
Notes on Mrs, JoDDER’s LIFE-HISTORY.
“Her parents seem to have been pretty respectable, though poor
and uneducated working-class folk. She attended church schools
and learnt to read fairly well.
«At eighteen years of age she was married; within a very few
weeks her baby was born.
«‘She was always in a muddle and dirty, always just going to do
the thing one suggested, but still always in the same state.
‘‘She was sent into the works as soon as ever she was allowed to
leave school. She was employed as a buffer. She gave up for a time
after her marriage, then went out again for a short time. Finally
preferred to stay at home.
“At the beginning of the war, the husband of Mrs. Jodder was
called up for the army. He left Mrs. Jodder and her four children in
a fairly decent house in a decent neighbourhood. When her husband
had gone she began to go out at nights and leave the children in the
house alone. Later she went out for a great part of the day, and left
the children to run about the streets until she returned. The children
were frightfully neglected; they did not get their food prepared for
them. Most days they were given one penny each to buy anything
they liked for dinner. They must either eat it in the shop or in the
street. Their bodies were badly nourished, their clothing filthy,
their skin shiny with the dirt grafted in. Their heads were full of
828 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
vermin, also their clothing. They slept in the clothes they wore in
the day to keep them warm. There was one bedstead on which they
all slept with the mother. The only covering was two filthy old
coats. Mrs. Jodder was an awful sight—her hair was a living, moving
mass of vermin, her flesh indescribably filthy.
Day after day she went sitting in public-houses with other women’s
husbands, and returning home after closing time to the children, who
were sitting on the doorstep waiting for her. Time after time she pro-
mised to do better. She did not pay her rent for months. In the end
the landlord served an ejectment order. She promised faithfully she
would try, if he could get her another chance. I went to see the
landlord and begged him to just try her once more, and I would keep
an eye on her. He gave her the chance. For about six weeks she
paid her rent with an extra 6d. for arrears. Then once again she
went off into the old ruts. This time she was ejected, and had to be
taken in for the sake of the children by a good-hearted woman near by.
A few months later a house was obtained for her. This time she
promised to do her very best, saying that losing her home would be
a lesson to her to keep straight.
For a time she went fairly well. Cleaned the home through, and
bought two chairs. Once again she began to drink and leave the
children. In September, 1917, her husband came home from France
on ten days’ leave. He found her with another man. When they
got home he thrashed her unmercifully, so much so that she was
unable to get out of bed for four days.
When her husband returned to France she began to meet this
man again, and to go out and sit in public-houses with him, all the
time her children, her home, and herself getting much worse.
Finally, the children were so very verminous and neglected that
they were removed from their home and their mother to a place of
safety. Mrs. Jodder was served with a summons to appear for the
neglect of her children. She was sentenced to two months’ hard
labour.”
MRS. PARTERSCUE,
Aged 46; housewife and hawker; living with husband and one
child.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE
Her home is a disgrace to her: “It has tour walls and a roof,
and is hers, and that is about all, I think.” ‘‘ Does she like to spend
her evenings at home?’ ‘‘ Would prefer the public-house.” ‘‘ Cleans
her home now and then, but generally makes her daughter, aged
thirteen and delicate, do it.” ‘‘ What sort of mother does she make ?”’
‘Careless, but fairly kind, I think.” ‘‘ What sort of wife does she
make?” ‘She does nothing to make her husband comfortable.”
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED . 829
The girl is very delicate, but her mother is taking her away from
school and putting her to work at a place where she will have to do
indoor work from eight to seven, though the doctor has told her she
must be in the open.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WoRK.
Though physically fit, “ doesn’t like work at all.’’ Her love of
drink militates against her industrial efficiency.
ApDEQuACY FOR LocAL CITIZENSHIP.
She is totally unfitted for local citizenship. She knows nothing
whatever about civic matters in Sheffield; she does not even know
where the University is. She has never been out of Sheffield. ‘‘ She
has no power of thinking a thing out at all.”
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
She thinks the King governs England; that was the extent of
the political knowledge that could be elicited from her. She never
reads any papers. She is entirely ignorant about history, geography,
economics, etc.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
She knows nothing whatever about Trade Unionism, and is quite
unfit for membership.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut UsE or LEIsuRE;
Free afternoons : ‘‘ Gossiping.”’
Sunday : ‘‘ Cleans up and gossips.”
The evenings of an ordinary week she spent as follows :—
Monday : ‘‘ Got in at two o’clock, had a sleep, got husband’s tea,
did washing.” ‘
Tuesday; ‘‘ Hawking all day; cooked evening meal; went to
bed early.” ‘
Wednesday : ‘‘ Hawking ; cleared up a bit.”
Thursday : “‘ Same.”
Friday: ‘“‘Got home early; slept; helped girl clean bedroom.”
Saturday : ‘‘ Shopped and got drunk.”
Sunday: ‘‘Gossiped; went to outdoor meeting on the spur of
the moment, because she happened to see a crowd.”
“What would she do if rich enough to do as she liked?” “‘ Drink
like a fish, and buy plenty of food and clothes.”
“ Would -she like to go back to the land?” “‘ Quite satisfied where
she is.”
Love oF BEauty.
“Will listen to music if it is there, but never wants to hear it.
Enjoys a rag-time or a hymn equally.” She does not care at all
we
330 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
about the condition of either her home or herself. She knows nothing
whatever about English literature.
“She will go fairly often on a Saturday night to the picture-
show ; likes sentimental films, and talked volubly about the charm
of a picture she saw when she was intoxicated. She never goes
to the music hall or theatre.”
Love oF TRUTH.
She has no books, and is scarcely able to read. She is hopelessly
ignorant.
LovE of GoopnEss.
‘She is happy-go-lucky; kind hearted if being kind does not
affect herself adversely ; very sentimental or maudlin; has a good
spot somewhere, as she is passionately fond of babies (who will always
go to her). It is difficult to know what she really is, as she always
says the thing she thinks you want her to say. She is very slack,
never makes any effort, is quite content to take things as they come.”
She has no ambition whatever. She gets her greatest pleasure
from drink. She never goes to any religious service. She thinks
“ nothing ” of Christianity.
Notes oN Mrs. PARTERSCUE’S LIFE-HISTORY.
“Went to council school * oft and on,’ starting work in a factory
at fourteen.”
“Her father was in a steel works. She was one of a large family,
and they were allowed to do pretty much as they liked.”
MRS. ETCHLEY.
Aged 55; housewife, also minds children for money; lives with
husband and children.
ADEQUACY FOR HOME-LIFE.
“ Does the condition of the home reflect credit on hey?” “ Em-
phatically No.”
“' She is not worthy of the name of wife or mother.” ‘‘ She thinks
the home is a great tie to any woman’s freedom, and prefers to get
away from it when possible.”
She is not punctual, nor regular, nor industrious, nor efficient.
Her drinking and gambling render her totally unfit to have charge
of a home.
Aprquacy FoR Loca CITIZENSHIP.
She knew the names of the present lord mayor and of two of the
councillors. She knew apparently nothing else about the history
}
a ee os
STUDIES OF THE MAL-EQUIPPED 831
and present condition of Shefficld that would help her to vote
intelligently.
She has never been in any other town, and does not want to.
' ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP.
Her politics are ‘‘ Nit,” “‘ because she is incapable of thinking
anything out, reads only the racing and betting news in the papers,
and because she is entirely ignorant of English history, of industrial
conditions, etc.’ She volunteered the opinion that the King ‘ought
to be made to go and work for his living,’ but could not be got to
express any other political opinion.
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP.
She says a Trade Union is ‘a dodge to get money out of working-
people.’ She knows nothing about the Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
She does not deal at the ‘ Stores,’ and is entirely ignorant of the
Movement.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricut UsE or LEISURE.
She makes for herself far more ‘leisure’ than ‘ work,’ and she
uses it to gossip and loaf, to visit the picture palace and the music
hall, to gamble and to drink.
Love oF BEAuTY.
She likes public-house singing, but does not show interest in any
other kind of music.
The furniture in her living-room consists of two old broken tables,
one broken sofa absolutely devoid of padding, and three old chairs ;
the home is in a shocking condition of neglect, and ‘“‘she will
not do any housework if she can get away from it.’ She is very
slovenly in her own appearance. She thinks Sheffield ‘ quite all
right as it is.’
She knows absolutely nothing of Shakespeare or any other
English writer.
She goes to the ‘ pictures’ ‘‘ whenever she can,”’ and is very fond
of melodrama, Charlie Chaplin, etc. She also goes frequently to
the music hall.
LovE oF TRUTH.
She has no books (‘‘ except the books for weekly payments ”’)
in her house, and reads nothing except the betting and racing in
the paper. The Early Bird is her Bible.
She said Edison ‘ made records for phonographs’. That was the
extent of her scientific knowledge,
832 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
Love or GoopDNEss.
Her greatest pleasures are “eating, drinking, gambling.” She
is quite indifferent to the churches and religion, etc.
Notes on Mrs. ETcuiey’s LIFE-HISTORY.
“She was the illegitimate child of two worthless characters (both
working-class). She lived mostly with her mother’s aunt, who had
no idea of education. She went to school very little indeed, and had
to go out very young to earn a few coppers by washing steps, cleaning
knives, etc.”
‘When old enough to go into the works she began by running
errands ; then she was taught the trade of “‘ buffer,’’ which she con-
tinued for many years. At the age of eighteen she had an illegitimate
daughter. At the age of twenty-one she married, and has had fifteen
children. Of the eleven now living, there is not one a reputable
citizen ; ‘‘ all their homes are very neglected ; every one of them is
living an intemperate and immoral life.”
MRS, SHEPMAN.
[Written directly for publication by the helper.)
A widow, aged —, living in lodgings on her old age pension and
a small charity allowance.
ADEQUACY FOR HoME-LIFE.
She appears to have had some (physical ?) affection for her late
husband, and speaks regretfully of her only child, who died in infancy.
She would probably have been a better woman if she had had children
and areal home. She was on good terms with an elderly single brother,
who shared her lodgings for a short time before his death five years
ago.
ADEQUACY FOR WAGE-EARNING WorK.
She is now in poor health, but was active and alert for her years
until recently. She was a skilled high-class cook, and quite capable
of taking charge of a household run on “ old-fashioned gentle-people ”’
lines. (Reasonable economy she describes as ‘ meanness.’) Up to
eight or ten years ago she took supply work as a cook, and was usually
satisfactory for a time; but her weakness for alcohol made her an
uncertain quantity. She would like to be caretaker for a London
town house in the absence of the “family” in the country, and
has expectations of being housekeeper to ‘‘ two bachelor gentlemen ”
(male Mrs. Harrises), who are going to take a house and want her
to be their housekeeper. In the meantime a little pecuniary assist-
ance would be acceptable, etc. ‘‘I shall need some better clothes
than these as a housekeeper—not what I have been accustomed to
wearing—if there is a black dress that you are not needing (warding
STUDIES OF THE MAL- IPPED 333
aside of the protest that one’s garments are not of a style to suit Mrs.
Shepman). ‘ Now, if you were to write to one of the “ young ladies,”
Lady So-and-so, or the Hon. Mrs. Dash (they must now be aged at
least sixty), and just explain to them how I am fixed, I am sure they
would help me just till I get settled in the situation, and send me
some clothes.’
When about seventy-one she was employed for a time as children’s
caretaker (daily) by a Jewish tailoress, and presented a curious spec-
tacle as she gravely pushed the ‘ pram.’ and tried to control the
excursions of the two older children. ‘‘ Not what I have been used
to, of course, but she is not a bad sort of woman for a person in that
class of life.’’
Then she shared lodgings for about six months with an ignorant
old woman, who was employed by others to perform illegal opera-
tions. Mrs. Shepman was undoubtedly concerned in these doings,
but she was a spectacle of outraged, insulted innocence when ques-
tioned as to her share in the matter. ‘‘ I know nothing about such
things. I have heard of them being done in days gone by, but
nowadays, oh no! Shocking, shocking.’’ She was kind to her poor
old housemate, and nursed nee tenderly, defying the ‘ police who came
to arrest a dying woman.’
AprEQuacy FoR LocaL CITIZENSHIP.
She has no idea as to the probable population of Sheffield in 1917.
‘It was much smaller in 1817,’
She knows nothing of local government or of the University and
other educational agencies.
She has lived in high-class domestic service in Wiltshire, Norfolk,
Suffolk, and various parts of Yorkshire, with regular visits to London
for the ‘‘season.”” After marriage she lived for some time in Suffolk,
then spent ten years in South Africa.
She likes best the life of the servants’ hall in big houses, prefer-
ably in the West End of London.
ADEQUACY FOR NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP;
She is Conservative in politics. She has a fair knowledge of
English history, but her memory is failing rather badly.
India is‘a very big country.’
Socialists are ‘a wicked people, who want to blow up the King
with bombs as the Russians did their Tsar.’ (She is referring to
events of about forty years ago.) She has an old-fashioned reverence
for the King and Royal Family.
She does not ‘hold with’ modern State Education (she herself
had a good, old-style education) ; she still writes an excellent hand,
and can compose a properly-expressed letter.
' She enjoys reading the Sheffield Telegraph, but really prefers the
Morning Post (rarely seen now) because of the society news.
834 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE WORKERS
ADEQUACY FOR TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP AND CO-OPERATIVE
MEMBERSHIP,
She has no knowledge of, or interest in, Trade Unionism or Co-
operation.
ADEQUACY FOR THE Ricur Use or LEIsurRE.
She reads a little, chiefly old-fashioned novels. Her fingers are
now too stiff with rheumatism for her to do crochet and knitting—
former pastimes.
She sometimes visits the Free Library to see the illustrated papers,
She has no great appreciation of music or pictorial art.
Her appearance is quaint ; emphatically she has seen better days
—an upper servant, who has come down in the world.
Her room used to be clean and orderly, but she has grown rather
careless with increasing age and infirmity.
-Milton ‘wrote Paradise Lost,’ Dickens ‘ wrote Pickwick Papers
and other books.’
She knows nothing of Stevenson, Morris, Ruskin, Raphael, Turner,
Beethoven, Sullivan, Chesterton, Shaw, Wells, Bennett, Tolstoy,
Maeterlinck, Goethe, Dante, Virgil, Plato, or Edward Carpenter.
She has occasionally visited the ‘ pictures’ when funds allowed.
She likes best films of society life, which remind her of her young days.
She used to like ‘‘ dramas ” at the theatre, but has not been for years.
LovE or TRUTH.
She has only about half-a-dozen books—nothing of value. Her
possessions have decreased and been dispersed in her various
“ flittings ’’? and vicissitudes of fortune.
She has no knowledge of scientific research, etc.
LovE or GOODNESS,
She has been Church of England ‘all her life.’ It is purely
a conventional religion. She has no deep convictions, but a flow of
religious talk is available if she is encouraged.
Noztrs on Mrs. SHEPMAN’s LIFE-HISTORY.
She was born at Oughtibridge, and attended the village school
until fourteen or fifteen years of age. Her parents were in comfort-
able circumstances—her father being farm bailiff. She went into
high-class domestic service, gradually rising to a well-paid position
as cook (with many perquisites) in county families. When about
thirty-five she married the ‘‘ family ’’ baker, She had only one child,
that died in infancy. Unfortunately both she and her husband took
to drink and dishonest dealing, and finally went to South Africa under
a cloud.