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Tales of distress still form the staple of our domestic

intelli- gence. The Police courts have been almost exclusively occupied during the week with the relief of destitution. The flow of money to this end is still free, but there is a reaction observ- able against almsgiving. Too much of the sum bestowed has, it is said, gone to foster idleness ; and entire trades, markedly journeymen plumbers, are accused of avoiding work when it is to be obtained. The accusation is probably unjust ; all trades having borne their sufferings with a singular patience and absence of irritation. But the statement marks a recoil in public opinion, which will probably increase the disposition to amend the working of the Poor-law in the great towns.

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