" Zrbe lopettator," December 1, 1849 Witerra sets in betimes,
dark and sharp, the icy frost followed by cold' drizzling rains, the cold by " muggy " gloom ; and the social prospect is almost as gloomy as the atmosphere. Some weeks before Christmas, the ground has been hardened by an iron frost, threatening a severe and protracted season. That means discomfort for all classes, but misery for the poor—made to taste at such times the fortitude of absolute help- lessness. It has come out this week that all the Metropolitan Poor-law districts, except the- City of London Union, have refused to provi:le asylums for the "casual " poor under Sir lames Graham's Act. In the Factory districts, although trade is " dull." there is some hope for the people, because stocks are low, and the first favourable reaction will bat felt effectively. But the iron-workers of Liverpool are making arrange- ments to support their fellows thrown out of work by reduction of wages and employment on railways. And in the agricultural districts the worst forebodings are held out.
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