CONTENTS

CHAP. PAGE
INTRODUCTION[ix]
REFERENCES[xv]
[I.]PAST AND PRESENT[1]
[II.]THE ANCIENTS AND THE DEBTOR[20]
[III.]OF IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT IN ENGLAND[36]
[IV.]HOW THE MACHINE WORKS[58]
[V.]WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION[76]
[VI.]BANKRUPTCY[106]
[VII.]DIVORCE[125]
[VIII.]FLAT-TRAPS AND THEIR VICTIMS[152]
[IX.]POVERTY AND PROCEDURE[172]
[X.]CRIME AND PUNISHMENT[189]
[XI.]THE POLICE COURT[213]
[XII.]LANDLORD AND TENANT[233]
[XIII.]THE TWO PUBLIC HOUSES: I. THE ALEHOUSE[252]
[XIV.]THE TWO PUBLIC HOUSES: II. THE WORKHOUSE[271]
[XV.]REMEDIES OF TO-DAY[285]
[XVI.]REMEDIES OF TO-MORROW[299]
INDEX[311]


INTRODUCTION

“But, say what you like, our Queen reigns over the greatest nation that ever existed.”

“Which nation?” asked the younger stranger, “for she reigns over two.”

The stranger paused; Egremont was silent, but looked inquiringly.

“Yes,” resumed the stranger after a moment’s interval. “Two nations; between whom there is no intercourse and no sympathy; who are as ignorant of each other’s habits, thoughts, and feelings, as if they were dwellers in different zones, or inhabitants of different planets; who are formed by a different breeding, are fed by a different food, are ordered by different manners, and are not governed by the same laws.”