The maximum number of infractions of the Vagrant Act took place in 1858, when the harmful consequences of the rise in the price of grain, which took place immediately before, were still making themselves felt. The increase in 1861–1862 was the result of the high price of wheat, and of the crisis in the cotton industry. [[46]]

France.

Years. Arrests in the Department of the Seine to 100,000 of the Population. Average Price of Grain per Hectolitre.
1855 1222 fr. 29.37
1856 1170 30.22
1857 1169 23.83
1858 1154 16.44
1859 1008 16.69
1860 1074 20.41
1861 1128 24.25
1862 1250 23.24
1863 1133 19.78
1864 1158 17.58

Here also the influence of price makes itself felt.

The following table gives the number of persons arrested in the department of the Seine, grouped according to the alleged crimes, and compared with the price of wheat. Group I contains offenses against the public order; Group II, offenses against persons; Group III, offenses against morals; group IV, offenses against property; Group V, miscellaneous. Taking 100 as the average figure for the price of grain as well as for crimes in the economically favorable years 1858–59, the proportion is as follows:

Years.Price of Wheat.I.II.III.IV.V.Total.
Total.For Vagabondage.For Mendicity.Total.For Assault.[14] Total.Simple Theft.
1855 178 128 122 148 76 72 100 102 116 106 113
1856 182 117 118 114 81 80 104 106 121 92 108
1857 144 119 127 117 82 81 98 101 114 100 108
1860 123 96 90 134 103 106 100 110 123 80 99
1861 146 95 99 105 95 96 131 116 124 103 104
1862 140 120 128 147 94 98 108 116 131 108 116
1863 119 112 119 186 90 94 92 101 114 97 105
1864 106 115 124 176 84 87 85 111 123 84 107

[[47]]

Here it is to be observed:

a. that the movement of mendicity and vagrancy is not in direct correlation with that of the price of grain.

b. that Group IV shows only a slight correlation with the price of grain, since there are included in it many crimes whose causes are not of an economic nature.