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DOCUMENT 21
RESOLUTION TO REMOVE BEGGARS FROM THE STREETS
May 23, 1881

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Explanation

In its annual report to the city council the Chicago Relief and Aid Society stated that for the period October 31, 1880-October 31, 1881 it had expended $40,251 to provide for the poor. Its distributions were given as follows:

NATIONALITIES	FAMILIES	NUMBERS OF CHILDREN IN FAMILIES
Irish	612	3,165
German	574	2,890
American	463	1,865
Scandinavian	312	1,331
English	204	781
Scotch	86	358
French	79	362
Bohemian	68	278
Polish	42	254
Italian	28	131
Other	14	64
TOTAL	2,482	11,479

In its conclusion the relief agency wrote, “the great problem before this and all kindred organizations is, how to so conduct its work as to meet all worthy demands and at the same time not foster the spirit of shiftlessness and dependence.”

Points to Consider

What is a mendicant?

Why were beggars offensive to businesses?

Which agencies were providing relief to the poor of Chicago at this time?

Is begging currently legal on the streets of Chicago? Does it occur? Should it be allowed?

See Related Document:  42

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