an his
missionary work among the Gipsies at Southampton, and for a while did
well; but in course of time, owing to the Gipsies moving about, as in the
case of "Our Canal Population," the work dwindled down and down, till
there is not a vestige of this good man's efforts to be seen. About the
same time that Crabb was at work among the Gipsies missionary efforts
were put in motion to improve the canal-boatmen, and mission stations
were established at Newark, Stoke-on-Trent, Aylesbury, Oxford,
Birmingham, and other places, but fared the same fate as the missionary
effort of Crabb and others among the Gipsies. Fifty years ago railways
were opened, which gave an impetus to trade never experienced before.
Fifty years ago the preaching of Bourne and Clowes was causing
considerable excitement in the country. Nearly fifty years ago witnessed
the passing of the Reform Bill, and the Factory Act received the Royal
signature. Forty years have passed away since George Borrow's missionary
efforts among the Gipsies were prominently before the public, which, sad
to say, shared the fate of Crabb's, Hoyland's, Roberts', and Raper's.
From that day till now, except the spasmodic efforts of a clergyman here
and there, or some other kind-hearted friend, these 20,000 poor slighted
outcasts have been left to themselves to sink or swim as they thought
well. The only man, except the dramatist and novelist, who has seemed to
notice them has been the policeman, and his vigilant eye and staff have
been used to drive them from their camping-ground from time to time, and
thus--if possible--made their lives more miserable, and created within
them deeper-seated revenge, owing to the way in which they are carrying
out the Enclosures Act. All missionary efforts put forth to improve the
condition of the factory operative and canal-boatmen, previous to the
passing of the Factory Act, nearly fifty years since, and the Canal Boats
Act of 1877, were fruitless and unprofitable. The passing of the Factory
Act has done more for the children in one year than all the missionaries
in the kingdom could have done in their lifetime. Similar results are
the outcome of the Brickyard Act of 1871, as touching the welfare of the
children. And so in like manner it will be with the Canal Boats Act when
properly carried out, the canal-boat children of to-day, in fifty years
hence, will be equal to other working classes. From the days of Hoyland,
and Borrow, and Crabb,