White Slaves: The Oppressions of the Worthy Poor

This volume had its origin in experiences in the daily duties of a city pastorate. The inadequate wages received by some of my own congregation, and the impoverished and unhealthy surroundings of many who came for me to christen their children, pray with their sick, or bury their dead, so aroused my sympathy for the victims, and my indignation against the cruel or indifferent causes of their misery, that I determined upon a thorough and systematic investigation of the conditions of life among the worthy Boston poor. By the word "worthy" I do not mean to indicate saints, but the poor people of the city who are willing and anxious to exchange honest hard work for their support. I have tried--to make a plea for justice on behalf of the crushed, and often forgotten, victims of greed, who work and starve in their cellars and garrets rather than beg or steal.