W. T. Cosgrave - People reared in workhouses, as you are aware, are no great acquisition to

People reared in workhouses, as you are aware, are no great acquisition to the community and they have no ideas whatsoever of civic responsibilities. As a rule their highest aim is to live at the expense of the ratepayers. Consequently, it would be a decided gain if they all took it into their heads to emigrate. When they go abroad they are thrown on their own responsibilities and have to work whether they like it or not.

- W. T. Cosgrave

topic: Responsibility, Ideas, People, Workhouses, Civic Responsibility