Tramps and beggars, take cover!

We have learned from a reliable source that members of the Sovereign Council are preparing a text that should bring some order to our town.

Everyone knows that when we first settled this country, everyone had to be able to provide for their own needs or be taken in charge by their parents. Now, our society is very similar to any other: it produces its sick, its infirm and its poor. Some, more daring than others, have taken to slouching along the streets and paths and begging from passers-by.

The ruling, which will be published August 31, forbids this activity. Genuine tramps and beggars who are not from Québec must return to live in their homes within eight days. They must endeavour to cultivate their land and develop it in order to produce the wherewithal to support themselves. Finally, those who wish to assist beggars and tramps by giving them alms will be hit with a fine of 10 livres.

This will help them lose the taste for supporting idleness !

Illustration: Charles Huot, Musée du Québec.