Such appears to have been, in all ages, the Confucian economy.
I borrow the following facts from a modern economist:-- "Since the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, England has been preyed upon by pauperism.

At that time beggars were punished by law." Nevertheless, she had not one-fourth as large a population as she has to-day.
"Edward prohibits alms-giving, on pain of imprisonment....

The laws of 1547 and 1656 prescribe a like punishment, in case of a second offence.
Elizabeth orders that each parish shall support its own paupers.

But what is a pauper?
Charles II.

decides that an UNDISPUTED residence of forty days constitutes a settlement in a parish; but, if disputed, the new-comer is forced to pack off.