This looks like the eagerness of hunger.

I was told that they often deliver 3000 quarts of soup at this kitchen in two hours.

The superintendent of the bread department informed me that, on that morning, he had served out two thousand loaves, of 3lb.11oz.each.There was a window at one end, where soup was delivered to such as brought money for it instead of tickets.

Those who came with tickets--by far the greatest number-- had to pass in single file through a strong wooden maze, which restrained their eagerness, and compelled them to order.

I noticed that only a small proportion of men went through the maze; they were mostly women and children.