In 1881 no less than one in ten of the total recorded deaths took place in workhouses, public hospitals, and lunatic asylums.

In London the proportion is much greater and has increased during recent years.

In 1901 out of 78,229 deaths in London, 13,009 took place in workhouses, 10,643 in public hospitals, and 349 in public asylums, making a total of 24,001.

Comparing these figures with the total number of deaths, we find that in the richest city of the world 32.5 per cent., or one in three of the inhabitants, dies dependent on public charity.

This estimate does not include those in receipt of outdoor relief.