Begging in America, 1850-1940

The poverty that drives people to begging has been a pressing social issue in the United States since the beginning. This historical work explores begging and beggars in the period 1850 to 1940, with emphasis on how the police, the courts, the media and private charity organizations dealt with them. Efforts to suppress mendicancy are explored, including legislation, police crackdowns, and public vouchers for meals and shelter.