This work is a record, embodied in a report, of the impressions of the authors, from a physical and industrial standpoint, of the life led by the brassworkers of Berlin as compared with that of the same class in Birmingham. It must be confessed that a perusal of the report is not flattering to our self-esteem, for in the opinion of its compilers the brassworkers of Birmingham, so far as their industrial and physical life is concerned, do not compare favourably with those of Berlin. The scrupulous cleanliness of Berlin was a ...
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This work is a record, embodied in a report, of the impressions of the authors, from a physical and industrial standpoint, of the life led by the brassworkers of Berlin as compared with that of the same class in Birmingham. It must be confessed that a perusal of the report is not flattering to our self-esteem, for in the opinion of its compilers the brassworkers of Birmingham, so far as their industrial and physical life is concerned, do not compare favourably with those of Berlin. The scrupulous cleanliness of Berlin was a feature of the city which especially impressed its visitors from the Midland metropolis, who thought that Birmingham in this respect, with great advantage to itself, might take example by the Prussian capital. But they do not seem to have realised that Berlin is the Prussian capital and seat of the Court, whereas Birmingham is frankly a manufacturing city. The educational system of Berlin found great favour with the authors and they were much struck with the fact that they "saw no case of underfed, poorly clad, or untidy children, either in the streets or in the schools." The medical supervision of the schools of Berlin would seem to be very thorough and effective and the municipal poor guardians and societies assist sick, defective, or needy children in every possible way. With regard to the drink question in Berlin, the writers are of the opinion that the labouring classes there are more temperate than those of Birmingham and are able to procure much purer beer. On the whole, according to this report the condition of the workmen in Berlin is better than that of the Birmingham workmen. The book provides instructive reading and undoubtedly much may be learned from a study of the German mode of industrial living and methods of municipal government. At the same time the paternalism that is so evident throughout Germany in the treatment of its working classes is somewhat opposed to British ideals. A clean and healthy race may be evolved by such means, but it tends to destroy independence and self-initiative. While some of the German methods may be copied with advantage, the salvation of the British working classes must be worked out on lines more in keeping with the national character. - The Lancet
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