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Thus passed the winter and the spring; already had the Tribunal

of Health remonstrated with the Tribunal of Provision on the

danger to which such mass of misery exposed the city. To prevent

contagious diseases, a proposal was made to confine the vagabond

beggars in the various hospitals. Whilst this project was under

discussion, some approving and others condemning, dead bodies

incumbered the streets. The Tribunal of Provision, however,

proposed another expedient as more easy and expeditious, which

was, to shut up all the mendicants, healthy or diseased, in the

lazaretto, and to maintain them there at the expense of the city.

This measure was resolved upon, notwithstanding the remonstrances

of the Tribunal of Health, who objected that, in so numerous an

assemblage, the evil to which they wished to apply a remedy would

be greatly augmented.