This excerpt was written by a British physician who was
studying New York and the problems it faced.
By providing the laboring classes with better tenements,
improved ventilation, and healthy and cleanly
arrangements in respect to yards, sinks and sewerage,
they will certainly suffer less from sickness and
premature mortality, and a vast amount of pauperism,
crime, and wretchedness be prevented.
-"Annual Report of the Interments in the City and
County of New-York,"
Dr. John Hoskins Griscom, 1842
What is the main argument being made in this
passage?
O People will be more inclined to work hard if they
have better housing.
O Providing people with clean, safe housing will help
improve society.
People will be more inclined to move to cities if no
changes are made.
O People should elect leaders who ensure that their
cities are free of crime.