At the time it was a offence to be poor. Many people who had money thought that the "workhouse" was simple institution where people went if they were homeless would give the people bed and a meal in exchange for work. That was far from the truth. Workhouses were in fact inhuman places where the people were treated like slaves, they ate poor dietary foods and were made to do labour that at best was mundane and brutal. Scrooge believed that if people didnt want to look for work (which at the time over 90% of British people were out of work and child labour was taking all the provider roles) they should be sent to the workhouse as a punishment. The statement about workhouses comes back to haunt Scrooge when he is faced by the children; Want and Ignorance who are revealed from beneath the robes of The Ghost of Christmas Present.
Scrooge believes that the poor belong in workhouses or prisons if they are unable to support themselves through their own means. He sees no obligation to care for or assist them beyond what is strictly necessary.
Scrooge believes that the poor should go to prisons and workhouses instead of relying on charity from others.
Are there no workhouses? Are there no prisons? And the treadmill is that still employed.
The fourth option Scrooge suggested to the solicitors was to "make them some slight provision" so that the poor could go to the workhouses and not die on the streets.
Scrooge wants the poor to go to workhouses or prisons, suggesting that they are better off there than on the streets. He believes that those institutions are the appropriate places for the poor to seek help or relief from their difficulties.
In "A Christmas Carol," Scrooge initially considers workhouses and prisons as suitable institutions for the poor. He believes that these institutions can provide a means of support and discipline for those in need. However, through his transformation, Scrooge comes to understand the importance of compassion, generosity, and social responsibility in helping the less fortunate.
Scrooge dismisses the charity men by saying "Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?"indicating his lack of concern for the poor and his selfish attitude toward helping others.
He realizes how mean he really was
Prisons and Union workhouses were suggested as alternatives to charity for people in need.
The words "Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of things that May be only?" were repeated by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, causing Scrooge to feel ashamed of his current ways and the potential consequences of his actions.
"You were always a good friend to me," said Scrooge. "Thank'ee!" "You will be haunted," resumed the Ghost, "by Three Spirits." Scrooge's countenance fell almost as low as the Ghost's had done. "Is that the chance and hope you mentioned, Jacob?" he demanded, in a faltering voice. "It is." "I-I think I'd rather not," said Scrooge. "Without their visits," said the Ghost, "you cannot hope to shun the path I tread. Expect the first to-morrow, when the bell tolls One." "Couldn't I take 'em all at once, and have it over, Jacob?" hinted Scrooge.
The other men who came to the warehouse wanted a donation for the poor. Scrooge replied to them by saying that he already supports the prisons and workhouses, indicating his lack of willingness to contribute further.