They are asking him for money to help the poor. He doesn't want to give them any, saying that there are already poorhouses, workhouses, and prisons. He also feels that deaths among the destitute would "decrease the surplus population."
At the beginning of Act Three, Scrooge receives a visit from the Charitable Gentleman seeking donations for the poor, followed by two portly gentlemen collecting for charity.
Fred his nephew and two portly gentlement who were seeking a charitable donation
Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's employee, asked him to donate to the poor during Christmas time. Scrooge initially refused but eventually agreed to donate after his encounters with the ghosts.
Two portly gentlemen who were seeking contributions from the business community to help pay for a little food and warmth for the starving and homeless at that time of year
The relative was Fred Scrooges nephew he visited SCrooge at Scrooges counting house and invitied Scrooge to dine with he and his wife on Christmas Day. Scrooge refused stating that Fred should keep Christmas in his own way and he (Scrooge) would keep it in his
He sees for the first time his loyal Bob Cratchit at home. Tiny Tim is there and Scrooge asks the Ghost of Christmas Present "what of the young lad?". The ghosts reply chills scrooge when he says, " I see an empty chair beside the fire and a crutch without and owner". SCrooge's response , "He, he will die?" . The ghost, "if things do not change then that is what will happen". Scrooge melts and a tear forms as hes says "poor, poor boy". It is now that Scrooge is starting to see Bob for what he is and his devotion to him, he sees that he can if given the opportunity make some changes if only for Tim
The two men, charity workers, visited Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" to ask for a donation for the poor and destitute during the holiday season. Scrooge dismisses their request and refuses to contribute, demonstrating his lack of compassion and empathy towards others.
He oders a prize turkey for his lowly employee Bob Cratchitt, he finds the two portly gentlement and offers them an untold some for charity and then he seeks the forgiveness of his nephew Fred for all his past misgivings and stays to have Christmas dinner with them
The two "visitors" refer to the two business men who approach Scrooge asking for a charitable donation to help the poor and needy "at this time". Scrooge asks "are there no work houses?", are there no prisons?" And the treadmill is that still in use?" . All of which he thought that the poor should suffer because they were poor.
The cast of Two Ladies and a Gentleman - 2011 includes: Meg Fee as Eleanor Rogers
One of the telling traits was Scrooge's conversation about "a charitable donation" with the two gentleman. Here he asks the iconic question when told of the plight of the poor, " are there no prisons, are there no work houses, and the tread wheel, is that still in good vigour?".
Scrooge saw a procession of ghosts led by the Ghost of Christmas Past when his curtains were open in Stave Two. The ghost showed Scrooge visions of his past Christmases and memories to teach him important lessons.