Whenever any member of the board of supervisors shall ascertain that there is a pauper in his district probably entitled to relief, it shall be his duty to examine into the pauper's right to support; and if he be satisfied that such pauper has a settlement in his county, and is unable to support himself, or is entitled to be supported, or provided for by the county, he shall report the facts to the board of supervisors for its action; and in case of emergency, he may give his written order to the superintendent of the county home to receive such pauper; and may cause the pauper to be removed to the county home.