"I think that one reason why the labouring man does not invest in the Savings Bank is, that the fact of his being able to save money is used as a pretence why his wages should be reduced, and he carefully excludes from the knowledge of his employer that he is able to save. I have found that the workmen of one district go to a distance to find a Savings Bank, and will not go to their own. Their names are called loudly and officially, and it becomes whispered about that so-and-so is a saving man, and may therefore work for less wages."--_Vide Evidence of Mr. W. Cooper._ [194] _Vide_ p. 59. CHAPTER X. ON GOVERNMENT INSURANCE AND GOVERNMENT LIFE ANNUITIES. "It is difficult to estimate too highly the importance of the tendency of the people to save their earnings, or the duty of removing every obstacle and affording every facility to its operation. It is a matter of deep interest to the State; for the man who has invested a portion of his earnings in securities,--to the permanence and safety of which the peace and good order of society are essential,--must be a tranquil and conservative citizen."--W. RATHBONE GREG. "Ah! who can tell how many a soul sublime Has felt the influence of malignant star, And waged with fortune an eternal war! Checked by the scoff of pride and envy's frown, Or poverty's unconquerable bar, In life's low vale remote, has pined alone And dropt into the grave unpitied and unknown."--BEATTIE.