But while the Government is doing those things which it ought not to
have done, and leaves undone those which it ought to do, let Parishes
and Corporations do what is in their power for themselves. And bestir
yourselves in this good work ye who can! The supineness of the
Government is no excuse for you. It is in the exertions of individuals
that all national reformation must begin. Go to work cautiously,
experimentally, patiently, charitably, and in faith! I am neither so
enthusiastic as to suppose, nor so rash as to assert, that a cure may
thus be found for the complicated evils arising from the condition of
the labouring classes. But it is one of those remedial means by which
much misery may be relieved, and much of that profligacy that arises
from hopeless wretchedness be prevented. It is one of those means from
which present relief may be obtained, and future good expected. It is
the readiest way in which useful employment can be provided for the
industrious poor. And if the land so appropriated should produce
nothing more than is required for the support of those employed in
cultivating it, and who must otherwise be partly or wholly supported
by the poor-rates, such cultivation would even then be profitable to
the public. Wherever there is heath, moor or fen,—which there is in
every part of the Island,—there is work for the spade; employment and
subsistence for man is to be found there, and room for him to encrease
and multiply for generations.
Reader, if you doubt that bog and bad land may be profitably
cultivated, go and look at Potteric Carr; (the members of both Houses
who attend Doncaster Races, may spare an hour for this at the next
meeting). If you desire to know in what manner the poor who are now
helpless may be settled upon such land, so as immediately to earn
their own maintenance, and in a short time to repay the first cost of
their establishment, read the account of the Pauper Colonies in
Holland; for there the experiment has been tried, and we have the
benefit of their experience.
As for the whole race of Political Economists, our Malthusites,
Benthamites, Utilitarians or Futilitarians, they are to the Government
of this Country such counsellors as the magicians were to Pharaoh;
whosoever listens to them has his heart hardened.—But they are no
conjurors.
CHAPTER XXXVI. P. I.
REMARKS ON AN OPINION OF MR. CRABBE'S. TOPOGRAPHICAL POETRY. DRAYTON.
Do, pious marble, let thy readers know
What they and what their children owe
To Drayton's name, whose sacred dust
We recommend unto thy trust.
Protect his memory, and preserve his story;
Remain a lasting monument of his glory;
And when thy ruins shall disclaim
To be the Treasurer of his name,
His name that cannot fade shall be
An everlasting monument to thee.
EPITAPH IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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