40
scale, the only serviceable relief; but if it can be
proved, that there is at home a sufficient em-
ployment for our present population, surely it
would be unwise to send any part of our strength
to countries from which we can expect no return,
and which, at no distant period, perhaps, may
like their neighbours* become independent of us,
if not hostile to us. Our treasure is the labour
and power of our own countrymen at home, for
whom Providence has given us the means of
employment and provision, if we have the wisdom
and virtue to avail ourselves of his bounty.
On the subject of population, we are entirely
of Mr. Rickman's opinion, as stated in the Ap-
pendix ; viz. that an increase of population is
either a solid good, or a dreadful evil, according
to the circumstances of the country in which it
occurs. But to leave general remarks, we will
proceed to particular objections. It has been
said, if you make the poor too comfortable at
home, you will establish them in their own
parishes, and they will never seek a settlement
elsewhere. This is a favourite objection with
parish officers ; but to get rid of the paupers of
the rising generation, their best policy would be
to bring them up in habits of industry. The
* See Appendix, No. 8.—The uncertainty of the advantages
Holden out by the advocates of emigration.