450 PROSPECTS OF INDUSTRY 



prevails in some mills." We may correct him by saying that it pre- 

 vails generally, and that it is one of the greatest evils attendant upon 

 the system. We roundly assert that the breaking up of families inci- 

 dent to the system, the introduction of children at an early age into 

 the mills joined to other causes, go far to annihilate the social and 

 domestic virtues. As to the evidence adduced by the Factory in- 

 spectors from the mouths of the operatives, it may serve to raise 

 a smile, but it is of no farther value. 



This is a subject to some extent beyond the reach of the legis- 

 lature, as men and women cannot be made virtuous by Acts of 

 Parliament. But although they cannot be made virtuous, the law 

 may place judicious and powerful barriers as checks upon vice. 

 Separation of the sexes, and a system of classification, would go far 

 towards eradicating much that is pernicious. Of late years indeed, 

 a great improvement has been visible in the interior economy of the 

 mills, but there are still too many scenes of profligacy enacted in 

 them. An immense responsibility rests upon the masters, as they 

 have it in their power to have their hands orderly and correct ; and 

 we are glad that many amongst them are becoming aware that it is 

 to their interest to have their workmen moral and sober. 



The next point for consideration is, the health of factory opera- 

 tives. The basis upon which Lord Ashley brought in his Bill, was, 

 we believe, statements made by certain medical men in London, 

 who drew their inferences not from observation, but from ex parte 

 statements, which represented the factories as absolute hells. No 

 wonder can be felt therefore at the horrible tales which were preva- 

 lent as to consequences of this kind of labour upon health. So far 

 as the duration of life and bodily configuration are concerned, there 

 does not appear to be, at the present day, in the best constructed 

 mills any reason to apprehend that either are injured; formerly 

 indeed, and in some cases now, there is a want of due ventilation, 

 and health of course did and does suffer ; but although life does not 

 appear to be shortened, there cannot exist a doubt but that factory 

 labour weakens the tone of the system, and superinduces various 

 slight ailments, which produce the unhealthy appearance so obvious 

 amongst mill labourers. 



Public sympathy has, however, been principally excited by the 

 infant portions of these labourers; and it is here that government has 



