Benefit or FriemUy Societies. 181 



noxious ; — and the consequences have been, that very general 

 dissatisfaction and alarm liave been excited throughout England ; 

 petitions against the bill have been poured into Parliament from 

 every quarter, and it has been ultimately found necessary, not 

 only considerably to modify it, but even to delay any farther 

 proceedings during the present session. 



It cannot be denied, that the objects proposed to be attained 

 by this statute are highly laudable, and that some measures 

 should be taken to remedy the evils complained of ; but it is to 

 be regretted, that the means which have at present been resolved 

 on, are perhaps among the most objectionable which could 

 have been devised. No body of men, associated for harmless 

 and useful purposes, however insignificant these purposes 

 might be, would submit to be imperatively dictated to, and to be 

 placed under the entire controul of the inferior magistracy, with 

 regard to the management of their own funds and concerns. It 

 is not therefore surprising, that Friendly Societies, which com- 

 prise so great a part of the population, and whose objects are 

 not only highly beneficial to themselves, but also to the whole 

 community, should oppose such an attempt against their rights, 

 and claim a continuance of those privileges which they have so 

 long enjoyed. 



The only way, it is conceived, in which Friendly Socie- 

 ties may be speedily and effectually improved, is by in- 

 struction and advice ; and these, too, given in a conciliatory, 

 not in a compulsory manner. Proper tables and fundamen- 

 tal rules, with explanatory remarks, could easily be kept at 

 all the offices of the Clerks to the Peace, and exhibited to such 

 societies as might at any time present their regulations for en- 

 rolment. Many would no doubt refuse at first to adopt them, 

 but then such refusal could be stated in the certificates of enrol- 

 ment, and the members thus be made aware of the insecurity of 

 their schemes. Doubts and anxiety would be thereby created 

 in their minds, the subject would be investigated, they would 

 soon become convinced of their errors, and new societies would 

 be immediately instituted upon improved principles, and under 

 proper management. Society members would soon perceive it 

 to be their interest to join these new institutions in preference to 

 the old ones, notwithstanding every influence that publicans and 



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