THE 



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4^:"~N August, 1859. 



^) ABOUEERS' FEIEXD SOCIETIES have mul- 

 tiplied very considerably during the past three 

 years in various parts of the counti'y, and the 

 visible good resulting from them has stimulated 

 many influential persons who take a sincere inte- 

 rest in the welfare of the working classes to esta- 

 blish such societies, as a means of improving the 

 operatives of their own districts. We talk of 

 feudal times as belonging exclusively to the past, 

 but the fexidal spirit remains wherever an employer 

 is to be found Avho deals with his servants as ser- 

 vants only, and not as men and brethren. "Wo arc 

 witnessing in this day the gi'owth of a social system, and the very basis of 

 it is unity of feeling, and mutual regard, and a recognition of reciprocity of 

 interest between all classes of society, without detraction from the rights of 

 any. Those who employ gardeners and farm-servants have duties to perform 

 towards them beyond the mere payment of suincient wages, and those who 

 confine their dealings with the employed by that narrow line renounce 

 not only high duties, but the precious gratifications which arc the fruits of 

 well-doing. The attractions of the beer-house, and often the absence of 

 comfort at home, are the two principal causes of demoralization in rural 

 districts, and against these the promoters of Labourers' Societies should 

 wage au earnest war with peaceable and kindly weapons. "Whenever 

 allotment grounds are placed within easy reach of the labourer, a great 

 moral agency is in operation, as well as a means of pecuniary help in the 

 management of his domestic affairs ; but a well-managed Labourers' Friend 

 Society is capable of wonders, and its influence is seen for miles around 

 the district of its more immediate operations. 



In every attempt made to elevate the working man to a sense of his 

 own dignity, and to a proper recognition of his duties to his family, his 

 ff'llow-labourers, and those who are placed above him in life, it should 

 never be forgotten that a certain form of pride and a certain love of inde- 

 pendence characterize the members of every class of society alike. If 



VOL II — KG. VIII. I 



