370 



' It follows, that, in juflice, the price of labour fhould be greater, in the 

 neighbourhood of the metropolis, and other large and opulent towns, 

 where living is dear, than in remote provinces, like Connaught, where 

 there are few, or no large towns, and living is remarkably cheap. The 

 faft is, that the price of labour does, in fome degree, find its own level : and, 

 that, partly demand, partly the relative deamefs, or cheapnefs of provifi- 

 ens, determines this level. I am told, that on the canals, and public works 

 in the vicinity of Dublin, a labourer is paid eighteen pence a day,* while, 

 in Connaught, he thinks himfelf rich, on fixpence a day, which is more than 

 the common rate of the country. 



In objeftion to the admiillon of dearnefs of provifions, as a criterion, for 

 fixing the price of labour ; I have heard it remarked, that, in the North of 

 Ireland, which is the great manufaauring part of the kingdom, the price 

 of labour is lower, in dear and fcarce feafons, than, in thofe of plenty, and 

 cheapnefs. But I fpeak of a regular, and permanent dearnefs ; and, there- 

 fore, to be provided for, as affording a criterion, for the price of labour. 

 The cafe is different, with refpcft to an accidental feafon of fcarcity, coming 

 unexpeftedly, and prefTmg with fevere, and unrelenting urgency. There, 

 the artificer is taken by furprife ; he expefts, that this year vi'ill be abun- 

 dant as the former ; he has made no faving, from his earnings ; he has ac- 

 cumulated no flore ; he is wholly unprepared, to wreftle with famine — How 

 fliall he bide the pelting of the pitilefs ftorm ? all the horrors of want, and 

 defpair come on him, like a thief in the night ; he is furrounded by a troop 

 of familhed wretches ; and, unable to relieve the importunate calls of hun- 

 ger. — The fpirit of gain is unfeeling ; the mafler manufafturer fees his ne- 

 ceffities, and takes advantage of them ; (perhaps, the artificer himielf had 

 provoked him to retaliation, by arrogance, and extortion, in the hour of 

 fulnefs) he impofes on him conditions ; he makes him labour, at a rate, 

 which, in times of more abundance, when he could have remained idle, 

 and tolerated exiftence, at a fmall expence, he would have rejeifted. f 



But 



• It has since riseo to two shillings. 



t We had no combinations in Dublin during a season of diftress ;— they exift now. 



