374 



Sect, vi. 



Of Foundations. 



Among the various meafures, that are fubfervicnt, or beneficial to 

 the flourifhing {late of manufaflures, that, of providing for the eafe, 

 comfort, and fubfiftence of the labourer, and the peafant, when age, 

 ficknefs, or other caijfes, fliall have rendered him incapable of fup- 

 porting himfelf, holds a diflinguiflied place. Such provifions, not only 

 afford relief to the old, but a leflbn and incentive, to the young. 

 They (hew them the refpeftability of honefl: labour, and teach them, 

 what an eftimable rank they hold in fociety; yet, is the regulation 

 of this matter attended with difficulties, almofl: infuperable. 



The poor's rate in England, "was, no doubt, originally devifed, with 

 an intention of providing for this objeft, of true policy, and fublime 

 benevolence ; but, connefted as it is, with the prefent laws of fettle- 

 ment, it is become the means of a moft injurious, and impolitic re- 

 ftraint, on induftry, and a burthen on the public nearly intolerable. 

 The oppreffive laws of fettlement, prevent the workman, in England, 

 from going to that market, where he can difpofe of his induflry, to 

 the befl advantage; they prevent the capitaliji, from availing himfelf 

 of his capital, and employing it, to purchafe labour, on the beft terms ; 

 and thus, they fatally injure the induflry of the country: but the 

 poor's rate and fettlement laws, are not only grievous to the poor, 

 and prejudicial to induftry ; they are a cruel burthen to the public, 

 both by the vaft and dreadful amount of the tax, and by their prov- 

 ing a fource ef cndlefs litigation, and of the mofl fcatdalous conten- 

 tions, 



