1826,] Remarks on Friendly Societies 483 



appreciate. To these effects let the inequality of the tax be added, 

 the great increase of it within twenty years, and the general opinion 

 of its injurious tendency, its inefficacy, and the frequent misapplication 

 of the money raised — yet this tax cannot be repealed. An attempt 

 to repeal it might produce insurrection. If it cannot be rei)ealed, 

 what can be done ? The greatest statesmen have declared their in- 

 ability to devise any method by which it could be even ameliorated. 

 TJiis appears to be the existing opinion : but that is no proof of its being 

 a correct one. 



A scheme has been devised — founded on the surest of all reasoning, 

 arithmetical calculation — by which, not only the injurious effects on the 

 poorer classes will be stopped, but their return to a higher sense of 

 independence ensured; by which their comfort and resources will 

 be greatly augmented, and provision during the decHning yeara of life 

 guaranteed, while the poor-rate will, as a consequence, gradually decrease, 

 until it becomes almost nominal, and so little esteemed by the people, as 

 to permit of its repeal without apprehension, and leave the Legislature at 

 liberty to substitute some general means, equally pressing on all the 

 community, and adapted to the circumstances of the times. 



We shall speak, hereafter, more particularly of the want of system 

 of the limited friendly societies in this country, and their inadequacy to 

 fulfil their declared objects, and now refer to the main point of our 

 article. 



Mr. John Fleming, the'present member for Hampshire, having deep* 

 ly studied the subject, and availed himself of every source of information, 

 with the forethought of a statesman and the feelmgs of a philanthropist, 

 saw, that if the plans were extended, and the calculations correct, a 

 system for mutual support in sickness and old age might be made 

 a great national concern ; and while the poor man was rendered inde- 

 pendent, assisted during the affliction of sickness with money, medicine, 

 and medical attendance, and ensured an annuity during the declining 

 years of life, that the poor-rate must gradually diminish, and the 

 mental condition of the poor be thus improved. No sooner was this 

 estimable man convinced of the correctness of this enlightened view of 

 the important subject, and extended application of the system, than 

 he commenced his operations for the purpose of founding, in the county 

 he represents in Parliament, one great society. With acknowledged 

 talent and indefatigable industry he roused the attention of the people, and 

 succeeded in establishing that great societ}' for mutual support, which 

 sooner or later will become general, and produce the consequences above 

 stated. We are not enthusiasts and are not actuated by any personal 

 considerations — but after calm reflection believe, that Mr. Fleming 

 has gained immortal honour for himself, and ensured the gi-ateful 

 remembrance of future generations, and will be placed among the true 

 benefactors of his countrj^ 



The subject is of such importance, and so exciting, that we shall now 

 ■enter on rather a detailed history of these associations in England, and 

 their present condition ; and m our next number give some account of 

 those established in foreign countries. 



In every age and comitry man has known the utility of associating 

 for mutual support, whether for the purposes of defence, attack, com- 

 merce, or labour. If the records of the eastern countries were ex- 

 amined, traces raisht be discovered of societies of men whose labours 



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