6 DISTRESSED STATE OF THE 



has also at the same time been sapping the 

 national independence of her own manufacturing 

 classes. This will appear evident from a glance 

 at her manufacturing districts. 



At present, in Manchester alone, the number 

 of unemployed operatives, according to the 

 official reports, cannot be estimated at less than 

 10,000, taking into account the deficiency of 

 those working short time and those wholly out 

 of employment : in other words, there are 

 between one-fourth and one-fifth of their whole 

 number idle ! the consequence of which is ob- 

 vious. The wages of the operatives are near 

 the lowest level even when in full employment ; 

 and the lowest figure at which we can state the 

 actual loss sustained in the single case of Man- 

 chester is 300,000/. yearly. Such being the 

 case in reference to this branch of industry in 

 one town, what must the general loss to the 

 nation be, including all classes of the commercial 

 as well as the manufacturing interests ? In all 

 probability, more than 30,000,0007. ! 



Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland are 

 in the opposite extreme. They have neglected 

 to cultivate both the manufacturing and com- 

 mercial branches of industry, and are therefore 



