312 



are no real obstacles ; and that nothing is wanted to insure success but 

 unity, upon the ground of our common Christianity. 



The performance of an imperative duty would preclude regret even 

 in the case of failure ; but it is impossible that profit should not be 

 obtained ; for employment lessens rates, and increases the value of every 

 description of property. Therefore, the introduction of the Linen 

 Trade into Norwich would be profitable to the people, by providing 

 them with work at adequate wages ; profitable to the householder, 

 by reducing poor rates ; and profitable to the tradesman by the in- 

 creased consumption of all the common necessaries of life. 



For the Butcher, the Baker, and the Grocer, the Draper, the Shoe- 

 maker, and the Tailor, would all experience an increase of custom, 

 with a decrease of rates ; while the value of real property would be 

 proportionably advanced. So indisputable is the fact, that inadequate 

 wages lower profits, create expenses, and inflict upon trade a double 

 blow. Nor ought the minor craftsmen, who depend solely upon the 

 operatives, to be forgotten, as the following case demonstrates : About 

 fifteen months ago, one of the weavers sent to Trimingham to learn 

 the art of flax-dressing, had nine children. His eldest daughter was 

 married to a Tailor, and one of his sons was a Shoemaker, both of 

 whom were in danger of becoming parish charges, on account of the 

 inability of the operatives to purchase either shoes or clothes. Simi- 

 larly circumstanced are all small tradesmen whose subsistence depends 

 upon the working classes. Hence it will be seen that when the opera- 

 tives are in adversity, all the dependent branches of trade suflTer with 

 them. These are innumerable ; therefore, I repeat, it ought to be our 

 care to support the main stem, which is the operative, and then we may 

 be sure that all the depending branches will flourish with it. Many 

 of your once prosperous population are living upon a scanty supply of 

 provisions, and therefore consume but little farm-produce. Could 

 their circumstances be reversed, Norfolk would derive proportionable 

 advantages ; and any plans adopted for the benefit of Norwich, the 

 Landowners and Agriculturists would doubtless consider it their in- 

 terest and duty to support. 



In conclusion, I cannot avoid expressing my belief, that this tract 

 will be perused with attention ; and that those, at least, who have the 

 welfare of the city at heart, will not be slow to institute an inquiry into 

 the soundness of my propositions, nor in adopting vigorous measures 

 for carrying them out. 



I hope that none will be turned aside from the performance of this 

 good work, either on account of their want of information upon the 

 subject, or through the suggestions of parties interested in prolonging 

 the depression of the labour-market. A little help is worth more than 

 a world of pity. Remember also that the way of Providence has ever 



