154 Evil of encouraging Settlers on Estates. 



prehend, as a part of the aggregate, a large por- 

 tion of the wealth of the country. I think it 

 probable that the number of servants in these 

 classes are in a ra*tio directly opposite to that 

 of the number employed by persons of the 

 catholic persuasion. All power and patronage, 

 all the subordinate offices of the state, are 

 filled by protestants, whilst the army and navy, 

 in a high degree, contribute to relieve that 

 community from all surplus in its population 

 not only by the bright, though sometimes de- 

 lusive colourings of hope, which encourage the 

 son to challenge the path his father has suc- 

 cessfully trodden ; but to break through a spell, 

 which otherwise, like their catholic neighbours, 

 would rivet them to home. 



The landed proprietors in various parts of 

 Ireland have also contributed to augment the 

 evil by encouraging settlers on their estates, 

 with a view to advance their annual rental, or 

 with a desire to obtain influence at the elec- 

 tions. 



Population is unquestionably riches when duly 

 restricted, and when proportionate to the abi- 

 lity possessed of giving employment. But 

 when these essentials are wanting, the greater 

 part of its members become drones in the hive ; 



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