Ch. xi. Condition of the Poor considered. 391 



This is, " to pass an act prohibiting relief, so far 

 " as subsistence is concerned, in any other manner 

 " than by potatoes, rice and soup ; not merely as 

 " a measure of the moment, but permanently."* 

 1 do not think that this plan would necessarily 

 introduce these articles as the common food of the 

 lower classes ; and if it merely made the transi- 

 tion to them in periods of distress easier, and at 

 the same time drew a more marked line than at 

 present between dependence and independence, 

 it would have a very beneficial effect. 



As it is acknowledged that the introduction of 

 milk and potatoes, or of cheap soups, as the ge- 

 neral food of the lower classes of people, would 

 lower the price of labour, perhaps some cold po- 

 litician might propose to adopt the system, with a 

 view of underselling foreigners in the markets of 

 Europe. I should not envy the feelings which 

 could suggest such a proposal. I really cannot 

 conceive any thing much more detestable than 

 the idea of knowingly condemning the labourers 

 of this country to the rags and wretched cabins 

 of Ireland, for the purpose of selling a few more 

 broad cloths and calicoes;! The wealth and power 



* Question of Scarcity, &c. p. 80. This might be clone, at 

 least with regaid to workhouses. In assisting the poor at their 

 own homes, it might be subject to some practical difficulties. 



t In this observation I have not the least idea of alluding to Mr. 

 Young, who, I firmly believe, ardently wishes to improve the con- 

 dition of the lower classes of people ; though I do not think that 

 liis plan would effect the object in view. He cither did not see 

 those conseqvieuces which I ai)prchend from it ; or he ha!> a better 



