268 



THE LABOUR-MARKET. 



to find employment for that class, through the production of 

 clothing, the market for labour would speedily revive, agri- 

 culture assume a different aspect, and the cry for employment 

 cease. 



The various grades of labour are submitted to the ordeal 

 of a public market, which can never be considered in a healthy 

 state unless there is a ready demand for the weak as well as 

 the strong; but it is impossible to create such a demand 

 except by the introduction of new sources of employment, and 

 it is impossible to select one more applicable to the case than 

 the cultivation of flax ; because the entire management of the 

 crop, from the pulling of the stalks to their preparation for 

 market, is work peculiarly adapted to the weaker hands. Thus 

 should we transfer to our own population those benefits that 

 involve no less a circulation than two or three millions in the 

 shape of wages, and this, too, amongst that portion of the work- 

 ing classes whose services are not required to till the land. 



Some idea may be formed of the direct benefits that would be 

 conferred by the distribution of so much money ; but no estimate 

 can be formed of the indirect advantages to trade, to manufac- 

 * tures, and to agriculture — because, as Mr. Burn observes, in 

 his valuable letters on ' Population and Emigration ' — 



" The poor would buy more agricultural produce, thus oifer- 

 ing a better market for the farmers. They would also pur- 

 chase more clothes, thus equally benefiting the manufacturer. 

 Being better fed, they could do more for their employers ; and 

 being more constantly occupied, would have less inducement 

 or leisure to commit crimes ; and, consequently, be more valu- 

 able members of society. They, and all around them, would 

 be happier comparatively, and more contented. The farmer, 

 having a better and more constant market for his produce, 

 could better afford to pay his rent. The manufacturer, hav- 

 ing a more constant demand for his goods, could better afford 

 to pay, and keep a larger number of hands constantly employed. 

 The landlord would have less to deduct for poor-rates, and 

 receive, in consequence, a larger income." * * * » jj^ 

 our native land every experiment may be safely tried to im- 

 prove it. Nature points out the course, and it is a violation of 



