“. . . . . About the poor I am very anxious to be
informed thoroughly, and very sensible how deficient I am in the right sort of
knowledge on this subject; that is, how the great evil is to be
remedied—that of the poor-rates. My present views can reach no further
than to the slow alterations and preventives, of good instruction in youth and
encouragement to frugality and industry afterwards by means of hope. Concerning
immediate alleviations, I entirely agree with you in the great advantage of
undertaking great public works, and stated it strongly some years ago
| Ætat. 43. | OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. | 219 |
“My scheme is something of this kind; (but though I am always long even to dilatoriness in planning whatever I write, the plan is very much altered in the course of execution;) 1st. State in which the war has left us, political and moral. 2nd. Necessity of that war, and Bonaparte drawn to the life, as the Perfect Emperor of the English friends of freedom. 3rd. Sketch of the history of anarchical opinions in this country from Charles the First’s time. Wilkes and Junius the root in modern times—the first fruit was the American war; the French revolution the second. This leads to, 4th. A view of the united reformers, i. e. the enemies of Government, under their several classes; their modes of operation; their various plans of reform, and the sure consequences of each. . . . .
“All this will be well liked, and if I looked for
favour it would be prudent to stop here; but it is not from any such motive
that I put myself in the front of the battle. But here I wish to begin upon an
exposure of the evils which exist in our state of society, and which it is the
duty and interest of Government, as far as possible, to mitigate and remove.
Some things should be got rid of as matters of scandal. To destroy influence in
elections would be neither
| 220 | LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE | Ætat. 43. |
“The great evil is the state of the poor, which, with our press and our means of communication, constantly exposes us to the horrors of a bellum servile, and sooner or later, if not remedied, will end in one. . . . .
“There are also great evils in the delays of law, which
are surely capable of remedy, and in the expense of criminal law. . . . . A
greater still in the condition of women; here we are upon your old ground: and
passing from morals to religion, I think I could show how a great comprehension
is practicable,—that is, how the Church might
| Ætat. 43. | OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. | 221 |
“One topic more, which is not introduced here in its proper place, may conclude this long outline. All professions, trades, and means of getting a livelihood among us are over-stocked. We must create a new layer of customers at home by bettering the condition of the lower classes, and giving them more wants, with more means of gratifying them. We must extend establishments instead of diminishing them,—more clergymen, more colleges, more courts of law; and lastly, we must colonise upon the true principle of colonisation, and cultivate every available acre at home. God bless you!
