“In increase of population, would not the increased proportion of infants augment the per-centage of mortality quite as much as the increase of youth would lessen it?
“And will not insufficient diet among the poor balance the effect of improved diet upon the general scale? The lower classes were worse fed formerly, but, except in seasons of extreme dearth, I do not think there were any who died of slow starvation, which is now no uncommon death. This we know in this place, where poor rates, formerly low, have prodigiously increased.
“Did I tell you that a semi-official offer of ground in the New Forest has been made, for the purpose of trying a pauper colony, if Government could have found an amateur philanthropist to undertake the management of it. The person fixed upon was a clergyman, an old school-fellow of mine; not wanting in good will for doing his duty at any time, but not so far wanting in common prudence as to take upon himself such a charge.
“A great deal depends upon the issue of the present
struggle in France. The people will not be satisfied with a limited monarchy;
they must either be under a tyrannical democracy or an absolute king. If the
crown should succeed, I should think it bad policy in this country to oppose
any schemes of French conquest on the Barbary shore; there is room enough
| Ætat. 56. | OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. | 105 |
“The march of intellect has had an odd effect upon Sharon Turner. He thinks past history is likely to attract so little attention in future, and carry with it so little interest, that he advised me to begin my series of British Biography with Sir Wm. Temple! A few steps more in the march and we shall have to begin the history of philosophy with Jeremy Bentham, and the history of England with Joseph Hume; and the history of literature with the foundation of the London University.
“God bless you!
“I am working very steadily, and improving a most wet and wintry season by the fireside.”
