CHAP. XVII.] THE LABOUR QUESTION. This is what remains for us to do-to find out the why, and to make everybody understand it. The material for working out a better state is before us; and the question of the rights of labour is pressing upon us. We have science brightening around us, which may teach us to increase indefinitely our supply of food. We have labourers everywhere who are as capable as any men above them of domestic solicitude, and who will not be more reckless about a provision for their families than gentlemen are, when once the natural affections of the citizen-parent are allowed free scope. We 749 have now, by the recent repeal of the remnant of the navigation-laws, complete liberty of commerce. We have now the best heads and hearts occupied about this great question of the rights of labour, with impressive warnings, presented to us from abroad, that it cannot be neglected under a lighter penalty than ruin to all. Is it possible that the solution should not be found? This solution may probably be the central fact of the next period of British history; and then, better than now, it may be seen that in preparation for it lies the chief interest of the preceding Thirty Years' Peace. *The Lists generally shew the composition of the Cabinet at the opening of the Parliamentary Session, but not always, especially in the cases of individual changes. Where the columns are blank, it is to be understood that there have been no changes. This is merely a change of title, consequent on the death of Lord Castlereagh's father. |