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0.t’ l~l’DL~STh‘/r.IL PAh’T.1’ER.SfffP.T. 145
It is also a very satisfactory feature of the case,’’ they my,
that the amount SO distributed has been almost nniverdly
well spent : by some in the purchase of shares in the cornpany;
by others in payitig an installment towm.ls the purchmo
of a plot of freehold hnd, whereon to build a cottage; while
the purchases of articles of furniture for domestio comforts
wera very numerous.” I believe it would be impossible to
meet with facts more promising for the future welfare of tho
country than these. Here is the first insensible sotion of tho
leper by which millions may be ultimately raised above tho
chance of pauperism.
The one great defect of character which seems often to
neutralise all the excellences of the British artizan is want of
thrift and providence. His financial calculations are too ofteu
restricted to the meek, and he esteems himself solvent if tho
wages of one payday will last until the next.. No matter
how brisk trade be, no matter what retnission of taxes be
made, or how vast become our exports and our imports, there
will be no real improvement in tho prospects of our population
till this habit be overcome. Workmen too commonly look
upon their wages as a life annuity ; to save, they often think
is mean and selfish ; capitalists may do that ; there is something
freehanded and generous in spending wheu there is a
chance; and it is a singular fact that Trades Unions seldom
(and, so far as my knowledge goes, never) encourage saving by
the institution of savings banks. So far as such societies
provide for the sick and disabled, replace the lost tools, and
promise superannuation allowances, there is everything to be
said in their favour. But even then they do it on a footing of
enforced equality; the levies, subscriptions, and benefits are
the same for all, and there is not the least opportunity for any
man to make himself better off than the majority. Not the
least encouragement is given to accumulation, and it must be
added that even the best-conducted societies do not accumulsto
what will enable them to meet their ultimate liabilities. By a
constant accession of young members, and possibly by recourm
to extra levies, the large societies now existing can no doubt
last for many years to come, but no one who examinee their
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