TOPICS OF THE DAY.
THE REPORTED REMEDY FOR TAE DISTRESS.
In glancing at our Money-market report from the City, we are struck with the mention of a rumour conveyed in these words- " Among other remedies for the existing distress, Government have determined upon raising a large sum, by way of loan, to be applied to the purposes of Emigration." Such is the rumour in the City : it is somewhat strengthened by another report, that Lord STANLEY told a deputation from Scotland that the subject of Emigration was under the serious consideration of the Government. We hope this is true : for generations no Government has undertaken a mea- sure of such magnitude and importance as that which is here ob- scurely indicated. The very largeness of the idea, indeed, almost forbids the hope : it implies that the statesmen who entertain it have gone so far beyond the rivals that seemed to be in advance of them—have so far got the start of all expectation—as to bailie the belief of those who have grown accustomed to petty hand- lings of the greatest human interests. The difficulties of the time, still increasing till they alarm those who are no alarmists, do indeed demand to be looked steadily in the face. In all our large towns—Leeds, Manchester, Stockport, Liverpool—the desti- tute, seeking employment as the means of life, are to be reckoned by thousands and tens of thousands. Scotland calls out that she is sinking under the growing weight of her destitution. In Ireland, the chronic pauperism exhibits an access of the disease just now in frightful ejectment-murders,—which mean, no doubt, that the peo- ple are rude, but still more that they are desperate with misery. In all quarters the distress accumulates in masses that laugh at poor-laws, or charity, or relief-funds as remedies. Of all that could be devised, not another could be found so effectual, so simple, and so ready, as well-regulated emigration ; which might at once transfer the industrious destitute to the scene of em- ployment and plenty, and by the same process turn that capital which now cannot be employed for their relief into fertilizing channels.
It- would give facility to the plan, that others have been working in that field before the Government—have, by arduous discussion, familiarized the people with Emigration, and, from dreading it as exile, converted them to seeking it as the way to a rich inheritance and happy home. Last year a committee was appointed to enable the starving Highlanders to emigrate ; at this moment there is a deputation in London urging the demand of the Paisley sufferers to be taken from the place to which they are an unwilling burden ; and the Colonization Commissioners are besieged with applica- tions of the like nature.
Nor would the statesman who should adopt such a measure have to resort to the vulgar expedient of drawing upon the taxes or aug- menting " the deficiency." The means lie ready to his hand; the broad Colonial lands, an inexhaustible supply, are eagerly offered to be converted into money for the purpose of emigration. If a loan, small in amount compared to what might be done with it, were re- quired to start with, the investment would soon repay itself and supply means for all hereafter.
Another good would result from the measure—it would hold out a hope of prompt relief; and hope alone would go far to alleviate the misery and support the sufferers under its pressure.
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