COMMUNISM.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.
6, Upper Brook Street, 2d July 1849. SCR—In your paper of Saturday last you say," Mr. Horsman volunteers the de- claration that the object of a poor-law is not to provide for the poor, but to pro- tect property."
lily words in the debate were, "A poor-law has two objects—the relief of desti- tution' and the security of property"; and my argument went to show that the evils of a poor-law (to the poor themselves) were so great, that motives of huma- nity alone would not have justified our facing them, but that the additional in- ducement of the danger to property from a large portion of the population being destitute and vagrant, had long since compelled us to do so. I think a right understanding of the principles of a poor-law in Ireland is now so essential to its salvation, that I am unwilling to have my own views on the subject mistaken, especially by a journalist that is so sound and powerful on the same point. I have therefore troubled you with this explanation.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, E. Holland-sr.
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