We have removed woman from her sphere; we may have
reduced wages by her introduction into the market of labour;
but under these circumstances what we call domestic life is a
condition impossible to be realized for the people of this
country; and we must not therefore be surprised that they seek
solace or rather refuge in the beer-shop.
Lord Marney looked up at Mr St Lys, with a stare of high-bred
impertinence, and then carelessly observed, without directing
his words to him, "They may say what they like, but it is all
an affair of population."
"I would rather believe that it is an affair of resources,"
said Mr St Lys; "not what is the amount of our population, but
what is the amount of our resources for their maintenance.
"It comes to the same thing," said Lord Marney. "Nothing can
put this country right but emigration on a great scale; and as
the government do not choose to undertake it, I have commenced
it for my own defence on a small scale. I will take care that
the population of my parishes is not increased. I build no
cottages and I destroy all I can; and I am not ashamed or
afraid to say so."
"You have declared war to the cottage, then," said Mr St Lys,
smiling.
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