446 , REMARKS ON EMIGRATION.

consistent with humanity, of the mud cabins; the introduction of poor-rates ; the destruction of the whole system of sub-letting ; and, consequently, changing Ireland from a potatoe to a great bread 99112? ~ '

- In carrying into effect a grand scheme of emigra- tion, for the purpose of disburdening the United King- dom of a poverty-smitten people, it becomes neces- sary to consider the probable consequence of introdu- cing a great mass of human existence of such a de- scription to our colonies.

Our North American possessions will require for many years a vast accession of settlers ; but, at the same time, it must be remembered that the men Whose labour and energy are wanted, With the pre- sent inhabitants, to cultivate and raise those great countries to the mighty importance of Which they are susceptible, should, generally speaking, possess correct principles and industrious habits as well as strong physical qualitiesfi‘e '

Apprehensions of distress, and many other evils, being introduced with large bodies of poor emigrants, are very generally entertained in the colonies; and unless adequate means be provided to carry these

* It is notorious, that while the number of criminal offences have greatly increased during late years in America, few instances of guilt can be traced to the old settlers. A life of continued poverty is usually so lamentably at variance with virtue, that we must ascribe the more frequent occurrence of crime in our colonies to the previous indigence of many of the emigrants.