It may be objected that while this Scheme would undoubtedly assist one class of the community by making steady,industrious workmen,it must thereby injure another class by introducing so many new hands into the labour market,already so seriously overstocked.
To this we reply that there is certainly an appearance of force in this objection;but it has,I think,been already answered in the foregoing pages.Further,if the increase of workers,which this Scheme will certainly bring about,was the beginning and the end of it,it would certainly present a somewhat serious aspect.But,even on that supposition,I don't see how the skilled worker could leave his brothers to rot in their present wretchedness,though their rescue should involve the sharing of a portion of his wages.
(1)But there is no such danger,seeing that the number of extra hands thrown on the British Labour Market must be necessarily inconsiderable.
(2)The increased production of food in our Farm and Colonial operations must indirectly benefit the working man.
(3)The taking out of the labour market of a large number of individuals who at present have only partial work,while benefiting them,must of necessity afford increased labour to those left behind.
(4)While every poor workless individual made into a wage earner will of necessity have increased requirements in proportion.
For instance,the drunkard who has had to manage with a few bricks,a soap box,and a bundle of rags,will want a chair,a table,a bed,and at least the other necessary adjuncts to a furnished home,however sparely fitted up it may be.
There is no question but that when our Colonisation Scheme is fairly afloat it will drain off,not only many of those who are in the morass,but a large number who are on the verge of it.Nay,even artisans,earning what are considered good wages,will be drawn by the desire to improve their circumstances,or to raise their children under more favourable surroundings,or from still nobler motives,to leave the old country.Then it is expected that the agricultural labourer and the village artisan,who are ever migrating to the great towns and cities,will give the preference to the Colony Over-Sea,and so prevent that accumulation of cheap labour which is considered to interfere so materially with the maintenance of a high wages standard.