ABSTRACT
I N the first few months of the cotton famine, many persons at a distance from Lancashire advised that the only proper remedy for the distress was a large measure of emigration ; and if means had been supplied, a very large proportion of the operatives would doubtless have left the country. But the employers having faith in the future, and probably calculating that the pressure would be over in a year or two at the utmost, discountenanced any such proceeding, and refused to aid it pecuniarily. Nevertheless, emi-- gration committees were formed in most of the distressed districts, and an "Emigrants' Aid Society" was established in Manchester, in April, 1863. The expressed object of the society was not to encourage emigration or to seek out emigrants, but simply to aid such as were determined to go to the colonies. This society sought an alliance with the National Colonial Emigration Society, but its work was very limited in extent. The total funds placed at its disposal were as follow :—
four statute adults, and aided the passages of three hundred and eighty-five, many of whom were also included under the former head.
