ABSTRACT
There are a number of chaotic ideas about emigration floating in the air; there is a feeling that things are bad – bad agriculture, bad manufacturing, bad trade, low and unremunerative prices; and a consequent bad time for the man whose sole reliance for his support and the support of his family is his labour, as well as for the capitalist who employs, directs, and pays for that labour. Out of this has grown a notion that something must be done, things cannot be allowed to remain in this state – the mechanic, the labourer is restless – the philanthropist feels that here is an opportunity, and is anxious to meet the case from his particular point of view, the Government is appealed to, and a very general idea prevails that emigration is to be the antidote to the present state of things, but how is it to be managed, where are we to begin, and who is to have the aiding or guiding of an extensive emigration movement, which it is clearly the desire of some influential persons to set going.
