may be the result of their endeavors to ameliorate the condition of my unhappy countrywomen, and so far it is desirable to proceed; but the full measure of their wishes it is all but impossible to gain; at least, so long as the government of the country remains as at present.
It may be asked, why it is next to impossible. I will endeavor to show. Let us suppose one case, which will serve our present purpose. It is truly said, that the female operatives of Lowell are the daughters of farmers in comfortable circumstances; it is also well known, that those of Bradford are the daughters of poor people. Suppose, then, two single men, in the full vigor and prime of life, whom we will call Mr. Lowell and Mr. Bradford; the one being in New England, the other in Old England; but in every other respect, similarly circumstanced in life, should at one and the same time take it into their heads to marry. In doing so, we will suppose that they are actuated by the purest principles, and fully determined to do every thing in their power to make their respective families comfortable and happy. Let us also suppose, that after a certain time, each of the brides bring their happy husbands a daughter, and after other periods of time, a second, and a third. What effect will this repeated addition have upon the two families? Upon that of Mr. Lowell the effect will be trifling, so far as financial matters go. The increase of family will probably have stimulated him to increased exertion and economy, and with the great facilities, always at hand in New England, he may have become, by the time his eldest daughter arrives at the age of four years, "a farmer in comfortable circumstances."
Upon that of Mr. Bradford the effect will be very different, for he will not only have to provide increased food, clothing, lodging, &c., but for extra taxation, which every child will bring upon him, from the hour of its birth. So
