North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-10-04
European Pauperis,n.

European Pauperism.
The pauperism of Europe appears to be one o
the most serious obstacles in the way of its polti
cal regeneration yet, though it should seem para
doxica regeneration must anticipate its relief from
pauperisn. It common argument with thos'
who affect conservative principles, that the people
must be prepared for the of those privileges
which originate with progressive action. We con
tend that the people who are wise enough to de
mand any of those rights which have been withheld
from them, are prepared to use them and that IN
the use of ther they will always prove conservative
An instance in point respecting our first remark
is before us, in statistical Information toucn
ing the political and social condition OF belgium
NJ. Perceval, member of the National Assembly,
has lately made series of Investigations as TO the
condition of the laboring classes OF that kingdom
From these If appears that out of 99O,566 families
which compose the population of the country, CIV
ing an average of five persons to family, there
are l54454 which occupy but asinge room 2S2,
7S5 which occupy but two rooms; and 453,327
which have dwellings composed of three or more
rooms Thus nearly half Of the nation live in abodes
that have only one or two rooms
A striking comparison with these facts is found
in the costly system of government to which the
nation is exposed. The standing army of Belgium
consists of 10000 men, besides large corps of
general and staff officers, kept under pay for re-
serve or National Guard of 10000 more. The
actual cost of this war establishment is over
SIS 900 900 year; and, incidental to its support,
81 900 900 ofthe amount is derived from the annual
tax on ardent liquors. The interest of the national
debt and the system of amortization in process for
its reduction amounted last year to 100000.
The king receives 100000 year; and the general
cost of the government bears like proportion to
the royal salary.
Now, it may be taken as general fact that the
other governments of Europe assimilate in charac-
ter and cost to that of Belgium and that like in
fiuences are constantly at work in the pauperiza-
ton and decentralization of the people. Hence it
is apparent that there is little hope for the polit
cal regeneration of any people, oppressed, discour
aged, cowed down by such an overwhelming hnan-
cial tyranny, as monarchy in any form involves.
One half of the Bel ian nation confessedly Gv
ing in state of social discomfort and under an
inevitable and habtual abatement of the decencies
of life. And there is of relief for them so
long as the system Of government to which they
are subject is continued. Yet a change in their
form of government from monarchy to republic,
by the act of the people, would at once relieve
them from some 81 OOO, 900 oftaxation an amount
which would restore to 100000 families for it is
from the labor of the poor the revenue is eXacted-
some $50 each per annum. This, in pecuniary
aspect, is very considerable; but when we take
into the account the moral influence that whole
some government would exert, and the induce
neHIS 10 lHuuStIy anu enterprise IIaI "Oulo iii
mediately unfold themselves, can readily con-
ceive how greatly the social elevation of the peo-
pie would be promoted.
The conclusion is irresistible, that, the perma-
nent alienation of the pauperism of Europe, and
the general discomfort of the poorer classes, and
their moral and intellectual advancement, must
be preceded by their political regeneration. I'm
happily, this great work can be contemplated only
as achievement at the price of blood. The in
stincts of royalism-the most corrupt and remorse
less of all the isnes of the world-which have been
quickened by modern events, are
awake to full perception of this pregnant truth
and all its consequences. Hence, we find the le-
gitimists Of Europe, everywhere, more than ever
disposed to resort to mandatory power; and the
cruelties of irresponsible authority scarcely cloth
ed in the decencies of legal formality, visited in
discriminatory upon the wise and virtuous of every
class and profession who are not committed body
and soul to the powers that be. That such po-
itical condition can be indefinitely prolonged at
the will of any man or set of men, however forti
fed by the artificial agencies of power, intelli-
gent and rational mind can believe The elements
Of reaction must be at work, and their develop
ment retarded only for more terrible retrbution.
Bali. Sun.