Page:The Factory Controversy - Martineau (1855).djvu/7



I propose to place at the disposal of your Association an article which I wrote for the "," the history of which is simply this:—

In October, 1851, there appeared in the "" an article (or a portion of one, for the writer was carried off by cholera before he had finished his work) on the Proper Sphere and Duties of Government. This essay, on the most important of all subjects of domestic politics, impressed me deeply, carrying out solidly, as it did, some ideas which had long been floating in my mind. I felt at once, and I have felt ever since, that it would be a good public service to illustrate in all possible ways the truths of that essay.

Some weeks ago, a representation made by Mr. Horner determined me to reproduce the subject of Meddling