Proposals for Building, In Every County, A Working-Alms-House or Hospital - as the Best Expedient to Perfect the Trade and Manufactory of Linnen - Cloth by Richard Haines
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page 4 of 28 (14%)
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Beggars or others who want a lawful Employment. Besides, almost all both
Men, Women and Children that can but pull Tire or Tow from the Distaff, or such easie work, may be speedily employed and removed from being chargeable; so that there will be no fear of any Parish in the Kingdom being oppressed, or indeed charged, save only in case of extream Age, or Children in their Infancy, neither of which continues long. And Thirdly, Much land throughout _England_ will be greatly improved by sowing Hemp, Flax, _&c._ _Obj._ It may be objected, _That if the House be stockt with so many weak, ancient people and Children, this will cross the great Design, because they will not be capable to spin their quantity of Cloth, nor so fine_. _Answ._ As to Fineness, it matters not, if but one in five be employed in it to an exquisite degree; for there is enough occasion for courser, for Sacking, Sails, Ticking, Common Table-Linnen, Sheets, _&c._ And as to Quantity, it may not be the less, because the most laborious thing in Spinning is turning of the Wheel. Now for the better effecting a Design so profitable and honourable to the Kingdom, I have improved my small Genius to the utmost, notwithstanding I above all Projectors, have been most discouraged: And I know whoever will attempt any thing for publick Benefit, may expect these Three things. (The first is Necessary, the second Customary, and the third Diabolical) _viz._, To be the Object of wise mens Censure, other mens Laughter, and if advantagious to himself, Envies implacable displeasure; of which last, I have had share to the highest degree that Revenge could express; and this too from a pretended loving Brother, a person of an honest Profession, and of as debauched a Conscience; yet I say, notwithstanding such discouragements, I have spent some time for Publick Advantage, _viz._ To |
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