But working men have recently become
more prudent and thrifty; and it is believed that under the
improved system of moderate counsel, and arbitration between
employers and employed, a more hopeful issue is likely to attend
the future of such enterprises.
Another thing is clear. A country may be levelled down by
idleness and ignorance; it can only be levelled up by industry
and intelligence. It is easy to pull down; it is very difficult
to build up. The hands that cannot erect a hovel may demolish a
palace. We have but to look to Switzerland to see what a country
may become which mixes its industry with its brains. That little
land has no coal, no seaboard by which she can introduce it, and
is shut off from other countries by lofty mountains, as well as
by hostile tariffs; and yet Switzerland is one of the most
prosperous nations in Europe, because governed and regulated by
intelligent industry. Let Ireland look to Switzerland, and she
need not despair.
Ireland is a much richer country by nature than is generally
supposed. In fact, she has not yet been properly explored.
There is copper-ore in Wicklow, Waterford, and Cork. The Leitrim
iron-ores are famous for their riches; and there is good
ironstone in Kilkenny, as well as in Ulster. The Connaught ores
are mixed with coal-beds. Kaolin, porcelain clay, and coarser
clay, abound; but it is only at Belleek that it has been employed
in the pottery manufacture.
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