As we enter the streets, everybody seems to
be alive. What struck William Hutton when he first saw
Birmingham, might be said of Belfast: "I was surprised at the
place, but more at the people. They possessed a vivacity I had
never before beheld. I had been among dreamers, but now I saw
men awake. Their very step along the street showed alacrity.
Every man seemed to know what he was about. The town was large,
and full of inhabitants, and these inhabitants full of industry.
The faces of other men seemed tinctured with an idle gloom; but
here with a pleasing alertness. Their appearance was strongly
marked with the modes of civil life."
Some people do not like manufacturing towns: they prefer old
castles and ruins. They will find plenty of these in other parts
of Ireland. But to found industries that give employment to
large numbers of persons, and enable them to maintain themselves
and families upon the fruits of their labour--instead of living
upon poor-rates levied from the labours of others, or who are
forced, by want of employment, to banish themselves from their
own country, to emigrate and settle among strangers, where they
know not what may become of them--is a most honourable and
important source of influence, and worthy of every encouragement.
Look at the wonderfully rapid rise of Belfast, originating in the
enterprise of individuals, and developed by the earnest and
anxious industry of the inhabitants of Ulster!
"God save Ireland!" By all means.
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