THE POOR LAWS OF SCOTLAND. * This article is, doubtless, from the pen of Dr. Chalmers, and will be read with interest. It is not so local as to be unworthy the attention of all philanthropists.-ED. Report from her Majesty's Commissioners for inquiring into the Administration and Practical Operation of the Poor Laws in Scotland. 1844. Remarks on the Report of her Majesty's Commissioners on the Poor Laws of Scotland, presented to Parliament in 1844, and on the Dissent of Mr. Twisleton from that Report. By W. Pulteney Alison, M. D., F. R. S. E., etc. 1844. WHATEVER estimate we may form of Dr. Alison's views on the subject of pauperism, it is impossible to withhold our homage from his thorough devotedness, and untiring perseverance in the cause of humanity. If not always in effect, at least always in purpose, and with the full and honest sympathies of his whole heart, he is the friend of the poor. He may, and we think often does, err in his conceptions of what is best for them in the aggregate, or of what the most expedient VOL. IV.-No. III. 19 and fittest measures are when dealing with indigence as a general question, or as affecting the habits and condition of the population at large. But though his notions are often, his sensibilities never are at fault. Whether or not he at all times judges aright, he is sure at all times to feel aright. On the ground of opinion he may not have acquired the honors of a victory over his antagonists in the field of controversy; but on the far higher ground of benevolence and worth, he has earned a reputation which is above all Greek and all Roman fame. His is An eye for pity, and a hand open as day for melting charity." To a mind which entertained the question of pauperism for the first time, we can. figure nothing more fitted to overset and to bewilder, than to be at once thrown abroad on the vast and varied miscellany of evidence collected with such immense labor by the Commissioners, and now presented to the public in no less than 2540 folio ges of small print; and, beside the engrossment of manifold notes and lists of cases and written communications of various sorts, setting before us, in the first of these three volumes alone, more than 14,000 sep pa |