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rarely witnessed. The some causes that have carried off elsewhere, from one half to a third of entire households, by exposure & starvation, are already at work in Va. And as yet there are no adequate means of relief. Souphouses will save some & are much better than nothing. But as a temporary expedient for the aged & helpless there is danger of their demoralizing influence upon those who are both able (with the opportunity) & willing to earn for themselves & their families an honest living. Since the former masters are alike unable & indisposed to give remunerative employment, some adequate measures should be taken to save all who are able & willing to work from compulsory idleness & ultimate pauperism. In the absence of opportunity & incentive for industry it is hardly to be expected that any people will become remarkably industrious.