Some political economists have asserted that the strength of a nation consists in the number of its inhabitants. This, without qualification, is manifestly erroneous. A numerous population, in a state of wretchedness, is rather a symptom of debility than of strength. Such a population is ripe for treason and spoil. But a dense population, usefully and profitably employed, and in a state of comfort and prosperity, constitutes the pride and glory of a statesman, and is the basis of the power and security of nations. Hence there is scarcely any object which the most profound statesmen and monarchs of Europe, have for ages more uniformly pursued than the encouragement of immigrants possessed of useful talents.

Under all the governments of Europe, therefore, even the most despotic, inducements have been frequently held out to invite a tide of population of this description. And the wealth, power, and prosperity of some of the first rate nations, date their commencement from migrations thus promoted and encouraged. The decay and decrepitude of the nations from which the immigrants have removed, have been coeval and proceeded pari passu with the prosperity of those to which they have migrated.

The woollen manufacture, the great source of the wealth and prosperity of England, owes its introduction there to the wise policy of Edward III.[sic] who invited over Flemish workmen, and accorded them most important privileges.