2834. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 31 August [1816] ⁠* 

My dear R.

I have seen enough of Owen to understand that what he proposes for practice, – & a glimpse at his Address shows the crudity & folly of his metaphysics & his theories. [1]  But any proposal from a man who has really effected so much deserves attention, – in spite of his books.

His project is to raise money upon the Poor rates, & employ it in purchasing land upon which those who require parish aid should be settled in villages averaging <about> 1000 persons, – living separately as families, but working as a community each for the benefit of the whole. In short villages of industry, instead of houses of industry, & that industry employed upon the soil not upon manufactures, – because to employ them in manufacture is only bringing more goods into a market which (from the use of machinery) is now overstocked [2] 

Upon this he would graft schemes of education, & with a suicidal enthusiasm he predicts from the certain success of such establishments, the certain but gradual overthrow of all existing systems. With this prospect he has gone to the Archbishop, [3]  the ministers &c – & he insists upon it that they have approvd his pamphletts. I tell him I would more readily undertake to convert the A Bishop to the Mahommedan faith than to make him assent to such principles. – He will probably find indi individual funds for trying his experiment in a single instance.

God bless you

RS.

31 August.

Thank you for the Mad house Reports. [4]