Question

Why does the ghost of christmas present say, when speaking of tiny tim, "if he be like to die, then he had better do it, and decrease the population"?

Answer 1

The answer for this question is that it is symbolic of how Scrooge feels about humankind. Metaphorical reference to the absence of understanding and compassion the government has for the underprivileged and the speedy increase in population/ inhabitants in London.