516 Mr, Thomas Bazley. [May 30, 



Cotton, almost the chief of the fibrous gifts of Providence, might 

 be grown in excess of the power of man to fabricate and consume. On 

 each side of the equator is a belt of twenty-five degrees of latitude, encir- 

 cling the earth, and these two belts form immense fields, on which cot- 

 ton could be produced ; consequently it might be obtained to an almost 

 illimitable extent. With, therefore, the natural facilities possessed by 

 the people of this country for entering upon a manufacturing career in 

 cotton, and with ample means existing for cultivating and producing the 

 raw material, no surprise need be felt that an energetic and industrious 

 people should avail themselves of their skill and inventive powers to 

 initiate a great industry founded upon their native talent, and in reli- 

 ance of an abundant supply of the foreign fibres of cotton being always 

 attainable. 



The persecutions of the Duke of Alva had banished from their 

 homes the Flemish weavers who took refuge in Britain. These skilful 

 and ingenious workmen became valuable acquisitions in a country com- 

 mencing the transition from the labours of the field to those of the 

 loom ; and the domestic manufactures of our country began to indicate 

 the progress and perfection which they were destined to attain. The 

 dawn of a great industry was perceptible. Industry was honoured, and 

 labour inculcated as the foundation of the nation's coming distinction 

 and prosperity. Even more than two centuries ago, when steam-engines 

 were unknown, canals not having been formed, nor large manufacturing 

 establishments erected, and while deer-forests surrounded this vast city, 

 there were merchants who promulgated sound economical principles, and 

 who taught lessons of wisdom to the possessors of regal power. In 

 London in 1641, Roberts, a son of commerce, published an enlightened 

 pamphlet, entitled " Treasures of Traflick," and in proof of the soundness 

 of his views the following extract cannot fail being interesting and 

 welcome. He said, — *' Some princes are not satisfied with those mate- 

 rials that grow among themselves, and in their own countries, but they 

 covet by all industry to draw others from their neighbours, or foreign 

 nations, to employ their subjects, and to put their people on work, by 

 this means much enriching themselves, and honouring their country ; 

 and adding a great help to the public traflick thereof, selling and vent- 

 ing them thus wrought, even to those nations who many times have sold 

 and furnished them with the very first materials of the said manufac- 

 tories." " Manchester, in Lancashire, must also herein be remembered, 

 and worthily, and for their industry commended, who buy yarn of the 

 Irish in great quantity and weaving it, return the same again in linen 

 to Ireland to sell. Neither doth the industry rest here, for they buy 

 cotton wool in London that comes first from Cyprus and Smyrna, and 

 at home work the same and perfect it into fustians, vermillions, dy mi- 

 ties, and such other stuffs, and then return it to London where the same 

 is vented and sold, and not seldom sent to foreign parts." Thus at a 

 period in English history when Charles the First was surrounded with 

 troubles, discord and distress prevailing, Roberts, in beautiful simpli- 

 city of language, uttered the first plea for cotton and for its industry. 



