THE COAL QUESTION. 77 



In fine, the total amount of probable available coal in the 

 theoretic extensions, or new coal-fields in the United Kingdom, is 

 given as fifty-six thousand, ttvo hfxdeed and seventt-theee 

 MILLION tons, or more than half what still remains in the known 

 proved coal-fields, 



These are the figures of the Commissioners. In speaking before 

 of the Bristol field, I suggested that a large proportion of the 

 amount counted in the proved list ought to be transferred to the 

 problematic: problematic, not that it did not exist once, but 

 because it is not proved to be in a position or state that will ever 

 pay working. 



Leaving now the estimates of coal which remains for future 

 supply, and the means by which these data are obtained, we will 

 turn to the question of the so-called duration of our coal-fields. 



This is the main purpose for which the Commission was 

 appointed, and the collection of the enormous mass of important 

 data at which we have merely just glanced, was framed entirely 

 with a view of knowing what relation om: future prolahle supplies 

 bore to our actual annual consumption. 



It is admitted by every one, without exception almost, that 

 our prosperity depends entirely on our coal. It is coal which is 

 the source of all our manufactures, either directly or through 

 the cheap iron which it gives us ; it is by the cheapness of our 

 manufactured cotton and wool stufi's, our rails, and machinery, that 

 we undersell other nations, and obtain our immense trade ; it is 

 the cheapness of our coal which enables it to be used as freight 

 instead of ballast in outward-bound vessels, and by adding to the 

 profits of the voyage, causes a large accession to our trade ; it is the 

 cheapness of our coal which indirectly enables us to do most of 

 the carrying trade of the world. 



Cut off the supply of coal, or what comes to the same thing, 

 let the price be raised, so that instead of being cheaper, it is as 

 dear or even dearer than the coal of one or other nations, and 

 the picture must be reversed. Our prosperity and our trade will 

 take to themselves wings and flee to that nation where coal is the 

 cheapest. 



