9792. on the coal duties in Scotland. 304-9 
stances; yet as it does not appear that parliament was 
ever properly apprised of these circumstances, we cannot 
so much accuse that body of impropriety of conduct, as 
the inhabitants themselves of culpable negligence, in not 
representing these circumstances to parliament. They 
ought, therefore, surely to embrace the present opportu- 
nity, of publicly declaring what they know respecting the 
operation of the coal tax there; that neither the present, 
nor fyture ministers, may have it in their power to plead 
ignorance as an excuse for any impropriety of conduct 
with regard to the circumstances of these distant regions. 
It is thus, and thus only, that the more wealthy inhabi- 
tants of these districts, can free themselves from blame in 
the eyes of their descendants. ; 
Let me then exhort my countrymen, instead of busying 
their heads about wild and impracticable systems of reform, 
asthey are improperly called, to turn their attention to dis- 
cover those real evils that occasion distrefs to their friends 
-and dependants, and point them out distinctly to the mi- 
nister and parliament; who being thus informed as'to the 
veal state of those remote countries, may be enabled te 
adopt such measures as fhall tend effectually to relieve 
them ; and thus add to the “ general good and prosperity 
of the whole.” It is now ten years since I first beheld, in 
person, the state of that country ; and was witnels to the 
misery under which the people groan, because of the 
coal tax, and similar injudicious regulations. Since then, 
I have not ceased to embrace every proper opportunity of 
pleading their cause, with all the energ: in my power. 
My efforts have not been seconded with all that ardour 
that might have been expected, by those who would be 
chiefly benefitted by the prosperity of these poor people : 
but I cannot persuade myself that the present opportuni- 
ty will not jbe embraced; 2nd I am inclined to hope, 
