( M65 ) 
OBSERVATIONS 
ON THE 
RISE anp PROGRESS or tHe COTTON TRADE 
IN GREAT BRITAIN, 
Particularly in Lancashire and the adjoining Counties. 
BY JOHN KENNEDY, ESQ. 
(Read Nov, 3, 1815.) 
Tue frequent complaints, both in public 
and private, against the manufacturing sys- 
tem, certainly demand an impartial investi- 
gation, and none are more called upon. to 
take a part in such discussions than those who 
are interested in manufactures. 
I am aware of my inability to throw much 
light upon this subject, but my present at- 
tempt will show at least a willingness to have 
the matter fairly investigated. 
The few observations which I shall now 
submit to the society, relate chiefly to facts 
and circumstances that have taken place within 
my own experience and observation, or which 
rest on the testimony of men whose intelli- 
gence and veracity I could depend upon. 
It. will be proper perhaps to, take a retros- 
pect of 50 or 60 years, in order to shew the 
