MODE OF ADJUSTING LABOR AND WAGES. 341 



not speak of motives in this case at all, but only of what seems 

 to some minds to be the tendency or character of certain meas 

 ures. I do not believe there is any prevalent want of compassion 

 among the strongest advocates of restriction, or any disposition 

 to drive the laborers to the wall. Indeed, I shall utter -only my 

 honest conviction, founded upon the closest personal observation, 

 that the laborers of England have no warmer friend than in the 

 public -spirited nobleman * who has taken the lead in the pro 

 tection societies ; and this likewise applies, as I well know, to 

 many associated with him. No man in England is surrounded 

 with more contented and attached laborers. But we cannot all 

 see the same subject in the same light ; and while nothing is 

 easier or more congenial to a mean temper, nothing is more 

 foreign from a generous and honorable mind, than the imputa 

 tion of mean or unworthy motives to those whose opinions or 

 measures differ from our own. 



I have spoken thus at large, and given, as well as I am able, 

 the opinions prevalent with different persons on the great subject 

 of the corn laws first, because it is intimately connected with 

 the agricultural condition of England ; and next, because I 

 know the strong interest which is taken in the subject in the 

 United States. It certainly is not for us to complain of the 

 restrictive laws of England. I give no opinion as to the policy 

 or impolicy of such restrictions on either side ; but, while we 

 barricade our own doors, we cannot, with a very good grace, 

 require of others to leave theirs open. 



LVIL MODE OF ADJUSTING LABOR AND WAGES. 



Every circumstance, which tends to widen the distinction or 

 separation between the rich and the poor, the employer and the 

 employed, and to create opposing interests between them, is 

 alike unfriendly to both parties. The rich and the poor, the 

 employer and the employed, are equally essential to each other. 



* The Duke of Richmond, president of the Agricultural Protection Society. 

 29* 



