59 



seem to think that the application of its principles 

 may be adapted to the circumstances of every in- 

 terest. But they may as well say that the same 

 power which moves a steam engine along a plain, 

 will, with the same facility, propel it up a moun- 

 tain. If all interests were on a level, this might be 

 the case, if, there were no inequalities, or if all 

 inequalities were regulated, the engine of free 

 trade would meet with the same resistance over 

 the whole surface of national industry. But this 

 is not the case ; it may go freely over the rail 

 roads of trade, yet there are great difficul- 

 ties to be overcome, there are great inequalities 

 to be removed, before it can move safely over the 

 land of Britain. Supposing the theory of uni- 

 versal free trade to be founded upon correct 

 general principles, and that perfect freedom of 

 interchange between nations of the produce of 

 their land and labour to be for their mutual advan- 

 tage; is the present state of this kingdom, is 

 the present state of Europe, is the present state 

 of the world, adapted, or favourable to the uni- 

 versal operation of these principles ? Is there a 

 general agreement between nations to pursue this 

 course of policy ? Is there a general coincidence 

 of opinion that its adoption would be for their 

 mutual benefit ? Even if other nations could be 

 brought to agree to act upon these principles, 

 under a feeling that such a course would be for 

 their common interest, the moral constitution of 

 mankind must undergo a great change before there 



