87 



possessed of really correct information of the parti- 

 cular circumstances and condition of the agricultural 

 classes, and who have in common with the others, 

 though each acting from different motives, assisted to 

 create this delusion, and to impress the public with 

 the belief that a free trade in corn would be for the 

 benefit of the many, though against the interests of 

 the few. Not to Great Britain alone, but to Ireland 

 also, a free trade in corn would be a grievous evil; 

 it would operate as a great discouragement to her 

 agriculture ; this is the opinion of all the witnesses 

 examined before the Agricultural Committee con- 

 nected with Ireland. If the protecting power of the 

 Corn Laws be not interfered with, the wild bogs and 

 half cultivated fields of Ireland will afford employ- 

 ment for capital and labour. The large surplus pro- 

 duce which we should receive from thence would 

 make the price of corn in this country still lower, 

 and would render it even less necessary than it now 

 is to have a free trade in corn with other nations. 

 Great Britain and Ireland might reciprocate advan- 

 tages and blessings ; and the agricultural and com- 

 mercial interests of the United Kingdom be thereby 

 mutually encouraged and improved. Happily, we 

 have not yet reached the extent of our economic re- 

 sources, and there is a wide field for British enter- 

 prise for ages to come, and the means of advancing 

 our industry and opulence. " Britain," says the late 

 American Ambassador, Mr. Rush, " still exists all 

 over the world in her colonies. These alone give her 

 the means of advancing her industry and opulence 



