OF SCOTLAND. tn 



fand in the manner now fuggefted -, but defirous, at 

 the fame time, to give every poflible relief confident 

 with the abilities of the ftate j in that cafe, a general 

 revifal of the civil policy of the kingdom, though 

 leis efficacious than the former propofal, would be 

 productive of efTential benefits to every clafs of 

 people. 



For this purpofe a committee of enquiry might 

 be appointed, from the convention of the royal 

 boroughs, to take into confideration the ftate of the 

 kingdom, beginning with thofe objects which re- 

 quire immediate notice, as the fifhcries, and inland 

 navigation ; the linen and cotton manufactures in 

 all their branches ; the unproductive excifes or duties, 

 which it would be expedient to abolifh, and the re- 

 gulation of taxes partially impofed on that part of 

 the united kingdom. 



It would require a whole volume to enumerate, 

 bring forward, and explain the various objects 

 which await the attention of a committee thus ap- 

 pointed ; and, as public fpirit begins to revive 

 amongft the inhabitants of North Britain, we enter* 

 tain a hope that this leaibn of peace will be appro*- 

 priated to thefe great purpofes. We are the more 

 confident in thefe expectations, from the confide- 

 ration that the age is more enlightened refpecting 

 the relative operations and effects of commerce. 

 Writers of the firft abilities have lately exploded that 

 contracted fyftem which impoverifhed the diftant 

 branches to aggrandize and enrich the centre : and, 

 if we may judge from the very favourable concefiTions 

 made to the American ftates, and to Ireland, it 

 would feem, that government hath happily adopted 

 the fame generous fentiments. A confcientious re- 

 gard to the common rights of mankind knows no 

 diftinction of country, or local fituation. Neither 

 is it politic. From favours partially conferred, or 

 burdens injudicioufly impofed, ariic commotions, 



revolt, 



