CHAPTER III. 



COBDENISM. 



Mr. Cobden's Agricultural Sayings. 



It is mauy years since we first read the speeches 

 of tlie late Mr. Cobdeu, but we have felt com- 

 pelled to go through the process again since 

 tariff reform became a prominent topic for con- 

 sideration. 



We give below the most important extracts 

 from the speeches wherein the agricultural pro- 

 blem is dealt Avith. 



We take the speeches in order of date, placing 

 a note or comment at the end of each extract : — 



SrEEcii, February ITth, 1843 (House of 



COMMOXS). 



(1). " When the agitation was begun for the 

 repeal of the Corn Laws our complaints were met 

 by showing that our commerce was increasing, 

 that the Savings Banks were prospering, that the 

 revenue was improving, and that consumption 

 was augmenting." 



Note. — This is the exact argument adopted to-day by 

 those who oppose tariff reform. 



