CUBDEMSM. 53 



(30). "We Lelicve that free trade Avill increase 

 tlie demand for labour of every kind." 



Note. — What about agriculture, xchcre the labour sup- 

 ply has diminished, year after year, for the last 50 years 

 and more? 



Speech, October 24th, 1844 (Manchester). 

 (31). " I speak my unfeigned conTiction wlien 

 I say that there is no interest in this country 

 that would receive so much benefit from the 

 repeal of the Corn Laws as the tenant farmer 

 interest. AVhen the future historian comes to ' 

 write the history of agriculture he will have to : 

 state ' From the time the Corn Law Avas repealed, 

 agriculture sprang up to the full vigour of exist- 

 ence in England, to become what it is now, like 

 our manufactures, unrivalled in the world.' '' 



Note. — IT'e wonder wliat those uho believe in Cobdcn's 

 theories will have to say to this unfeigned conviction, 

 ichieh has been absolutely falsified by the result? ' 



Speech, December 11th, 1844 (London). 



(32). In this speech Mr. Cobden spoke of Mr. 

 Henry Clay, who had stood for the Presidency of 

 America on the ground of his being the author 

 and the father of the protective system in 

 America. Mr. Clay, Mr. Cobden said, was 

 rejected " at the hands of 3 millions of citizens, 

 who," he added, " sent him back to his retire- 

 ment." 



Note. — To-day, as all the xcorld knows, America is 

 more protective than ever; her artisans insist upon the 

 system; and they, icith the Germans, are our greatest 

 competitors in the whole icorld, and have been for many 

 years. 



