160 On the Corn Laws. 



CONCLUSION. 

 On the Danger of depending for Food on Foreign Importation. 



There is no thinking individual, who must riot be shocked at the 

 idea, of a great country depending on foreign nations for food, when by 

 any exertions, and at any expense, it can raise that food at home. 



The only pretence for placing a nation in that hazardous situa- 

 tion is, that the grain may be had cheaper. That may occasionally be 

 the case ; but dearly would that advantage be obtained, if a country is 

 entirely put in the power of foreign nations, and of domestic dealers in, 

 and importers of corn. 



When once it is ascertained, that we must depend on foreign na- 

 tions for food, the price abroad necessarily rises. Indeed, that very 

 circumstance, is one of the arguments used in favour of importation, 

 and our making purchases abroad. It is said, that foreign manu- 

 facturers can undersell us, because they have cheaper food ; but it 

 is contended, that if the price of food is raised by our purchasing 

 their grain, they will be less able to contend with our manufacturers, 

 and the rivalship would be carried on more on a footing of equality. 

 What then becomes of the arguments, in favour of the expectation 

 of procuring cheap food, from foreign countries, when it is maintained, 

 that, in the result, corn will become as dear abroad, as at home ? 



In case of war, it is evident, that there can be no certainty of our 

 obtaining the necessary supplies, and above all, at the places where a 

 supply is wanted. How could London be regularly fed, more espe- 

 cially in time of war, and since the invention of steam navigation, if it 

 depended upon the Baltic for its provisions, and if the ports of Bel- 

 gium were in the possession of a hostile power ? In time of war also, 

 the grain we should import, would be loaded with the burdens of ad- 

 ditional freight and insurance. Could London then be supplied as 

 cheaply from foreign parts, as from Kent, Norfolk or Suffolk ? 



In short, there are such multiplied risks, connected with the pro- 

 posed plan of depending on importation, and so many powerful ob- 

 jections can be urged against it, that none but persons having a direct 

 interest in its establishment, would ever think of urging it ; and a na- 

 tion which should suffer so dangerous a system to be pursued, would 

 well deserve, all the calamities that must necessarily result from its 

 adoption. 



Domestic agriculture therefore, ought to be protected, as the real 

 source of public as well as private prosperity ; and the only sure 

 foundation of all those blessings which, under the guidance of a gra- 

 cious power, can either enrich or ennoble a country. 



133. George Street, } JOHN SINCLAIR, 



Edinburgh, j n the 79th year 



1st October 1 832. ) of his age. 



