8 



times and seasons. It is useful to be set right 

 in regard to first principles, even if we should 

 occasionally depart from them. We shall thus 

 be better able to estimate the grounds alleged 

 for such departure, as well as to determine its 

 nature and limits. 



The present inquiry, therefore, divides itself 

 into two branches. The First involves the ques- 

 tion, Are there any grounds, in the present cir- 

 cumstances of this country, independent of the 

 distresses of the colonists, to justify the sus- 

 pension of distillation from grain ? The Second 

 involves the question, Supposing there are no 

 such grounds, is the interest of the sugar colo- 

 nists a sufficient reason for such a measure ? 



The First or general inquiry further subdi- 

 vides itelf into two branches. The present cir- 

 cumstances of this country, unconnected with 

 the interest of the colonists, may be considered, 

 in the^r^ place more generally, as relative to 

 a great nation producing its own supplies, and 

 at amity with all the world. In the second 

 place, under its present peculiar aspect, as im- 

 porting a part of its supplies from foreign states ; 

 while there is a chance of these supplies being 

 interrupted, from the violence of war, in tin- 

 present extraordinary combination against us. 



These two branches I shall consider in the 

 two first sections, and I think they will exhaust 



