240 THE AUTHOR SUPPORTED BY THE FLAX-SPINNERS. 



labourers. To such monstrous propositions mine are diame- 

 trically opposed. They have been often recorded, and centre 

 in the desire to advance the rate of wages, to maintain the 

 value of British property, and to preserve that proud position 

 in the scale of nations which we have so long enjoyed ; recog- 

 nising to the fullest extent that portion of British property 

 which the poor man alone possesses — viz., his labour." 



In fine, Mr. Editor, two primary objects which the pro- 

 moters of the cultivation of flax have in view% are, to find 

 employment for the people by the preparation of the fibre, and 

 food for cattle through the use of the seed. The direct profit 

 upon a few acres of flax, abstractedly considered, is unimport- 

 ant. But the indirect advantages arising from an employed 

 population are incalculable. 



If the circulation of a few extra millions in the shape of 

 wages can be considered a benefit, then does the flax crop hold 

 forth the glorious prospect of securing a greater amount of 

 labour than any other production of the earth ; securing, 

 because, when once fairly introduced, it must become perma- 

 nent; and not only would agriculture experience a stimulus, 

 but commerce also ; for we should become real instead of nomi- 

 nal exporters of linen ; and the home consumption of provisions 

 and of every description of manufactured goods would be pro- 

 portionally increased. I say nominal exporters, because we 

 are now obliged first to import the raw material, before we 

 export it in the form of linen. 



Undoubtedly the spinning and weaving of flax are branches 

 of business highly beneficial ; but were it grown and prepared 

 at home our national advantages would be much more than 

 doubled. 



That the proprietors of our great spinning-mills desire to 

 promote the home cultivation, is evident ; for the Messrs. 

 Marshall and Co., of Leeds, were amongst my earliest instiga- 

 tors to perseverance. And, as a further confirmation, I need 

 only refer to the circumstance of the Messrs. MulhoUand, of 

 Belfast, having withdrawn no less a sum than 40,000/. a year 

 from the purchase of foreign in favour of Irish flax. 



Of one fact we may rest assured, viz., that the Spinners of 



