150 Political Economy^ 
a spade, and a eow. The spade, and cow must earn a plough and' 
horse, and so on, in slow succession. Years v/ill elapse before they 
can attain a tolerable degree of ease, exert their faculties to the 
best advantage, and make the most of their farm. 
An untoward accident during this period may altogether des- 
troy them. If, on the contrary, some rich neighbour, relying on 
their industry, on the fertility of their ground, had, for a due even- 
tual consideration, supplied them at once, with all the stock, and 
implements, required for good farming, his capital would have 
placed them nearly in the same situation, as if they had been alrea- 
dy at work for years ; their exertions would have yielded greater 
results ; their situation would have been infinitely less precarious, 
and they would have attained, comfort first, and, afterwards, inde- 
pendence and wealth, with much more rapidity. 
If immediately after the termination of the revolutionary war, 
in this country, a non-intcrcourse with all foreign nations had been 
decreed, and enforced to this hour ; if, previously to the revolution, 
as soon as the first settlements had taken place on this side of 
the Atlantic, all connexion with Europe had ceased-— can it be ima- 
gined that our agriculture, that generally, our prosperity, would 
have by this time attained the height to which they have risen 
Capital itself is a commodity, which, when uncontrouled, mi- 
grates from the country where it abounds, to that where it is want- 
ed. 
British capital, in the first instance, stocked our farms. Bri- 
tish, and other foreign capital lined our shores with ships, and co- 
vered our rivers with small craft. Nine out of ten, of our manu- 
facturing establishments, have been set on foot by foreign skill, 
and with foreign funds. 
The jirojits of cajiitals lessen in firoj-iortion as their size 
ments. A young beginner, with small means, must work hard to 
live. Grown wealthy, the bare interest of his accumulations suffi- 
ces for his wants, and he seeks ease. He therefore sets up ano- 
ther in business, and is content with a share of the profits. Thus 
both benefit. The former makes rapid strides towards acquir- 
ino' a capital himself, and the latter derives from his means an 
income without labour. 
* No- Foreign commerce is highly desirable on many accounts, while 
It can be pursued, peaceably. The question Is, ought we in prudence to go to 
war for the sake of it ? will It repay the cost ? T. C. 
