224 Political Economy. 
POLITICAL ECONOMY. 
Having observed in the second number of the Empo- 
rium of Arts, an invitation for communications upon the 
subject of political economy, I am induced to send you 
the result of some attention and enquiry. It is with dif- 
fidence opinions are presented differing from your own ; 
with hopes however that the public may be benefited by 
your further elucidations. The object of this writer will 
be gained if these remarks should be the means of engag- 
ing abler pens : and it is worthy of exertion to approxi- 
mate the truth, in a science so difficult to develope, that 
it may be considered in its infancy, its first principles 
being yet unsettled. 
All wealth is derived from the natural productions of 
the earth, and labour : but as it is labour alone that accu- 
mulates a surplus, and even attracts and concentrates 
produce, without any original possession, labour is en- 
titled to the first place, and industry may be considered 
the parent of wealth. 
A large surplus produce, whether derived from domes- 
tic labour, or from capital employing foreign labour^ 
gives a nation prosperity ; accumulated and condensed 
it becomes wealth, which is disseminated through the 
country by a large consumption ; and united, as it must 
be, with numerous, active and intelligent population, con- 
> stitutes power. 
Of the different opinions which have prevailed, as to 
the most profitable mode of employing national industry, 
the principal are embraced in the agricultural and com- 
mercial systems. 
The agricultural system supposes the greatest advan- 
tage to be derived from the multiplication of the produc- 
tions natural to any country ; particularly such as contri- 
bute directlv to human subsistence» 
