MATTERS CHIEFLY ADVERTED TO. THE main points (all prominent in our present situation) adverted to in the following pages are, THE STATE OF OUR SHIPPING. OF OUR EXPORTS. OF OUR IMPorts. THE OPERATION OF OUR MONEY SYSTEM. OF OUR CORN LAWS. OF OUR POOR LAWS. THE MODE OF RAISING OUR REVENUe. It appears from the investigation, the result of which is given in the following pages, that the opinions which are generally prevalent upon these subjects are altogether erroneous. It may seem, and doubtless it is, singular, that opinions should have been generally received upon matters of such paramount importance without examination. But the truth is, that, upon these subjects, as upon many others, impressions have been taken from persons whose interests were affected, and whose opinions were adopted, without reflecting that such persons were incompetent judges in their own case; of which, moreover, they took very partial and limited views, while every one shrunk from the investigation of facts with which those who were more immediately concerned were supposed to be conusant. Errors have thus multiplied; but it is consoling to find, that the sources of our prosperity remain entire, and that we have only to correct those errors, in order to advance in improvement with a rapidity and to an extent hitherto unexampled, even in this country. August, 1832. CONTENTS. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. Increase of Shipping Increase of Exports Distress prevalent nevertheless Chiefly in the Agricultural Districts Causes Restraints upon Industry rendered progressively severe by a Rise in the exchangeable Value of Money Investigation proposed PART I. INCREASE OF SHIPPING AND EXPORTS. CHAP. I. Increase of our Shipping, and of the Exports of Home Produce and Manufactures Table showing it Facts relative to British Tonnage Foreign Tonnage Exports Imports 5 6 8 9 10 11 |