was a
new settlement of the corn-laws. This subject was introduced by Mr. C.
Grant, on principles similar to those in the bill lost in the preceding
session. The act he introduced was constructed on a graduated principle
of ascending and descending duties, like that of Mr. Canning; but the
medium price was raised from 60s. to 64s. In introducing this bill Mr.
Grant scarcely attempted its vindication; declaring at the same time
that it was the best that could be framed with any chance of being
passed into a law. The resolutions, he said, so far as the legislature
was concerned, were permanent, until the minds of men could be led to
entertain juster notions upon this subject; and they would be changed
only as the notions which at present prevailed were altered for the
better. They were offered to the landed interests as a resting-place,
a firm and solid ground on which time and experience might accumulate
a richer soil. They were a compromise between conflicting interests and
opinions. For himself, he conceived them imperfect, because they fell
short of the bill of last year; but they had been brought as near to
that measure as was consistent with the likelihood of their being passed
into a law. Other members of government also described the measure
as one which did not satisfy their own ideas of what was right and
expedient; but what they called a compromise of conflicting opinions,
was in reality nothing less than a sacrifice of what they admitted they
knew to be for the public good, to the views of a party which they were
fearful of displeasing. Notwithstanding, the opposition which had been
made to the bill of last year was renewed by the agriculturists on the
same grounds as before. They struggled for still higher duties; but the
bill finally passed both lords and commons without alteration. It has
been observed of the contest on this occasion, that "agriculture was
considered improperly as opposed both in its nature and objects to
manufactures; while, in fact, it is itself a manufacture, and the most
advantageous of all manufactures; for its profits are certain, and its
employment healthy. All grain raised beyond the seed sown adds the whole
extent of such produce to the wealth, and the people employed in its
production to the strength of the state. The grand object of every good
government is to provide employment for the industry of its people; and
the first point to be attended to in this respect is the manufacturi