purpose laid, that the protective laws were often abortive. Generally,
the country raised more corn than it consumed--a sufficient cause for
rendering protection inoperative. In 1773 the period closed during
which this country commonly raised a surplus of corn beyond its own
consumption, and the duties on importation became oppressive. Mr.
Robinson brought forward the resolutions which were embodied in the
celebrated corn-law of 1815. The report of a committee in 1814 fixed the
remunerating price at 80s., and it was proposed absolutely to prohibit
the importation of foreign wheat till it reached that price, and
of colonial wheat till it reached 67s.; when over those prices,
respectively, the imports were to be free. This measure was in itself
oppressive, but it was made doubly so by the mode adopted for fixing
the averages. These were fixed every three months upon the prices of the
previous six weeks, and continued the same until the expiration of the
quarter. However great might be the demands of the country for import,
no rise of price could affect the scale of duties until the arrival
of the next period for fixing the averages. The measure created a great
sensation throughout the country, and met with much opposition in both
houses of parliament; but it passed into law. Agriculturalists now
considered that the price of 80s. per quarter for their corn was
certain, and cheerfully entered into contracts with their landlords upon
that basis. It soon, however, proved to be mere delusion. The three next
years witnessed deficient harvests, which had the effect at one time of
raising the price to 112s. 7d.; but the ports were at length opened, and
in September, 1817, the price had fallen to 74s. The harvest of 1819 was
an average one, and the price of corn through' the year, ranged at 72s.
But this was a remunerating price, and the farmers and landowners were
induced to increase the breadth of land sown, in the hope of selling the
produce at remunerating prices. They were still convinced that the act
of 1815 was efficient to protect their interests, and they should still
flourish. But the harvest of 1821 was abundant, and the effect was such
as to surprise, though it did not instruct them. The price of corn in
July, 1821, was 51s., and the two next harvests being abundant likewise,
the price sunk in August, 1822, to 42s. The law of 1815, therefore, had
the effect of seducing the farmer into a course of conduct which induced
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