r fattening cattle would meet that objection. He hoped that
these advantages would be considered as somewhat a compensation for any
immediate loss that might be felt by the introduction free of the
other animals. He asked those connected with agriculture, while he was
proposing these reductions, to bear in mind that he had already proposed
the removal of protection from some of the great articles of manufacture
connected with clothing in this country. He directed their attention
not merely to the protection connected with the land, but asked them
to remember that he had called on the manufacturers to set the first
example of the relinquishment of protection. They would bear in mind
that their farm servants and domestics would be able to command a
cheaper supply of clothing; and they would, therefore, be disposed to
follow the example of those whom he had called upon to make the first
example of relinquishment. Sir Robert continued:--"I will now state,
with the permission of the house, the proposal which I mean to make on
the subject of grain. I propose that, from the passing of the act, some
articles shall be admitted duty free. On the one hand, I do not propose
the immediate repeal of the corn-laws; but in the hope of a final
arrangement, of preventing undue apprehensions, and giving time for the
adjustment of agriculture to the new state of circumstances, though
I propose a temporary continuance of protection, I propose it on the
distinct understanding, that, after the lapse of a certain time,
foreign grain shall be imported into this country duty free. I am deeply
convinced that any intermediate proposal would be of no avail. It
would have been entirely out of my power to explain or to suggest any
modification of the existing corn-law with a guarantee that it should
be continued. The choice is either between the maintenance intact of
the existing amount of protection in every particular, or laying the
foundation for an ultimate settlement by means of ultimate freedom. I
propose, therefore, a considerable reduction in the existing amount of
duties; and I propose that the continuance of the duty so reduced shall
be for a period of three years; that it shall then continue till that
period of the year in which I believe there will be least inconvenience
in the termination of that protection. I propose that on and after the
1st of February, 1849, oats, barley, and wheat shall be subject only to
that nominal rate of duty whi