000

W

To the Right Ionourable the Lords Spi-, Aristides' statement is incorrect. It is

ritual and Temporal of the United not, however, of much consequence wheKingdom of Great Britain and Ire- ther bis letter contain sentiments which

have been delivered before, or not; but land, in Parliamint assembled.

whether those sentiments be right or

wrong, of which neither Aristides, myThe Petition of the Freeholders, Land- self, or any body else, can determine holders, Tradiesmen, Manufacturers, and any further than our own several opinions Inhabitants of the County of Wills, in 20

But Aristides is not willing to allow

any body the credit of writing their true County Meeting assembled,

sentiments. He charges them with vieHUMELY SHEWETH,

ing with each other which shall best elade That your Petitioners, at the moment

“ the true state of the case;" or, in other when they were justified in expecting words, which can deceive the public most. to enter on the Eujoyments of the is not this illiberal; very illiberal ? PerBlessings, usually attendant on Peace, haps it was a slip of the pen while liis into which they had so long been Stran- dignation rose against Landlords and Fargers, perceive, with the deepest Sorrow, mers, who are now amassing so much that Attempts are making to prolong wealth. I hope, whatever I write, he and perpetuate the Suñerings of War, will at least allow me to be sincere when by enhancing and upholding the Price I say, that all our dear bread derived its of Corn.

sourde from WAR, the cause of all our

Taxes; and now War has ceased, TaxáThat your Petitioners, seeing, in other tion must cease also, or ruin and the fear

Quarters, political Corruption and pri- of a jaji will drive numbers of people to vate Rapacity so firmly and resolutely some land where they can work without leagued against them, 1ly with Conti- a tax-gatherer taking the greatest part of dence for Protection to your Lordships, their property, and where they can farm and appeal to your Noble-Minsiedness, without being obliged to relinquish a your Justice, your Humanity, against tenth of their produce.--Aristides states, the Machinations and Violence of this that he has found one who has hinted at vnfeeling, this merciless League. “the real cause of the evil.” He says,

Your Petitioners, therefore, humbly "since this person's lease has expired, his pray, that your Lordships will reject any laadlord has doubled his rent:" but he Proposition that may be niace to you to las not told us when this lease was entertain any Bill, or oiher Measure, granted; whetlier in the cheap or in the tending to diminishi

, or restrain the Im- dear times, or why the landlord thought portation of Corn.

of doubling the rent. Hie has also forPetitioners shall ever pray,

gotten to state the comparison of the &c.

quantum of taxes paid, and housekeeping

expenses, &c. in the year the lease was CHEAP CORN.

granter, and that in which it express

These particulars are certainly very min Mr. COBRETT.-In perusing your va- terial to be known, as a criterion to taluable Register last week, I saw in it a ble us to judge whether the landiord letter entitled "

Cheap Corn,” which, wanted a denble income or not. 119with your permission, I wouid offer a few tides lays great scones on manylitte iarnis remarks on, and put a few queries to the being consolidated inti nne. This is zot writer, Aristides. He begins with stating, so general as he states, although it wil that he“ sets his face against all that has be more so soon; for now that a prison .“ been said or written on the subject.” stares the little farner in the face, and But if he were to ask Mr. Whitbread, if has stared some of them out of countehe Irad ever made, at a public meeting, nance, as any one may see by looking similar declarations as to the manner of over his own parish, and observing the farmers' living, I believe he would an- increase of paupers caused by an infius swer in the affirmative. If he were to of labourers, the consequence of oppres. ask Mr. Hunt, if he had ever spoken sive taxation. So far Aristides'statement against high renis, he would give the is true, wlicu he says, that “they are same answer. Now, Sir, if this be true," either working as day labourers, or

And your

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gone out of the kingdom;" but, reader, beef," continues the writer, “ gives forget not the reason ; they are taxed way to modern delicacy.” This also out of it.

is true; but the reason, Sir, is, because Aristides is not content with the far- their own mution and pork is cheaper mers' mode of living ; he calls upon the to them. After all, Mr. COBBITT, why reader to enter a farm-house, and tells does Aristides envy the farmers ? Doe's him, he will " no longer find the farmer's he think they live in luxury? Does he

daughters, Madge and Molly, (for such think they get too rich? If he does, let • he will have their nanies) feeding hogs, him try; let him take a farm at 41. per “ fetching or milking cows, churning acre ; let him pay 3l. per acre in taxes ; " butter, or making cheese;" but will after he has tilled and sown the ground find them in the back parlour, drawing with all possible care, let him get fifteen or at music, or preparing for a county bushels of blighted wheat per acre; let ball. But, reader, be not content with him pay like an honest man the tenth of stepping into one ; go into nine, and see all he has laid out on it to the church'; if idleness is the order of the day; see if let him make (is. the bushel of the rethey are not attempting to earn their mainder, and then he will know and taste livelihood by making cheese, or perform the sweets of farming; then, he may ing some other duties. But, mark me, sport his

But, mark me, sport his "military-cut upper-coat of sudo not come from town to do this, when perfine, lined with silk," and his Welyou have taken a fashionable breakfast lingtonian boots ; and then, instead of at ten o'clock, and then, after a ride of keeping his curricle, he had better march twenty miles, expect to find them churn- along with that illustrious personage, the ing their butter. No, no, they will have next time he goes to fight for the re-estahalf finished before you get from your blishment of the Pope and the Inquisibeds; they will be in their back parlour, tion, than attempt to raise another year's if they have one, mending their garments, rent and taxes. or recreating themselves by some agree- Aristides pities the poor; so do I. He able and pleasant amusement, perhaps wonders why they should be made to eat at music, perhaps at drawing, or perhaps dear bread; so (lo l. Ile says bread embroidering. Allow me to ask Aris- ought to be cheap; so dol. But, instead tides, what harm there is in farmers' of envving the supposed riches of the daughters amusing themselves in this farmer, I would pray Parliament to take way, provided they do not neglect their ff the taxes ; to do away the support of business? Does it foliow of course, thea a vile system of corruption, so as to that they cannot make pie, pudding, or enable the landlords to lower their rents, dumplin, bceause they learn music? Or and tlie fenaut his corn. because they sometimes sit in their back that we might be relieved of tythes, that parlour, müst they neglect going into the curse to agriculture, which supports a dairy?

set of men, a tenih ot'whom are scarcely Bit the "old mare (what a grievai.ce!) worth any thing but to roar out 'Church * 18 isoscuritesh." it is true; for those " and Slatt;" a system which every agriwho kept her only, have found it neces- culturist ought to set his hands against; sary, by the late increase of assessed and by doing which they would prove tases, in make shift without her, and are their patriotisin, their sincerity for namitent to walk.--- But why may not far- tional improvement more than the supint in te privilee etting money port of wars, or of agricultural societies. &rough to a wem to ride a good

-Aristides-it behoves you, as an riter, a well as a trailesinan? As for active citizen, to give a proof of your teir curricles, gigs, and chaises," is sincerity in wishing bread cheaper, and there one in fifty, or even in a hundred, the people happier, by helping to prothat keep any of them? I shall pass mote such a petition, and if yours and over the young gentleman, his “ hobnails our prayer is heard, and the taxes and " end smock frock, and carter's whip,'| tythes taken off, then we shall have bread although I consider there is a medium cheap; then we shall be content and between tkis and the other dress which hanpy: that will be the period, and not Aristides describes; and would wish to till that period arrives. I am, &c. know, wby a farmer may not be a gen

A FRIEND TO SINCERITY, tleman.

• The ox's cheek, and leg of L'erifird, March 3, 1015.

I would pray

ance.

CORN Laws.

per quarter was possible. Now Sir, I

presume that no comment is necessary, MR. COBBETT.--Having from the and that I need only add that whoever commencement of the present and pre- thinks this gentleman did wrong in this ceding discussions upon the proposed instance, or in giving similar informaalterations of the Corn Laws, in behalf tion to all his foreign correspondents, or both of agriculture and the grower, that gentlemen in this profession collecgiven the most constant attention to the tively in giving such information to all argument whereby they have been sup- their respective foreign connexions are ported, and also to those which have been censurable, is ignorant of the regular opposed to them, permit me through practice and interests of commercial the medium of your invaluable Journal, trade, and of what constitutes credit to make a few remarks upon the same. and respectability in the contracting of it,

From the occasional conversation with I have no hesitation in adding that every the farmer and grower of corn, I frankly regular factor of foreign grain must have confess myself to be one of those who remitted such information to each of have been persuaded that a very consi- their respectable correspondents, by the derable and valuable body of men among earliest opportunities after the expected the farming tenantry, require the protec- rise, probably by the succeeding post. tion stated to be sought in their behalf; I cannot however pass from the subject and as far as my observation has ex- of importation, (which will doubtless betended, I am also fully satisfied that come very considerable to the port of the class of agricultural labourers, col- this metropolis) without noticing, though lectively and distinctively as a body, re- with great deference to your superior quire consideration and legislative assist- judgement, that I do not think in con

Presuming therefore, that these nexion with a durable peace that the statements are facts; I must conclude proposed measure will have quite the that they ought to be duly weighed, and effect in raising the price of the Londou generously appreciated in connexion with quartern loaf, which has been supposed; uil remonstrances against any measures certainly not for a permanency. If the that are proposed professedly to obtain price should pass 13d. I must attribute a fair and proper amelioration, which I it to the alarm which these obnoxious conclude the present measures, precipi measures

have excited. This remark tating through tbe houses of parliament, I beg you will not suppress. Should are not calculated to produce, but, on the price exceed, it would certainly, only the contrary, are practically mischievous benefit the class of speculators whose and particularly inconsistent with public ability to enrich themselves at the public welfare. However, Sir, as you have al- expence, you would not I am sure willingly ready fully and repeatedly proved this contribute to. I do not allude to regulatter opinion, I shall only add one fact lar middle men, whose credit with their in confirmation of one of the objections connexions, and whose permanent inwhich reflecting persons stated in the terest is involved in regular profits, and first instance. I allude to their assertion, not in fluctuating prices. But, Sir, are “ That if the proposed measure could the inhabitants of this ancient and enbe established, the difference conse-lightened metropolis to be persu.. ed by quently paid in the higher price of foreign the country representatives, thar without corn, can but prove principally a premium absolute dearth, and with free communia or bonus to the foreign grower of, and cation to and from the coasts of the condealer in corn.” The following fact 1 tinent, that 13d. or 1s.or even 9d. should humbly presume is convincing on the be the permanent price of this portion subject. A cornfactor (whose name can of food ? My reason for concluding be supplied) as soon as those measures that bread would not under the proposed were known to be sanctioned by the measures exceed the price I have stated Government, and likely to be established during the continuation of peace, is that under some modification, immediately in. inasmuch as the said measure of prohiformed a foreign correspondent, advising biting the first sale of the importations him to delay his shipments and wait a of foreigu corn, when under 80s. would few weeks for advanced markets; and have the effect sought of advancing corn mark reader, as a rise of no less than 17. to that price, so likewise there would

9

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1

such an immense importation and de- circumstances, whenever material dis-
posit take place, to obtain that price tinctions and differences exist, in erder
on the advance, that it must necessarily to arrive either at fair premises or just
keep it down to the lowest possible ad conclusions, It is a species of the com-
ditional advance that would ensure an nionest craft used in vulgar controversy,
equal chance of sale, which must be to confound all distinctions. It would
connived at, otherwise there would prove equally mischievous, and not a jot
bably be wanted a protection or indem- | more injurious, to assume distinctions
nification bill, in behalf of the interested that are frivolous or unfounded. In ven-
parties, and of the foreign proprietor. During therefore to state that the far-
Thus it is obvious that if importation is mers should be considered as differently
to take place in any way, it must produce interested in point of claims in the present
the same competition between the fo- instance, and in adding that the indivi-
reign and British growers of corn, which duals appear to me to form in Great
now exists between the British and his!); Britain three distinct and nearly equal
and unless the two latter are first upon rarties, with very different pretensions,
a fair footing, to or pose it in such side it is proper to explain, that this is my
gree as must eventually produce their private view of their case, and also that
ruin, or call for absolute prohibition in it is not grounded upon very intimate
tbeir behalf, a remedy which we bave koowledge will, or extensive information
been led tí suppose, might if this coun- on the subject, but merely derived from
try once relied principally on foreigners a few residents in different parts of Eng-
for its consumption, in its application, land, in several of which very dissimilar
occasiou as great a fall in the prices of customs prevail in the leiting of estates,
corn throughout the exporting and corn and coo:equently in the circumstances
growng nations of Europe, as might and claims of the landed tenantry. In
probably produce a general revolution, some parts of the country nearly the
or lead to a war with this country to pies while of the tenantry are without leases,
veut it. But, Sir, what good is the and many of them have now been so, for
grower

of

corn, and the agriculturut maay years past; and as the custom has labourer of this country, to derive from very much increased, it is probable that a measure that will always ensure a rival the persons thus situated, amount to one at his protesting price, seeing that go-third of the whole number.of farmers. vernment is determined that wlienever | The next class of farmers are those who high prices or largé demands prevai, the hold either long or short leases at an forèigter is then to close is, and to reap exorbitant rent, taken during the high the greater advantages, for it is evident prices of every species of produce, aud that the cheap grower who must in this tie limited supply of the importation ease reap a large profit, has the decided of foreign coll.

Several of these persons silvaniage in holding back to engross it is said, occupy a number of esíates or such a marhet.

very large farms, but I do realiy believe
But having allowed the partial accu- that neither in number or o point of
secy of the statement of our opponents the quantity of laad which they occupy
in behalf of the farmer and bis servant, that they form muie than a wid of the
I wouid advocate their cause as earnestly interest , in question. Certainly tho em.
as I would that of any other class of in- barr.ssment, oi the farmer at the present
sividuals. For elicitatiay their particu-ume, are not exclusively among these
ar cases, I shall proceed on the present persons. The last division consists of
occasion, big ciring the master the pre- those farmers who liave been more cau-
cedence, though only on account of the trous and successful, diu are now living
courtesy due to him from his superior upon and cultivating their own property,
situation, for as men and members or wilding to those the gentlemen farmers
society, I know no difference in ther a terin by 10 means novel) who pechaps.
Telative importance, cria their caiin to ve cultivated under their own inspec-
human tv. To apreciate the interest, tion a small part of their estate, for the
and clains of the farlwers collectively, or sake either of amusement, or improves
of any other pody of men, or of societat and discovery, rather than by way

, er
ge, it is obviously necessary to comperitiou with the more dependent

'se
Sok at them in their distinct states and l farmer. These two descriptions ef persons,

with those tenants who have long old that these persons do not pay so much leases, or who have contracted prudently rent per acre,

as the farmer in some with liberal and uninformed Cits for re- other districts ; this objection is allowed newals, beyond doubt comprise a full to be correct, and even in several inthird of the parties interested in the stances where the farmers will be gainers growth of corn and the farming business. by their present leases. But this

The first class of farmers which I have only makes the practice more intolerinstanced, are those who have no leases. able. It is evident that those perThese persons have been considered as sons cannot pay a rack rent equally as mere vassals of the landlord, but I think high as the leasehold tenant of a well very improperly, and that the term is managed and conditioned farm, in the inappropriate, and totally inadequate to first instance; because the security of reaappreciate their situation and wretched- ping the advantage of his improvements,

and expenditure of property, on the esIt is very obvious, that in the pre- tate, during his enjoyment of the lease, sent state of society these persons receive would have induced him to cultivate and no particular protection nor equivalent stock it, to the utmost of his ability. advantage, neither are they to be fairly But no farmers of property would take reckoned tenants at will. The farming land to do the same, upon an uncertain business is the only employment they terms, nor is there any probability of are adapted to follow, and if they profess persons without property becoming 'ademoral principles and integrity, desiring quate to such an expenditure, unless by to live by their exertions, and duly and certain possession at a moderate rent, for fully to discharge the just demands, a given number of years. This is a How small soever of their servants and chance that certain landholders, for the others, they must continue to make the sake of enjoying a most arbitrary power, best of it. If they have none they must or for the gaining of a few pounds more still do the same; without character, in the first instance, appear determined eredit or property, their profession is to continue denying them. In passing the sole medium of their existence. The from this subject, I would hazard a conwhole of these do not probably pay a jecture and venture to suppose, that if this rack rent, but it is notoriously other-increasing practice should become genewise with the majority; they are doomed ral throughout Great Britain, as the whether corn is high or low, to pay the face of the country recovers its mili tary exactions of their landlords, to the utter- population, it would approach that state most farthing. This class of farmers of anarchy, so often prevailing in the therefore are not at all interested in pro- sister kingdom; of which country I would tecting prices, but they want, and so venture to add, that under similar cire does agriculture, as far as connected cumstances, more serious troubles and with them, this innovation suppressed; difficulties must occur than any hitherto this growing imitation of Irish customs encountered. put a stop to; this unnatural associa- Government ought, liowever, to intertion with civilization broken down. It pose and fine both landholders for is also obvious that the protection of letting, and tenants for occupying, agriculture by an enhancement of prices, farms without leases; and that also, if would not as far as it is cosinected with not contracted for between the resident this class of farmers, contribute to the tenant, and the real proprietor, when enrichment and employment of the other such. This would, in some measure, classes of society: no, their poverty would defend the unwary, of the latter order, still remain, and they would continue in from those speculators in the taking of this respect, the least useful body of the farms, who deal in leases, and the farmer community. Having no inducements for from the same; and also from the obexertion, they would also continue to noxious class of interloping overseers be very inferior agriculturists. They in the management of large estates. may sign their landlord's petitions for The next class of farmers, in behalf of protecting prices, but it is evident the whom pretensions are made for corn proprotection they want, is from high and tecting prices, are those who have taken Huctuating rents, in connexion with leases during the extreme high price of more certain tenure. It may be said | Corp, and other provisions ; but the