Items related to Memorial edition of the collected Works of W.J. Fox...
Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1866 edition. Excerpt: ...5, 1845. Gentlemen,--You have now an opportunity for contributing towards the settlement of a question which deeply and permanently affects the interests of the community. There is but one great national subject on which your votes, at the approaching election, can have any important influence,--that of Free Trade. By returning a representative in favour of its principles, you will facilitate the final disposal of the Corn Laws. And such is the peculiarity of your position, that this is the only thing you can do. To accomplish this, or neglect it, is all the alternative before you in the exercise of your franchises. Political questions, in the usually restricted sense of the expression, there are none to be submitted for your verdict. No portion of the constitution is either assailed or to be defended. The war of Whig and Tory has subsided, scarcely leaving a shadow of its struggles, or an echo of its uproar. The House of Commons only divides upon details, never upon principles; but details are rather for the consideration of representatives than of electors. For you there is little, if any thing, to vote upon except Free Trade. The scope is still more narrowed--it is only one of time. Votes are thrown away if directed towards the permanence of what is called " protection." Corn Laws have been a series of experiments; each in succession has injured the trade, deceived the farmer, and been superseded by some further modification. The present law has given as little satisfaction as any of its predecessors. By common consent it is " the last of its race;" its own father claims for it no finality; it only stands till the breath of the constituencies shall please to puff it down. What good is the prolongation of this precarious existence to...
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