The Sun.
London, England, 1839-02-04 00:00:00

CORN .LAWS.

s TO THE EDITOR OF THR SUN.
posel:,---The following short narrative, whether you are dis-
th,._to consider it real or imaginary, will show the operation
hick t:‘ Corn-laws, and will, perhaps, carry the subject farther
A ;°,ah some of your readers are accustomed to view it.
Ltd :rlend of mine returned lately from America, where he
apto_"een to sell a large assortment of manufactured goods ;
Atinriubg other commodities he had taken a very considerable
pet, der of stock locks, which he could sell without loss at 12s.
oer ozen. His old customers were glad to see him, and were
binn an
willing to purchase all his locks, but unfortunately for
other merchant arrived about the same time from an-
"9t3o. er country with locks precisely similar, which he could sell at
h;_ Per dozen. My English friend was compelled either to take
"
t locks back, or to submit to a loss of 25 per cent. He de-
ermined on the latter course, resolving never to take any more.
an his return home his locksmith called, in hope of receiv-
'n,g large order ; but, on being told of the unfortunate result
°' the last speculation, and that without he could reduce his
roe at least 25 per cent, there could be-no more orders, his
reply was, " I give so much for my stocks, so much for the
ifteo, and so much for the labour, and therefore it is impossible
or me to charge less." The locksmith, on returning to his
Itorkmen, told them he must dismiss them, for he could get no
further employment, unless there were a reduction of 3s. per
dozen. The workmen declared this impossible ;if they could
9e( the shilling loaf for sixpence, then they could come down in
weir wages, but not else. They made an application to the
l'ueioining farmer to reduce the price of wheat ; but the answer
°` the farmer was " I pay so much in rent, so much in tithe,
411(1 Co much in poor-rates, that I can but barely live at the
"resent price." The farmer went to his landlord to entreat a
reduction in the rent ; which was met by an assurance from
him that the taxes:direct and indirect, were so high, with other
rioings, that to reduce the rent was out of all question : if
ere was no National Debt to absorb twenty-eight millions
annually,
then indeed be could reduce his rent one half, or
reabouts—the shilling loaf would be reduced to sixpence—
the 'would reduce his wages—and the English met.-
eoant weuld resume his purehtists.
It is the National Debt which is the real cause of the evil.
lc' are we so reckless of consequences as to be disposed to
(1,111-ne a sponge and wipe off the National Debt? Nothing, I
na)t.;°eive, short of absolute necessity will induce the English
--1.4.6 n to resort to such a calamitous, dishonourable measure.
tna..;aVingt I think, traced back the effect to the true cause, I
perhs. •P
p it you think this worth insertion, follow it up by
en Cher communication

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
A —MEMBER OF THE BRISTOL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Bristol, Jan. 29, 1839.
" • It's always •
best for clear distinction on a complicated clues-
"tol' • • •ti t the view to a single point. Though no other ar-
t-e'e 18 now mentioned than stock locks, the reasoning applies
0 other articles of manufacture.

---
BRADFORD.—On Thursday there was much the a
usual amount of business done as for the last three or four
„*eeks, and, if any thing, rather more disposition to buy exten-
dul-"TeIY than of late. No alteration in prices can be stated. The
l
41, state of the piece market now for a long time past, and
"Consequent increase of stocks, causes some of our largest
manufacturers seriously to contemplate the diminution of their
Productions, either till the demand is equal to the make, or
001 reduced in value so as to afford a fair profit to the menu-
racturer. Wool-staplers appear less inclined to force sales
than for the last week or two, and, in consequence, the prices
must be quoted as for the last two or three weeks. There is
better demand for most kinds of yarn than there was last
Reek, and this branch of the trade is decidedly more prospe-
rous than the manufacturing department. There are no stocks,
though buyers act with great caution.
DELUSIVE PROPERTIES OF THE DIAMOND.-
ISY the di.o ancients, who ascribed to it many other virtues, the
d was thought to cure insanity, and counteract poison ;
kri"cilr on
used by the Arabians as a test of conjugal fidelity,
tu as a charm in the mysteries of their necromancers and
Bletans.