The Sun.
London, England, 1824-03-09 00:00:00

poly. which had so kept down the manufacture when ever;
other branch throughout the country had made such rapid strides
towards Perfection. What they proposed was no new experi-
ment or untried theory—they were only applying an acknow-
ledged principle to a case which formed almost the only ex-
ception, certainly the most prominent one, to the general sys-
tem of our manufactures. He was ready to allow that the
manufacture was flourishing in a certain degree ; bat he wish-
ed to see how it would flourish under a true system, and
divested of all its present restrictions. The Right Honour-
able Gentleman then argued at length to shew how other ma-
nufacturers had grown up without the aid of such prohibitions,
and how the invention of machinery had reduced the price of
labour below the rate of other countries. In the manufacture of
cotton the expence of labour was lower at the present moment
than it was in France. The Hon. Member for Taunton (Mr.
Baring) seemed to have forgotten the principles which he for-
merle, advocated. He remembered very well a speech which
the non. Gentleman made in presenting a petition from the
merchants of the city of London in favour of free trade. The
Hon. Member then declaimed against prohibitions, and alluded
to the one which was before the Committee, as being the mos,
prominent and pernicious. The object was not to carry the
trade to France, but to enable the manufacture to compete with
France. To the commercial efforts of this country they were
indebted for its greatness.
Mr. BUTTERWORTH suggested whether it would not be
better to allow a drawback on uncut goods.
Mr. WM. PEEL was convinced that the silk trade not only
ought, but would feel perfectly satisfied with the plans of the
President of the Board of Trade. If the duties on raw silk
were repealed, the revenue would be materially benefitted, and
trade would not suffer an injury.
Mr. DAVENPORT did not believe the French would take
one article of silk from us. He opposed the measure; it was
giving a boon to France.
Mr. ELLICE said we were behind our competitors the French
in the silk trade. His objection was, that they could not in-
sure protection to the trade. The measure was a vast experi-
ment which would give an advantage to the rivals of the silk
trade in France. He could never find how it was that the ope-
ration of machinery in this country should cost eight shillings,
when in Italy it should cost but two. Before the trade was
opened, the question arising from the improvement in ma-
chinery should be considered. Ile did not deny that grea
improvements might be made in the silk manufactory, but
this was the first case in which a great alteration hitd been
made suddenly. The particular measures in contemplation
would have this effect; no diminution would take place in the
wages of the workmen. The heavy weight would fall on the
master who had a large stock of manufactured goods on hard.
As to the general policy of the measure, he did not believe that
the removal of the restrictions would have the effect stated.
The Right Hon. Gentleman expected from these measures an
increase of foreign trade, but notwithstanding the drawbacks
already allowed, the manufacturers were not enabled to com-
pete with the French in foreign markets. He hoped the ad-
vantage given the French neer our market would obtain con-
cessions favourable to Great Britain.
•
Mr. LITTLETON explained the ground upon which he
should support the proposition of his Right Hon. Friend.
Mr. ELLICE expressed a hope that the Right Honourable
Gentleman would consider the state of the masters who would
be left with large stock of goods on hand.
Mr. WiIITMOR F. said he came down to give his support
to the proposition. and,having heard the argument, he was siiil
of opinion no valid objection to the measure could be support.
ed. It was said, they ought not to adopt freedom of trade with
respect to this article, because they had not free trace in corn.
—He could not conceive that they ought to reject the principle
of free trade in one article, because it was not allowed in
another.
Mr. BARING objected to the mole in which the duty was
to be taken off the raw material.
Mr. HUSKISSON said the object was to allow the raw silk
to come in cheap to the market. •
Alderman HEYGATE opposed theresolution, and protested
against the principle of free trade, unless they were prepared to
repeal the Corn Laws.
Mr. ELLICE expressed a hope that the House would not
divide.
The resolution was then aereed to without a division.
Mr. HUSKISSON then 'stated that it was the intention of
his Right Honourable Friend to
embody the several resolutions
for alteration of duties in a Bill, and in that shape they might I
be seen and discussed by the House.
I
Mr. BRIGHT asked when the duty on the importation of
wool was to cease ?
Mr. HUSKISSON proposed tl.e sth July, anl moved a re-
solution to that effect.
A Resolution having been moved to repeal certain duties on
Coal carried coastwise, and substitute other duties,
Sir T. ACLAND expressed a hope that one class would not
1)... allowed any advantage over the other.
Mr. HUSKI.SSON repeated that all the proposed alterations
would be seen in a Bill, and fairly considered.
A Resolution for the gradual reduction of the bounties on
wacsotl:.eet
tl)kAe
nV
RE: S asked d
reportwhether
. tahne
intendeddut3,
Limn N‘ai then moved and carried.
on
rFrench gloves
was
duty lead excited great alarm, under the dread that English
gloves would be driven tut of the market.
Mr. HUSKISSON arid, the Gallant Colonel would he able
to sat;sfy his constituents that the freedom of trade would not
apply to French gloves.
Mr. HUME asked whether the bounties given in the Whale
Fishery were to continue.
Mr. II USKISSON said they were granted for a certain
number of years, and were not to be taken off until they
expire.
The whole of the Resolutions having been agreed to, the
House resumed, and the Report was ordered to be received ,
this day.

SUPPLY.
The Report of the Committee of Supply was ordered to be
received this day.
The Navy Mutiny bill went through a Committee.—Report
this day.
The South American Postage bill was read a third time and
passed. _ _ _

INSOLVENT BILL.
The Insolvent Debtors'- Bill was read a second time, and
committed for this day.
The other Orders of the Day being disposed of, the House
adjourned at a Quarter to One.