The Sun.
London, England, 1856-10-22 00:00:00

especial attention to international commerce, and to the
1 growth and use of wines as artic'es of agriculture and
commerce, their effects upon the human constitution as
etimulant,, and the great results that might flow from
their introduction at a low duty upon those friendly
and reciprocal relations, which in the cause of
peace as well as national prosperity we desire
to maintain with other countries. You will have
seen that I have not failed every session to bring
the subject under the notice of the House of Commons,
and upon all public occasions, whether at home .or
abroad, I have advocated the measure upon the
eeundest principles of morality and political economy.
As a means of increasing the revenue I feel sure that it
would be very successful. It wet Id, no doubt, diminish
the consumption of spirits, and so my opponents argue
that it would damage the spirit merchant and the publi-
can ; my answer is, that those very parties would be
fully indemnified by adopting the sale of wines, as in
other countries. We require all the cereal produce of
the country for the sustenance of the people. So that
the agricultural interest would gain by it. The malt-
sters and brewers need have no alarm, for it has been
proved that a very increased consumption of beer is
consistent with wine at a cheap price in England, as in
former times. But the great result, the crowning benefit
is the stimulus it would impart to our manufacturing
and shipping interests, in creating a demand for all
those articles which our working population can produce
superior in quality and cheaper in price than other coun-
tries. Take, for instance, the manufactures of the West
Riding, Leeds, Sheffield, and Bradford. Turn again to
Manchester and Birmingham, and the potteries of Staf-
fordshire ; see what vast interests may be promoted by
opening ports to the free reception of those goods. Well,
I believe the way to accomplish this is by a judicious, a
gradual, and a large diminution of duty, not upon wines
only, but upon every article of foreign produce, which
can minister to the wants, necessitids, or gratification of
the English people. And by so doing recollect that we
render the chances of war more remote. All nations
will hesitate to imperil the great fortunes and inter-
ests of their people embarked in commerce, spread
over the various nations of the world. Every vier.,
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many links in the chain which bind us together in peace.
Upon these grounds, therefore, I think the question I
advocate has large and important bearings upon the
prosperity of our country ; and in those viewsl am
Supported by many able public men ; and I have found
in France, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, amongst the
enlightened statesmen of those countries, strong sympa-
thies towards an increase of commercial relations by a
reduction of tariffs. It may have been gratifying to you
to have seen the reception given to me last month its the
south of France, as showing the sympathy which exists
between public men on both sides of the Channel on the
great principles of international amity and commerce.
One of the greatest of French statesmen presided upon
that occasion, M. Michael Chevalier, and gave expres-
sion to the noblest sentiments in proposing the health of
our gracious Sovereign, Queen Victoria. I feel per-
suaded that the Government of this country, following
in the footsteps of Sir R. Peel, would do well, now that
we have peace, to reduce considerably all existing du-
ties upon foreign produce, wherever the principle of re-
ciprocity can be obtained. I believe this to be one of
the most practical and expediious means of increasing
the national revenue, and of lessening the burtbens of
taxation. In 1840 the tariff comprised 1,052 articles on
which duty was levied. By Sir R. Peel's measure of
reform, in 1842, and other minor reductions in 1846,
1347, and 1848, this long list has been reduced to 466.
Still it is found that our imports from foreign countries,
as well as revenue, increase largely. There is, •consee
quently, every encouragement to pursue the same wise
course. Gentlemen, my efforts in Parliament, as befole
the public, will be directed to a reduction of import
' duties and the closest commercial relations between
Great Britain and foreign countries. You will ever find
me also giving my best support to measures having for
their object the moral, social, and educational improve-
ment of the people.