The Sun.
London, England, 1844-01-04 00:00:00

THE SECOND QUESTION,

Which is this,—ls a high scale of prices with
equally high wages, or a low scale of prices with
equally low wages, best for the labouring people
of England?
I would just remark before attempting to
answer, that as increase is mainly acquired in
this country by means of thp labour and time of
a hardworking population, so they are most
deeply interested in the right decision of this se-
cond question.
I have often heard it said, and I think it is
generally believed, that if we of this nation can-
not have things cheaper, that is, as I understand,
at lower prices, our manufacturers cannot com-
pete with foreigners. Now whether they can
compete with foreigners or not, I do not know;
but of this I am sure, that they can do it better
with the very reverse of that which they call
cheapness; that is—better with high prices than
with low prices. This may seem 'strange, but it
is certainly true.
In order to prove this proposition, I say first,
that increase of things to us is our only means'of
paying taxes, without the payers becoming'
.poorer and poorer. I think this position is
herein before proved, and shall therefore assume
that it is admitted by all.
Next, I set down the amount of our taxation
at forty millions of pounds in a year. It will not
affect the argument whether it be more or less.
And now [ will [put a case, which, though it
cannot happen in reality, may be imagined. It
is this.—Let ill the increase of one year, from the
land, from the manufacturers, and from every
other source, be brought together into one
market; and let those who have laboured to
obtain it, or are the owners of it, come together
to the same market. Then let this question be
first put to the assembly : Shall we set a high
price or a low price upon all these things?
After that question has been put, suppose
then, one in the assembly should stand up
and say to the people—" Remember that
you have to pay forty millions of pounds for
taxation out of these very things ; and know,
that out of nothing else can you afford to pay :
and if you determine to put a low price upon
them, you must of course part with a greater
bulk to raise that sum than if they were put at a
higher price ; and thus, by parting with a greater
bulk, you will have less remaining for yourselves.
On the contrary, if you put a high price upon
these things, you need not part with so much
to raise the forty millions ,• and the differ-
ence will be your own ; which will enable you
to sell, so much as you may have to sell, to fo-
reigners at a reduced price, or give the differ-
ence to them if you please, without being in a
worse condition titan you would have been, by
fixing the prices low."
In continuation of these imaginary proceed-
ings, let us suppose an extreme case ;—that the
assembly should put so low a price upon the
year's productions, as that the total thereof
should amount to no more than forty millions of
pounds; it is plain then that the year's taxa-
tion would have swept away the whole ; and the
assembly might then go to their homes, with-
out taking back anything to sell at all.
Again, take another view. Suppose the price
of things were to be reduced to one-half of what
they are now, so that the manufacturer, instead
of giving one pound to a workman for a week's
wage, should get two week's work done for the
same money. Now tben, what would be the
result in this case ? In the first place, we may
see that taxation would be doubled; fbr the fund-
holder would still receive the same number of
pounds as at present; but every pound of his
would purchase two weeks work like the manu-
facturer's instead of one only as the matter stands
now. And, likewise, every pound of the fund-
holder's would purchase twice as much of every-
thing else, because everything is, by the suppo-
sition, understood to be reduced to half-price.
The fund-holders, thereby, would possess a
double portion of the goods of the nation with-
out doing anything to merit more than the half.
But some may say, Oh yes, but think how
much work may be done for half the cost.
Would not that enable them to compete
with the foreigner, and get large profits too ? I
say, No.. For, besides the drawback of double
taxation, making an increase thereto of forty
millions a year, but few in England could better
afford to give more than half the price for goods
they had been used to give before; and so there
would be no advantage in that part of the affair.
Then with regard to foreign trade. It may be
admitted that if gold and silver could be brought
home in return for exported goods, there would
be a greater profit to those concerned in the trade,
if it could be carried far enough to out-balance

the increased taxation attaching to the trade, 13nt
it has been said, and probably truly said, in answer
to this, that a trade upon such terms as require the
bringing back of gold and silver, cannot be
long carried on ; for that foreigners have those
metals not in such plenty; but
.corn and other
foreign produce must be taken. If so, then little
or no advantage would be gained in foreign trade
by having half prices at home, because such fo-
reign produce, when imported into England/
could not be sold above such English half prices.
What prospect is there then, under the circum-
stances of this supposed case, of any foreign
trade being so carried on as to counterbalance
the extra taxation of forty millions a year, which
it has been shown it would entail upon the tax'
paying people generally of the nation ?
Hence it may be seen that lower prices in'
crease taxation, and on the contrary, that higher
prices reduce taxation : and therefore the second,
question is answered by proving—a high scale et
prices with equally high wages is best for the
labouring people of England.
And now it may be asked, How is this thing
to be done? I apprehend, if it be done, it must
be through a judicious enlargement of our pre'
sent circulating medium of exchange—that is,
money. It cannot be done with our existing
stock of gold and silver. These are nothing
like enough for the purpose, for these can it:pre'
sent but a small portion of our immense produc-
tions, at our present prices. But all I shall nos!
further say on this point is, that to establish hie
prices there must be a commensurate circulating
medium. W. G•

ANTI-CORN-LAW MEETING AT

OLDHAM.

On Tuesday evening, pursuant to placards and advertise;
meet, a large public meeting was held in the Town-hall, se
Oldham, in aid of the great Anti-Corn-law League Fund 01
100,0001. Mr. Joseph Gillham, senior head constable, ,Pre-
sided. Though admission was only had by tickets, price 6,t
the large room, which is capable of holding upwards'
of I,t'"
persons (having an area of 242 square lards), was well filled,
with a respectable assemblage, including a number of ladle!'
The room, which was tastefully decorated, was brillianto:l
lighted by three handsome candelabra, of bright and burnished
gold, each containing eight argand gas burners. These caw
delabra have just been fixed in the hall, and greatly impr°°6
its appearance. They cost 100/.
Owing to a delay in the starting from the Manchester
station of the railway, of the principal speakers of the evesiioo'
caused by the immense number of Oldham persons returnill
from Manchester (so that the train which should have 011,1.°,,
at five o'clock was three-quarters of an hour later), the ees'
was not taken until seven o'clock.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, read letters
from Mr. Alderman Brooks, Mr. Brotherton, M.P., end gr;
James Lees, of Delph Lodge, expressing their regret at being
unable to attend.
The meeting was then addressed by Colonel Thompson, iebefill
usual quaint and pithy style ; by Mr. Cobden, in a power'',
and argumentative speech, addressed chiefly to the workinr
classes, and considering the corn-laws as a wages and loos(
question ; and by Mr. R. R. Moore, who showed by detsit''
respecting the hat trade of Oldham, and the exports of bst''
that with high prices of wheat our experts fell off, and ill;
creased when wheat fell. He also explained the progress of th
League, and how it had employed the large sums previees.,
contributed, and concluded by calling on the meeting to ber
the new year well.
The CHAIRMAN said, he was not able this year (as 4
losses had been severe) to double his subscription. He IN"
give 100/.—( Applause.)
Mr. Mooaa then announced other subscriptions :-IVies'rb'.
Lees and Mills, Waterhead Mill, 401. (double last year's 55j,
scription) ; Messrs. Gartside and Mayall, 40/. ; Messmi ;
and H. Nelson, 301. (double); Mr. James Cheetham, 2°;;
Mr. James Butterworth, Greenacres Moor, 20/. (quadrupiec
Messrs. Seville and Wolstenholme, Lower Moor, 20t.; gess;
Marsden and Collinge, of Hollins Mill, 201. (double) ;
John Bentley, head-constable, 10/. ; Mr. Eli Lees, Soho, i;,O
Messrs. Whittaker, of Royton, 10/. (double) ; Messrs.
Holden and Brothers, Holden Fold, 10/. ; Messrs. Oe°::,
Holden and Son, Royton-lane, 20/. (double) ;
Lees and Barnes, Soho, 20/. ; Mr. John Peatt, oar
' r,
ford Iron-works,lo/. (double) • Mr. James Greaves
301. (double) ; Mr. John Chadwick,Mill, Rhodes la ; •
4.,
William Wilde, Belfield, 10/. ; Mr. James Wilde, Mumps. ',„O,
Messrs. James Cheetham and Sons, Clough Mill, Crolorg
10/. (new) ; Mr. Thomas West, Union-street, 5/. ( last tlt.,
21.) ; Mr. Joseph Baxter, Hollinwood, 51. (new) ;
Thomas Mellor, Royton, Si. (five fold) ; Mr. Samuel 111%,
Market-place, Si. (last year 21.) ; Messrs. Dyson and Bret,'„,
Greenacres, 101. (double) ; and at least 150 other subseVro
tions varying from 20/. to one shilling. Among other totleod
of subscriptions were—" A Bolus for Peel," 20/.; Tote °Ai.;
Immediate Repeal, and No Compromise," 20/.; A Friend•ll'ol
A Few Friends from Waterhead Mill, 301.: making a tots )
Eight Hundred and Sixty Pounds.—(lmmense cheering''
Mr. concluded by proposing " Three cheers for Rep"(,
which were given with hearty good will.
.nes
The CHAIRMAN proposed a vote of thanks to the gentle7,o,
who had addressed the meeting, which passed by acelamet'"
and was acknowledged by
11:03B
Mr. CoaretN, who said he felt grateful pleasute an.A -
astonishment. For the size of the meeting, he had neverd
tended one with more spirit than the present one. He 01°'
rr
vote of thanks to the Chairman, which passed with three cheem.
The CHAIRMAN called for " three cheers for the Quie
which:were given with spirit.
Mr. ALEXANDER TAYLOR moved a resolution of symPsoie
with Mr. Alderman Brooks, whose absence was caused bf
serious illness of his only daughter.
Mr. MOORE moved a vote of thanks to the ladies, ss
being passed by acclamation, the proceedings terminated
minutes after eleven o'clock.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. Jibe
SlR,—From the accounts in the newspapers, P-tbe
don appears in a tumult respecting remedies for,
existing distress, its crisis have actually reacheung
ears of a Bishop. But in all this anxiety for afforiei'd
relief, I see nothing aimed at to prevent that w".og
appears to have led to the extensive inquiry now g°`b
on—l mean the victims found in the Park. Tholl
the Bishop of London has consented to become I
Christian, and move in this wide field of his clutYble
see no mention (in this as in every other charittiv
exertion) of the Duke of Wellington. Still the D
might do a great deal. In this respect reeill
,cOJ
his superior, he does subscribe to charities. 4,1 e
it shall be related of him, when his plall!",06
tongue has ceased to wag, that at a '3"03
of intense and universal distress, caused
~,to
continued in some degree by his own obstinacyl-eii
time when mothers were weeping over chil"10
crying for bread—at a time when thous36l3
either died from actual starvation, or the sebeJ
of death were sown by want—he subeer'oe
five thousand pounds for building churches. ties,
people asked for bread and he gave piles of at°, 0
The large subscriptions paraded in the newspaPe;ol
the present time, are a wicked mockery of the Hats
distress.

But to return to the Duke. It was alleged -110
think, the Morning Herald, that the victims fanned
the park were from the country, they had foli° di'
the soldiers, by whom they had been debauched, 011
seased, and then deserted : and I observe a pargg•oesl
in your paper of the 21st ult. from the Leeds it ip',
headed " Regimental Love Scene," which, beivgool
terpreted, is merely an account of the manufacto
similar victims, by the same parties, the military' able
The account is evidently intended as a latlepo'
affair, and no doubt would be so only for the e°,,iz.,
quence, any one can see, must have ensueo,oo,4
disease, desertion, &c. The scene "craning ofLo i
women up, four or five at once into barracks' Ise
laughable ; and " some few more devoted of the 16'
tually contrived to hide themselves in the 1r 04
carriages, and went forward to Manchester, bicP
also be laughable ; but of the less devoted" oust 0
seems to have been the greater division, no acC, 00
given, " some few only' reached Manchester, the
no doubt became victims. Sove'
The position of the Duke just now, and the ~, or"
reign now on the Throne, gives him a fine c't ' ~) ~t,
tunity of doing honour to himself and his Sever,'sti
by adopting some means to check the systeii- to
licentiousness of the army. It is a disgrike:bort
the British soldier that he cannot, even fora-, ill
time, be quartered in any place, but he leAv-dio"
marks of demoralisation in living charactell,',"re/
him. Private soldiers are somewhat like cbiL"pco
they faithfully copy the manners of those J tite
above them ; and 1 fear imitation of officers 155 i`j
principal source whence springs this recklessrinerdei
morals. The military seem to enter a tool rn.es 0
termined to ruin its fair inhabitants; the raslo
peace are exchanged for the ravages of war.
ieroblJ
This licentiousness the Duke might consie f iiis'
check by a general order, carrying a penalt.Y ° cal!
missal to all officers guilty of seduction or crillihiss'
and making them ineligible to hold any cot:01116 kc''
in the service. In the case of privates, corpcit per/
they could be punished by confinement, and 5.; 0°3.4
of pay for a certain time. I do not expect ch'd
of " Josephs," but something should be dons t° pot'
this wholesale system of making victims f°r
and other places. V)S'
Your Constant Reader, Id,
X., COMMERCIAL TRAV-
Clonmel, Dec. 27, 1843.
4.t., 0
PEAS AT WHOLESALE Y 1 4'4i
1. Good Common Black 3s. Od. Flue Pekoe Soucho .....45, D 1
Strong Cor.gou ... ....... .3s. 4d. Superior ditto .........
..0.
Fine ditto, Pekoe llavour..3s. Bd. Finest ditto import'''. eil
0 ea' COFFEE. I°'
Good Common Os. 9d. Finest Java ............
.0. op
Ceylon,sound and sweet—ls. Od. Ditto Cuba ....•••..'..'."
Fine do., recommended ls. 2d. Finest Mocha ...... ''''

Fittest Ceylon, rich and " .
mellow
floods delivered in all parts of Town daily' a
Country orders amounting to 5L , sent free to all Parts
Britain,
nside"
MANSELL and CO., 2, Bucklersbury, Cheap
10
BIRTHS. Or
:r of 1
On the 25th of November, at Corfu, the wife I .00
Fitz Herbert, of the Rifle Brigade, of a daughter. the VI
On the 30th ult., at Bishopsgate-street Without, ' O•
Mr. James Frith, wine-merchant, of a daughter. veg. C.
On the Ist inst, at Stanton, the lady of the D'
Cotes, of a son.
11'
MARRIED. gf•dot
On the 3d inst., at St. James's Church, Piccadinll;oo el
L. Jones, of Salt-hill, Kingstown, near Dublin, to /
daughter of Alexander Lowe, Esq. 6,
„d,
On the 19th of July last, Dat IE
WellD ington, New Zeal°.
Hunter, Esq., Major of that settlement. to
- lc- Ot
OY° I
Loudon : Printed and Published by MURD Ott
No. 112, Strand, at The Seal Office, No. 11% 44.
A le
the County of Middlesex, Thursday, January -*

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