Now as to the much
abused 'brotherhood argument' let me assert that, like England, any
nation may adopt free trade, when it can command at least four important
things: cheap labor, cheap capital, and cheap raw material. Now Mr.
Searles, what is the fourth requisite?"
Searles did not answer. Clearly, he was interested in Harris's novel line
of argument for free trade.
"Well," said Harris, "England is inhabited by a virile people, who
evidently believe in God's command to 'Be fruitful, and multiply, and
replenish the earth, and subdue it.' England, with her centuries of
rising civilization, her charm of landscape, and her command of the
world's affairs, offers at home magnificent attractions for her sons
and daughters, that make them loyal and law-abiding citizens.
"It is true that annually many thousands seek fame and fortune in new
countries, but most of her citizens prefer poverty even, and, if need be,
poverty in the gutters of her thriving cities, to a home of promise in
distant lands. Hence, a rapidly increasing and dense population obtains
in all the British Isles, and labor becomes abundant and cheap, and often
a drug in the market. The repeal of the Corn Laws first became a
necessity, then a fact, and the cheaper food made cheaper labor possible.
Pages:
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45