Page:An answer to a pamphlet, intitled, "Thoughts on the causes and consequences of the present high price of provisions" in a letter, addressed to the supposed author of that pamphlet.djvu/10

( 8 ) beg leave to make a few cursory reflections upon the principal parts of your work.

And first, you tell us, "that the present high price of provisions arises from two causes; the increase of our national debts, and the increase of our riches; that is, from the poverty of the public, and the wealth of private individuals." That our national debt, indeed, is increased to an enormous bulk, no one can entertain the least doubt: every one feels it to his cost; and he feels it the more sensibly, as he is convinced, that it has been increased to a degree infinitely beyond what was necessary. With regard to the increase of our riches, or the wealth of individuals, I question much if it be true, either in the proportion you assert, or in the sense you understand it. You say, that our riches have increased (or, which is the same thing, that the value of money has decreased) one third during the present century; and one half at least of that third since