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/19

( 17 ) Since, therefore, it is evident beyond the possibity of a doubt, that the present high price of Provisions arises, not from the extension of our trade, which is rather contracted; not from the increase of our real money or specie, which is very little augmented; not from the arts of monopolizers and engrossers, which, unless assisted or connived at by the government, can never be dangerous; but from the great increase of our national debt; it follows, that the only method of reducing the former is by reducing the latter. But how, it may be asked, is this to be effected? Not, Sir, as you honestly confess, by taking superabundant wealth from individuals, and with it discharging the debts of the public; for let us never think of maintaining public credit by destroying private justice: nor yet by practising public œeconomy, as that virtue has been hitherto practised by our ministers, who in fact seem only to have adopted this word with