Page:Studies in Irish History, 1649-1775 (1903).djvu/307

After Limerick They were regarded from that time as colonies, at least from a commercial point of view, and the theory which regulated the economic relations which should exist between a mother country and her colonies was applied to them. This theory was the absolute subserviency of the colony to the mother country; the dependency was simply looked upon as an estate to be worked for the advantage of its possessor. No colony was allowed to supply the mother country with manufactured goods, but only with raw products and precious metals. It must not trade with foreign countries, but only with the mother country. In so far, indeed, as the trade of the colonies did not conflict with that of the mother country, it was to be encouraged, as on the whole tending towards the general wealth; but directly the interests of the colonies conflicted with those of the mother country they were to be put on one side. And in general interests did conflict, and the colonies suffered.

But after the revolution the general theoretical reasons for interfering with Irish trade and industry were reinforced by special reasons only applicable to Ireland, and due to the difficulties and dangers with which England was confronted at that time. If we are to understand the history of Ireland after 1691, we must look at the situa- 295