Page:Vindication of a fixed duty on corn.djvu/35

29 the results of foreign temporary enactments, than to remedy any defect in our own fiscal regulations.

Such circumstances may occur again; but a quarter of a century has elapsed without their return, and shall we refuse to legislate upon a gainful, sound, and equitable system, because this minute possibility exists? As well might we abrogate the Habeas Corpus Act, because possibly a rebellion might occur which would require its temporary suspension.

Another cause might render it inexpedient to persevere in levying a fixed duty of 10s., but (if an objection) it is one which will hardly be alleged by those who fear the intrusion of foreign corn when our price is under 40s. The cost of corn abroad, from increase of numbers, or of wealth, or from change of occupation among the people, might be so far raised, relatively to our own, that it could no longer be profitably imported: it would then be requisite, not transiently to suspend, but permanently to reduce the duty to that point at which foreign corn might again flow in, adequately to provide for our deficiency.

To establish a fixed duty, with its reduction made contingent upon the averages reaching a certain price, or even to allow the expectation of such a reduction as an act of the Ministry, would be to foster the grasping spirit which would then hold out for that price, as surely as it has hitherto held for the crowning price of 73s. In the present year,