valuable report was presented from the directors "on the injurious effects of restriction on trade, and the necessity of immediate changes in our commercial policy, as proved by the report and evidence of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Import Duties, during the last session of Parliament." The report was ordered to be printed as a pamphlet, and its wide circulation did much to direct public attention to the important evidence given by official men, of long experience and sound judgment, as to the injurious workings of our restrictive commercial policy. In the subsequent discussion Mr. John Shuttleworth, after referring to the important evidence of Mr. M'Gregor upon the heavy duties imposed upon articles of import, and which would be greatly increased in consumption under moderate duties, said " There was another class of evils which originated not in the ignorance or incapacity of our legislators, but in their cupidity and selfishness. Amongst that class of evils was one which he was glad to see so forcibly dwelt on in the report, the Corn Laws, which presented the broadest and blackest features in the grievances of which they had to complain." Mr. John Brooks, who scarcely ever spoke without some observation which excited amusement by its humour, and afterthought by its truth, said, in reference to changes in trade, that the motion downwards was a tumble and all at once, but getting up again was a scramble, and a work of time and great difficulty. Mr. W. Read, at the request of the chairman, gave some particulars as to the adulterations of tobacco in consequence of the enormous duty, which amounted to 4s. per pound, while the manufactured article varied from 3s. 2d. to 2s. 3d., and some was sold by retail as low as 16d. a pound; Mr Stott, another tobacconist, frankly acknowledged that he could not afford to sell genuine tobacco, but was obliged to do as other people did. Mr. J. C. Dyer in the course of a very able speech exposed the absurdity of the assertion of the protectionists that a
