able, they will do all in their power for them, but as the workhouses are filled the ability will cease; the funds will cease, and unless something be done to find employment and cheaper food, patience will be succeeded by irritation, and a struggle will commence, of which no man can see the extent and consequences. "Sir Robert Peel," continued the speaker, "with the continent we can do little; there the day is past, and our markets are destroyed, it is to be feared, for ever. Let me direct you to the United States of America. There is a boundless market, and a kindred population; let us take their corn as well as their cotton; let us, by free-trade principles, arrest their impending tariff, and secure their confidence and goodwill. If the government does not do its duty and free the people, they will try to free themselves; they feel they are not represented; they are arraying on all hands to demand their rights. A crisis is at the door, and unless Parliament comes forward with the relief that is demanded, and before winter adds its horrors to the existing distress, it will be out of our power to avert the mischief; and on those who have the responsibility will rest the consequences."
Mr. Brooks said he was a calico-printer, upwards of thirty-three years in business, and had for the last twenty-five years been an extensive shipper to nearly all parts of the world; he brought home in exchange for his goods almost every article that could be named, except corn; he had never brought corn, because he could never calculate upon the price; the sliding duty made it impossible for him to bring home corn. He had a large country trade, and employed five commercial travellers; this year he had not done half so much business in the country trade as he had done last year, and was, therefore, obliged to ship to a much greater extent than formerly. There was no demand at home, and he was compelled to get rid of his surplus stock by shipping to markets already overstocked. He instanced Rio, where, two or three years since, eight
