demonstrates that certain results must ensue, if a counteracting influence does not come into action. We will illustrate our meaning by referring to an argument, which we believe is unanswerable when urged in support of free trade. The population of England is advancing; if we are restricted to our own soil for supplies, then food will be obtained at a greater cost of labour and capital, and food must ultimately become much dearer. It therefore becomes most important that the fertile soil of the whole world should, as far as possible, be made available to supply us with the produce we may require.
Increase in the labouring population.We must next consider how the production of wealth is affected by an increase in the amount of labour, or, in other words, by an increase in the number of the labouring population. Labour is increased when it is made more efficient. If a machine is introduced which enables one labourer to do the work of six, of course the amount of labour in the country is augmented, but this increase is due to improvement in the efficiency of labour, a subject which was considered in the last chapter. We must here, therefore, restrict ourselves to a discussion of the consequences which result, when an increase in the number of the labouring population causes more wealth to be produced If a greater quantity of any commodity is required, a greater number of labourers must be employed, unless some industrial improvements are introduced. Suppose, for instance, there suddenly arose a very active demand for English cottons in China; a much greater number of labourers would soon be engaged in cotton manufactories. It may be asked, How is the increased number of labourers to be obtained? Surplus hands will be drawn from other employments, and emigration will be checked, if there is a great demand for labour. If the demand for additional labour continues, an increase of population will be powerfully stimulated, and the labour required will ultimately be supplied principally from this source. It is important to point out in what manner an increase of population is promoted by an active demand for labour.
Influence of a demand for labourLabour is in demand when trade is good; then wages are high, and the labourers are prosperous. It is found that the number of marriages amongst the poorer classes