Page:William Petty - Economic Writings (1899) vol 1.djvu/319

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of IRELAND.
221

The application of the Premisses, in order to remedy the defects and impediments of the Trade of Ireland.

1. Forasmuch as the consideration of Raising Money, hath already, and so lately, been before your Lordships[1]; therefore without giving this Board any further trouble concerning the same: We humbly offer, in order to the regulation of the several species thereof; That whereas Weighty Plate pieces, together with Ducatoons, which[2] estimate to be three quarters of the Money now currant in Ireland do already pass at proportionable Rates; and for that all other species of Silver Money, are neither rated proportionably to the said weighty |127| pieces, nor to one another; That Whole, Half and Quarter Cobbs of Sterling Silver (if light) may pass at 5s. 7d. per Ounce; but that the other Species of courser Silver, as the Perrues, &c. may pass as Commodity, or at 5s. per Ounce, until there shall be conveniency for new Coyning thereof into smaller Money.

2. That forthwith Application may be made unto England, to restore the Trade from the Plantations, and between the two Kingdoms (and particularly that of Cattel) as heretofore; and in the mean time to discover and hinder, by all means possible, the carrying of Bullion out of Ireland into England; to the end that those in England who are to receive Money from hence, may be necessitated to be very earnest in the said Negotiation.

3. That Endeavours be used in England, for the Union of the Kingdoms under one Legislative Power, proportionably, as was heretofore and successively[3] done in the case of Wales.

4. For[4] reducing Interest from Ten to Five, or Six, per Centum, for disposing moneyed men to be rather Merchants than Usurers, rather to trade than purchase, and to prevent the bad and uncertain pay-|128|ments, which Gentlemen are forced[5] to make unto Tradesmen, whose Stock and Credit is

  1. See note 2, p. 186.
  2. H, 'we estimate.'
  3. ? successfully.
  4. H, 'The.'
  5. H, 'bound,' altered by Petty to 'forced.'