"If three loaves instead of two could be got for 2s., in consequence of a repeal of the Corn-laws, another consequence would be, that the workman's 2s. would be reduced to 1s. 4d., which would leave matters, as far as he was concerned, just as they were!!"[33]
[ [33] ] Authentic Discussions on the Corn-law, (Ridgway, 1839,) p. 86.
Hear a straightforward manufacturer—Mr Muntz, M.P.—in the debate on the 17th May last:—
"If the Corn-laws were repealed, the benefit which the manufacturer expected was, that he could produce at a lower price; and this he could do only by reducing wages to the continental level!!"
If the above fail to open the eyes of the duped workmen of this country, what will succeed in doing so? Let us conclude this portion of our subject—disgusting enough, but necessary to expose imposture—with the following tabular view, &c., of the gross contradiction of the men, whom we wish to hold up to universal and deserved contempt, on even the most vital points of the controversy in which they are engaged; and then let our readers say whether any thing proceeding from such a quarter is worthy of notice:—
The League Oracle says—
1. "If we have free trade, the landlords' rents will fall 100 per cent."—(League Circular, No. 15. p. 3.)
2. "Provisions will fall one-third."—(Ib. No. 34, p. 4.)
"The Corn-laws makes the labourer pay double the price for his food."—(Ib. No. 15.)