"The rules of Political Economy are as simple and harmonious as the laws which LONDON: LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, GREEN, & LONGMAN, MDCCCXXXIII. TO THE CONSTITUENCY OF THE BOROUGH OF STROUD. Books were formerly dedicated to some powerful personage whom the Author coveted as a Patron, whose name might confer honour on his work, or who had laid him under weighty obligations. These are perhaps not the least among the motives which induce me to inscribe this little volume to you, my kind friends, from whom I have experienced so much favour, and of whose confidence I feel so justly proud. But I have other apologies to plead for the liberty I am taking. The relation of representative and constituent is now very different from what it was when the privilege of making the laws which decide the destinies of a great people was sold to the highest bidder. Mutual regard, reciprocal confidence, and a general agreement on political principles, now form the bond of union between a parliamentary trustee and those who appoint him. The most perfect openness, the most candid exposure of his opinions on matters b of public interest, is what they have a right to expect from him. Since to them he owes his public character, to them he is accountable for his public conduct, whether in or out of parliament. On this ground then, alone, I should feel justified in addressing to you a volume which contains my sentiments on many great questions of legislative policy. Nor can a work, the main object of which is to set forth the Rights of Industry to the full enjoyment of its fruits, be more appropriately inscribed than to the inhabitants of a district distinguished for the honourable and successful industry of an enlightened, and, I sincerely believe, beyond that of other manufacturing districts, an orderly, virtuous, and happy population. I am, With the truest respect and regard, Gentlemen, Your very obedient Servant, THE AUTHOR. |