It is of importance to ascertain this point; that we may not
complain of one of the most certain proofs of the prosperous
condition of a country.

It is not of course meant to be asserted, that the high price
of raw produce is, separately taken, advantageous to the
consumer; but that it is the necessary concomitant of superior
and increasing wealth, and that one of them cannot be had without
the other.(16)

With regard to the labouring classes of society, whose
interests as consumers may be supposed to be most nearly
concerned, it is a very short-sighted view of the subject, which
contemplates, with alarm, the high price of corn as certainly
injurious to them. The essentials to their well being are their
own prudential habits, and the increasing demand for labour. And
I do not scruple distinctly to affirm, that under similar habits,
and a similar demand for labour, the high price of corn, when it
has had time to produce its natural effects, so far from being a
disadvantage to them, is a positive and unquestionable advantage.
To supply the same demand for labour, the necessary price of
production must be paid, and they must be able to command the
same quantities of the necessaries of life, whether they are high
or low in price.(17) But if they are able to command the same
quantity of necessaries, and receive a money price for their
labour, proportioned to their advanced price, there is no doubt
that, with regard to all the objects of convenience and comfort,
which do not rise in proportion to corn (and there are many such
consumed by the poor), their condition will be most decidedly