ABSTRACT
… I am tempted at the same time to send you a trifle of a very different kind; it is the programme of an academic Prize which I have decided to submit on a subject which we have sometimes argued about. 2 The best way of solving this problem, like all others, is to have it discussed in public. I have tried to set forth clearly the problem and the different aspects under which one can consider it. I would very much hope that you will have the time to give us your ideas on it. We should accept your contributions even though they were in English. Our liberal philosophers, followers of Quesnay, 3 strongly support the system of their master. It is a system from which English writers are quite removed today; and it is too difficult to reconcile its principles with the ambition to monopolise the commerce of the world, to hope that they will adopt it soon. It would, therefore, be very desirable that Mr Pitt, and all those who lead nations, should think like Quesnay on all points. I am very much afraid that your famous demagogue follows very different principles and believes himself interested in preserving in your nation the prejudices that you have called Jealousy of Trade. It would be a great misfortune for the two nations. I think, however, that there is an equal tiring on both parts for this madness to last much longer. One must hope that this [madness] will not develop and that peace will permit you to carry out the promises that you have made to your friends in this country, to come back to see them.
