ABSTRACT
Little more than half a century has elapsed since, it may be said, the cotton trade commenced in this country; it is now the most considerable in the kingdom, and its ramifications extend through every part of the British Empire. We may hence infer, that in whatever country the cotton manufacture shall finally prevail, there also may be found the greatest political power. It is worthy of remark that this astonishing increase has taken place not only without the aid of Government, but even against national oppression; for can a duty on the importation of a raw material which may be obtained by every nation in the world, be called anything less than a national oppression? The varied qualities of cotton enable the manufacturer of it to form fabrics of every texture for clothing and furniture, from the most cool, light, and airy, to that which is almost impervious to cold.
