nd [wm 1800]

Ch. 2. Leading Features.

'.2.I. Wealth. 2. Agenda

8

6

45

in that case, indirect, but direct: viz. by allowances given in money at the

expence of National wealth, and thence of National enjoyment. The question is -

whether without this encouragement the trade would be beneficial enough to be

carried on, or not. Let the answer be in the negative, the quantity of the

matter of wealth thus bestowed is so much taken from enjoyment, and given to

defence: and thence, if not necessary to defence, thrown away. Let the answer be

in the affirmative, the result of the measure is - besides the transfer of so

much of the matter of wealth from the account of defence, a neat addition to the

quantity of the whole. But it is only in the supposed necessity of it for the

purpose of defence. that such sacrifice of national enjoyment can receive its

justification. Take away the necessity, there remains wealth purchased at the

expence of justice: enjoyment given to one man, at the expence of enjoyment

taken from another. A case conceivable, and perhaps realized, is - that, as to

part, the allowance falls under one of the above suppositions; as to other part,

under the other.