Ireland a distinct kingdom, why do not the predominant party in Parliament−suppose the Western members—make England beyond Trent another kingdom under commerce, and take tolls and customs upon the border? Or why was there ever union between England and Wales, if the good effects and fruits whereof were never questioned? And why may not the entire kingdom of England be further cantonized for the advantage of all parties?'[1] 'If,' he goes on to argue, following the same line of thought, 'the whole substance of Ireland be worth 16 millions, as above-said: if the customs between England and Ireland were never worth above 32,000l. per annum: if the titles of estates in Ireland be more hazardous and expensive, for that England and Ireland be not under one legislative power: if Ireland till now hath been a continual charge to England: if the reducing the late rebellion did cost England three times more in men and money than the substance of the whole country, when reduced, is worth: if it be just that men of English birth and estates, living in Ireland, should be represented in the legislative power; and that the Irish should not be judged by those who, they pretend, do usurp their estates; it then seems just and convenient that both kingdoms should be united, and governed by one legislative power....
'In the mean time, it is wonderful that men born in England, who have lands granted to them by the King for service done in Ireland to the Crown of England, when they have occasion to reside or negociate in England, should by their countrymen, kindred and friends there, be debarred to bring with them out of Ireland food whereupon to live; nor suffered to carry money out of Ireland, nor to bring such commodities as they fetch from America directly home, but round about by England, with extream hazard and loss, and be forced to trade only with strangers, and become unacquainted with their own country; especially when England gaineth more than it looseth by a free commerce, as exporting hither three times as much as it receiveth from hence: insomuch as 95l., in England, is worth
- ↑ Political Anatomy, ch. v. p. 324.
