THE LITERARY PANORAMA. FOR JUNE, 1808. DISTILLATION OF SUGAR AND MOLASSES. [For the Report at large, vide Panorama, Vol. IV. p. 372 to 385 inclusive.] REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF THE HON. HOUSE OF COMMONS appointed to enquire, and report, how far, and under what Circumstances, it may be practicable and expedient to confine the DISTILLERIES of the United Kingdom to the use of SUGAR and MOLASSES only; and also what other Provision can be made for the Relief of the GROWERS of SUGAR in the BRITISH WEST INDIA COLONIES.-With Observations and important Intelligence deduced from the MINUTES of the EVIDENCE, as printed in the Appendix subjoined to the Report. The moralist, the politician, and the patriot, not to say also, the philosophical investigator of nature, as well as the merehant, and the agriculturist; will find in this Report, and the evidence on which it is founded, matter of interest and deep reflection. We have already, on various occasions, considered the state of our West India colonies: and in one instance we thought it our duty to give entire the Report of a Committee of the Hon. House of Commons, which may be considered as introductory to the present. To that we beg leave to refer our readers. Without further preface we proceed to consider the contents of this mass of evidence as it interests the Moralist. Never Compare Panorama, Vol. I. p. 1209. II. pp. 457,473, 825, 1129, 1145.. IÎI. pp. 200, 484, 1077, 1129. VOL. IV. [Lit. Pan. Juue, 1808.] may it be thought, that morals are of little importance in the concerns of a nation. They form a part of the basis on which society stands; and without them what are laws? Quid leges sine moribus Vanæ proficiunt The introduction of artificial liquors obtained by fermentation, containing an enlivening spirit refreshing to the human body after toil, or acting as a mean of exhilaration, though a departure from the simplicity of nature, has never been censured by reasonable moralists. Excess has been the object of their cautions and anathemas: that is indeed, injurious, very injurious, both to body and mind. But liquors obtained by distillation, having undergone a stronger process, in which the activity of fire is a principal agent, are so much further removed from the simple beverage appointed by nature, and suited to the constitution of her offspring. Whatever nourishment, conducive to sustain the body, infusions of corn may be supposed to possess, yet, in proportion as the ardent, spirituous, principle, intermingled in such liquors, is drawn off, and separated by means of fire, nou rishment is relinquished. Ether and alcohol are potent fluids, but incapable of communicating sustenance or strength. Ardent spirits intoxicate; and by intoxica→ tion may lull the sensation of fatigue for a time yet the habit of constant recourse to them, is among the most detrimental that ever has been indulged by the sons of Adam. It is in fact, a proof among others, of a perverse hankering after gratifications diametrically opposed to those authorized or required, by nature. The rudest among savage tribes, and the lower classes among civilized nations, have equally Q ed in its stead. But, if, within the same space of time, other manufactured articles have been sent to foreign parts, in quantities theretofore unprecedented, and even to those very countries whence the grain alluded to is derived; then the question is simply,-which of these manufactures, (for corn is a manufacture, in this acceptation) is most beneficial to our island' On the behalf of corn it may be urged, that it is the staff of life: that its impor sunk under this insidious temptation. I try, as materials for distillation, deserves Whatever difficulties, therefore, attend investigation as it affects the internal conthe procuring of this article, so far as they cerns of the United Kingdom. Within operate as checks to undue indulgence, about thirty years, Great Britain, which are beneficial to the individual, and to the had theretofore yielded a sufficiency of community are favourable to morals by corn for its own consumption, with an preventing vice, and to public security by overplus for exportation, has imported warding off mischief. For these, and corn in great quantities. This change is other reasons, we see without regret the deeply lamented by some of its well wishdistillery subjected to a weight of taxes, ers: and it would be a just occasion of lato the visits of the exiseman, and to what-mentation, if nothing else had been exportever precautions the law can devise against fraud. Could our wishes prevail, good ale and well brewed beer, should be substituted for spirits by the labouring classes among us. We are well persuaded, that this exchange would be equally favourable to their health of body, powers of purse, and peace of mind. But, if the condition and character of our southern compatriots lead us to these sentiments and wishes, on their behalf, how great ly is our regret increased by the miscon-tance as a production of labour, skill, and duct of other parts of the United Kingdom! We have, indeed, long been suspicious, that there were latent reasons of no inconsiderable weight, that withheld the peasantry of Ireland from rising into the estimation due to their abilities: and among them we cannot but include too great a familiarity with spirituous beverages. These, under the delusive denomination of Pot-Ale, they will obtain; and to this as one cause, may be ascribed their poverty, their dissoluteness, and the unhappy prolongation of their ignorance. If but a part of the money they spend in whiskey were directed to rational pursuits, the manners, the tempers, and the general conduct of our Irish brethren would be greatly improved. This observation applies with but little diminished force to the prevalence of a fondness for liquor, among the Highlanders of Scotland. We regret exceedingly, that this disposition leads to practices which no true philanthropist can contemplate without pain. The Politician will find in this Report abundant matter for his consideration. It may be viewed under two aspects: 1. As the measure may affect our internal interests. 2. As it may influence our external concerns. The proposition for substituting sugar and molasses, the produce of our West India islands, instead of barley, the produce of our own coun expence, is heightened by the consideration of the imperious necessity which im. poses an unremitted attention to the production of it, since it is the sustenance of our population. The inference is, that to depend on other countries for a supply of this article, is unwise. It will be admitted, by every thinking mind, that to depend for any article of the first necessity on distant sovereignties is unwise; and, therefore, à fortiori, to depend on them for corn. On the behalf of manufactures it may be urged, that they are many years in various stages of progress, before they arrive at maturity, and are competent to answer extensive demands. When complete they are highly important: and foreigners, while their manufactories are in a state of immaturity, must depend for supplies on that country which has got the start of them, and is able to answer the demand. To the practical elucidation of these principles we are now reduced, by a series of events disastrous, unquestionably, in their nature, but not destructive to this island. The PANORAMA has had repeated occasions to observe, that commerce is in its essence, an interchange of goods, and those who expect to sell without buying, will be able to continue their trade but a very little while. The same power which prohibits other nations from receiving our goods, prohibits them from delivering their goods to us: we must keep our commodi ties, say they: well then, they must keep their commodities: and thus a balance is struck. This mode of balance, will indeed, afflict every considerate person: but facts will prove, that after a reasonable time, we shall be as much accustomed, and as well able to forego the corn of the east coast of America, as we are to do without the furs of the west coast of that continent. In the mean time, we enjoy this consolation: that two or three years are sufficient to get our corn manufactory into complete activity. For the manufacture of corn is capable of more speedily answering the demand, than others in which a prodigious capital is sunk, before any return can be expected: in which this capital is fixed, absolutely unproductive in itself; and decaying, from its very nature and situation. We hope that neither need to be reduced to extremity: but we presume, that, that which is capable of the speediest re-invigoration is the best able to cope with a temporary difficulty. We now come to a narrower view of the subject: the importation of corn has been considered as a rival opposed to our growers of this article at home. This rival is suddenly removed: and the supply which he furnished is withheld. It might, therefore, have been feared, that our own corn-manufacturers would find themselves unable to fill up this vacancy at the market. This deficiency might, indeed, be compensated in part, but in part, only, by a more frugal use of the article: or by a substitution of something else for it :-if we determine to struggle against the necessity of wholly relinquishing the enjoy ment it affords. To apply these thoughts to the case before us. The PANORAMA has laid it down as a principle, that the corn consumed in the distilleries should not have been British: it might have been like that consumed in hair powder, French, Polish, or German, but not British. And we shall venture the supposition, that Britain had supplied corn precisely commensurate to the quantity required for food by her population, and no more; while foreign parts had supplied corn for their drink. For, in fact, the place of so much of this foreign corn as was consumed in food, was supplied by a like quantity of British corn that was consumed in drink. It would, then, have been a point of perfect indifference to Britain whether this drink was supplied, from the East or the West, from the North or the South. Britain under this supposition would have no right to expect a demand of corn from her, both for food and drink: and might justly fear her inability to supply both these de mands, if one were suddenly added to the, other. But if, the supply, or any part of the supply, demanded for drink, were of fered by persons or places which had not heretofore furnished it, the difference of person or place makes no alteration whatever in the acceptability of the supply: since, as we have already observed, from whence the supply caine, is a point of per-* fect indifference. These reasonings may be reduced to an operation of figures: suppose, thus: Quarters of corn. A. has hitherto supplied 1,000,000 B. offers to supply Continued deficiency 300,000 700,000 Surely, this statement may contribute to alleviate the fear that a defective demand to the amount of 300,000 quarters will prove ruinous to those who have been accustomed to supply the market. A short time will prove, we hope to demonstra tion, that the consumers of barley in beer, will occasion a demand for all that' the growers can offer: and as, in our opinion, British corn ought not to be con verted into spirits, we cannot affect an excessive regret, at the prospect of seeing a portion of it delivered from that derogato ry destination, and becoming of superior benefit to the public, and to the indivi dual, in another shape. In the mean while, we ought to cast an eye of regard on that distant appendage to' our kingdom, the West Indies. We do not undertake to vindicate every proceeding of the islands: but seeing them in distress, we waive our rebukes and remonstrances till we have helped them out of the slough into which they are fallen, and have set them on solid ground, and dry land, once more. The West Indies, by increased produc tion, have more than supplied the home market with their commodities; but, what would be thought of that generous Briton who should prohibit increased production, in any part of our empire? By augmented expences the West India cultivators have paid more in raising their commodities, than they can procure for deed propriety and policy demand, an ex-; them when raised: but, this augmenta-portation of corn to the West Indies, tion of expences has, for the most part, centered in Britain. By their consumption of British manufactures, the West Indies are of importance to the parent state: but, their abili. ty to pay for these manufactures depends on the prices they can procure for the articles they raise, and send to Britain as their (only) market. In short, seeing that these islands are suffering under the calamities of a war maintained by Britain for her defence, it is but just that by every honest mean, their sufferings should be alleviated The islands should be enabled to pay for what they consume; to meet the augmented expences under which they Jabour; and to maintain that increased production to which they have attained, after a series of efforts, and an infinity of risques, chances, and contingencies. If circumstances interpose between Britain and the Continent of Europe, so that the Continent no longer demands that West India produce of which this island is the depositary; what can be more natural than to inquire, whether we may not, in some mode, or other, consume this produce at home? Our ordinary consumption is considerable: the question relates only to extraordinary circumstances and extraordinary supplies. If it be found that this extraordinary supply be capable of filling up directly or indirectly a part of that void at the corn market, which had been the dread of some of the most considerate of patriotic Britons, as already observed, would not common sense rejoice at this favourable incident, as an opportunity not to be neglect ed? By embracing the advantage it offers, two good things would be effected: it would relieve the West India market from a burdensome surplus accumulation: and would substitute a commodity by which the corn market is assisted to fill up that void which is occasioned by the absence of foreign supplies. The imperfect information of some well-meaning politicians, has led them to foresee great detriment to the British farmer, from his missing the distillers in the market, as customers for his barley. This may be true, for a very short time: int only for a short time; and it will adniit of a lasting compensation, if, as in much greater than hitherto allowed should be permitted. The quantity at present furnished to the islands is restricted by law to 32,000 barrels, not enough to feed a tenth part of the population; and, therefore, these islands are bound to a depen dence on America for sustenance of this description, because the mother country refuses it to them. This ought not to be: such a mutual regard and accommodation between Britain and her colonies should the other the most complacent friend, exist invariably, that each should find in as well as the best of customers. No Briton at home should think of starving his compatriots abroad: no Briton abroad should think of placing in the hands of strangers any advantages due to his compatriots at home. Though we know that the proverb says very truly, "there is no friendship in trade," yet we regard the ties of consanguinity as very consistent with the profits of mercantile dealings, and the mutual interest of both parties as involved in the study of each other's welfare. They should stand by and support each other, under circumstances confessedly adverse, as well as under those which superficial observers are apt to denominate prosperous: whether or not they really are so That friendship only which abides the storm is deserving of the name: fair-weather profession is a very different article: one is gold, the other is tinsel: one is a diamond, the other is mere glass. "Flies" of estate and sunshine," as old Herbert denominates them, are the most contemptible of human kind. Moreover, if we consider the states of prosperity and adversity, we shall find, that they follow the current of events: that prosperity which a few years ago was the boast of the inconsiderate, was not of long duration; and our hopes are mistaken if the present adversity of the West India islands may not issue in their prosperity. The power of prudence has produced effects much more wonderful. Political wisdom has been the mean, in the hand of Providence, of converting distress to unexpected and even previously incredible advantage; and we know no reason wherefore, what has been may not be again. The alternations of hope and fear, of depression and exaltation, of suffering and enjoyment, hold out a prospect that Anglois, who, when he went in person to hibit all intercourse: I shut every port: 'ere long the plantations may be relieved, | while the mother country is benefited. In the mean while the steps proper to attain this desirable issue, are calculated to produce the happiest effects on the external relations of the British empire. Europe and the world have beheld with amazement, and with envy too, inter-tish goods on board is confiscated: I promingled with admiration, this little island stand singly opposed with unabated spirit against the tyranny of that powerful usurper who has loaded so many ancient monarchies with fetters. Military skill is not the first characteristic of Britain, yet when the boasting Gaul has met British legions in the field, he has carried off few trophies, to grace his triumph. The Hôtel des Invalides at Paris is crowded with flags; but how many British are among them? ONE! To ask what trophies France has acquired from the navy of Britain? is to cast an air of ridicule on a question which might be put with the utmost seriousness certainly we are not so ill advised as to attempt an enumeration; whoever desires to mortify the rancour of insatiable ambition, let him press the question at the Tuileries or at St. To this last resource of malignant ingeCloud. And why should not our mercan-nuity, Britain opposes her constitutional tile interests prove equally triumphant firmness, and native energies: she meets Buonaparté has attacked us where he her infuriate foe on this ground also." It thought us most vulnerable: but these is true, that West India produce accuexposed points may foil his utmost efforts, mulates beyond the ordinary consumption well defended by the ample shield of of the island, but, by the extraordinary national protection. Even here his ut- measure of employing produce in the most efforts may be vain: and he perforce distilleries, this accumulation will speedily must avert his eyes from contemplating the disappear: such a substitution too, will at security of those whom he has planned to the same time prevent the consumption of destroy, at whatever cost to himself and a great portion of the corn necessary to his abjects: supply the place of that heretofore imported, so that the whole growth of the country may now become food for the people; the encreased skill and exertions of British cultivators will do the rest: a few bushels additional, produced by every farm, will bid defiance to this enemy, acting in this new shape: Let him boast his deep policy, his infallible scheme, neither shall this diminish the inflexibility of hitherto unvanquished Britannia!"' Sight hateful! sight tormenting! -while I to hell am thrust, Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire, Among our other torments not the least, Still unfulfilled with pain of longing pines. A poetical imagination might pursue the idea somewhat further; and behold this little great man, sitting before his oratoire at St. Cloud, in his sattin wood arm chair, one leg crossed over the other, his penknife busily employed in cutting notches on the left arm of his chair, on which his eyes look but without perceiving it, while his mind intently ruminates on projects passed, or deeply revolves those to come*. We hear him mutter vengeance against those fiers This is his attitude in his reveries. What a noble monument of patriotic skill will Britain exhibit to future ages, if the present retention of commodities by her enemies should issue in her abundant * We will not follow the vile gradation of his well known oaths; they are execrable. En vérité, ls sont horriblement bas! |