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AMONGST the numerous publications which are daily issuing from the press upon political subjects, there can be no doubt that those are the most useful which relate to the practical concerns of life. In this country, almost all classes are, either directly or collaterally, dependent upon commerce. Their prospects in the world naturally occupy the prominent part in their thoughts; and it is the chief boasts of modern times, that speculative studies have been directed to the useful arts,

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with the view of diffusing that description: of information which bears upon our daily

avocations.

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Of the sources which supply the Commerce of Great Britain, the Colonies constitute a most important part: latterly, they have attracted more than usual attention. The great changes which have taken place in South America, whose products bear an affinity to those of our Colonies, have given

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rise to new political relations, which are supposed to clash with those of our own dependencies; speculations of various writers of ability, inimical to colonial dominion, have occasioned some alteration in public opinion respecting the propriety of imposing restrictions upon any branch of trade; and amid this doubt and uncertainty, it may be acknowledged that, at the existing moment, the most diversified notions prevail respecting the expediency of retaining, unchanged, that System of Colonial Policy, which this country had so long encouraged. Other causes have also operated to bring the question of Colonial Commerce into public discussion, which though less deserving the attention of the philosophical inquirer than those just stated, have been yet more loudly heard throughout the nation. In every great commercial country, the various parties engaged in production, will fancy that their interests clash with each other; the manufacturer will oppose the agriculturist; the inhabitants of one province will insist that they should. enjoy superior consideration to those of another. Incessant contention results from this diversity of pursuits. As we advance in civi

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