1

Excess Postage

By Sir Rowland Hill

Rowland Hill calculated that a lower, flatter rate of postage would not only make the public better off and better read, but increase the Revenue.

2

A Conflict of Interest

By Adam Smith

Economist Adam Smith warned that when Western commercial interests get involved in policy-making abroad, war and want are sure to follow.

3

Economic Illiteracy

By John Bright

If Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli really wanted a better-educated public, he must tackle the high cost of living.

4

Free Trade is Fair Trade

By Thorold Rogers

Thorold Rogers looks at how Governments have tried to make trade ‘fair’, and concludes that they would have been better ensuring it was free.

5

Private Prudence, Public Folly

By Adam Smith

Adam Smith contrasted the Government’s handling of the national economy with the way most families handled theirs.

6

The Friendship of Trade

By John Bright

As Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli stoked fears of Russian aggression, John Bright said that Russia was only threatening when she felt threatened.