The Unselfishess of Free Trade

Victorian MP Richard Cobden pleaded for Britain to set the world an example as a nation open for business.

1846

Introduction

Richard Cobden MP urged Queen Victoria’s Parliament to embrace a policy of global free trade, instead of the over-regulated, over-taxed trade deals brokered by politicians and their friends behind closed doors. It was, he said, nothing less than the next step in Britain’s destiny, and her Christian duty.

by Richard Cobden 1804-1865

abridged

WE have set an example to the world in all ages; we have given them the representative system. The very rules and regulations of this House have been taken as the model for every representative assembly throughout the whole civilised world; and having besides given them the example of a free press and civil and religious freedom, and every institution that belongs to freedom and civilisation, we are now about giving a still greater example; we are going to set the example of making industry free.

Don’t think there is anything selfish in this, or anything at all discordant with Christian principles. To buy in the cheapest market, and sell in the dearest. What is the meaning of the maxim? It means that you take the article which you have in the greatest abundance, and with it obtain from others that of which they have the most to spare; so giving to mankind the means of enjoying the fullest abundance of earth’s goods, carrying out to the fullest extent the Christian doctrine of ‘Doing to all men as ye would they should do unto you’.*

by Richard Cobden 1804-1865

abridged

Abridged from a Speech in the House of Commons on the 27th February, 1846.

See Matthew 7:12, known as ‘the Golden Rule’.

Précis

In 1846, Richard Cobden asked the House of Commons to embrace free trade, as the next of those civilised liberties in which Britain had already led the way. He added that contrary to the fears of some Christians, free trade did not exploit the poor, but brought together those with something to exchange, and appealed to the Golden Rule itself.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

How in Cobden’s view had Britain already set an example to the world?

Suggestion

By exporting democracy and civil liberties worldwide.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Cobden spoke to the Commons. Current policy heavily regulated trade. Cobden wanted a policy of free trade.