If the exports of Great Britain have gone on increasing for some years—­if they were greater last year than in any former year—­if the amount of our exports is now greater than ever it was,—­I say, not only that these are the strongest symptoms of the prosperity of the country increasing, but that the distress cannot be so great and unexampled as the noble Earl (Carnarvon) would make it.  There is not a rail-road, or a common road, or a canal in the country, on which the traffic has not increased every year during the last few years, and particularly in the last year.  It may be true that there is a diminution of profit in commercial transactions in general; but profit there must be, or men would not devote themselves for years to these pursuits.  Money would not be laid out in the conveyance from place to place of the produce and manufactures of the country.  The traffic being greater than ever it was before, it is impossible but what it must be to the advantage of somebody.  The distress then cannot be so universal as represented.  The profit and advantage may not be so great as they were some years back; but still advantage there is.

There are other circumstances well worthy the attention of the House in the consideration of this subject.  The retail dealers are a very numerous body in this country.  Consider of their profits.  Look at nearly every market town in the kingdom, and many villages in progress towards being rebuilt.  Who pays the money for re-building these houses?  Who pays the increased rents for them?  Are the people ruined who require and can pay for these new houses?  My Lords, these are facts which do shew that, notwithstanding the existing distress which every man must deplore, the country, in spite of the pressure upon it, is upon the whole, rising.

Feb. 4, 1830.

* * * * *

Proofs of National Improvement in 1830.

Among other topics of accusation, I have been arraigned for my assertion on the first day of the session, that the distress of the country was not of that magnitude which some persons have affirmed.  The noble Lord (Stanhope) is quite at liberty to indulge in such invectives if it pleases him to do so, but if he supposes I do not feel for the distresses of the people, he is utterly mistaken, as I can sincerely aver that I have as strong sympathies on the subject as any noble member of this house.  But I am resolved to tell plainly and honestly what I think, quite regardless of the odium I may incur from those whose prejudices my candour and sincerity may offend.  I am here to speak the truth and not to flatter the prejudices and prepossessions of any man.  In speaking the truth, I shall utter it in the language that truth itself most naturally suggests.

* * * * *