PREFACE. IT may appear to many the height of presumption that an Author, unknown in the field of controversial warfare, and with no peculiar claim to attention, should enter the arena as the exponent of a matter so important to the destinies of Great Britain as that which has recently occupied the attention of the British Legislature-the Navigation Laws. I confess that I approach the subject with a kind of religious awe. I feel that I may, by incaution, do injury to my country, and by my want of personal experience damage its best hopes; or, on the other hand, that my efforts may be deemed unworthy of notice. With this absence of selfreliance, however, I trust that there is the less danger of my failing to support the right cause; inasmuch as it has induced me to base my argument upon the experience of others fully competent to advance a sound and disinterested opinion. I have no connection with party, and am totally removed from undue influence of any kind, with nothing to hope for but the approbation of right-minded individuals, nor to fear but their frown. I know nothing of "Free Trade" nor of |