1756
Page 10 of 23.
Introduction page vi.
Coals, Wool, Yarn, Oil, Fuller's-earth, Dying-wares, and other Unwrought Materials, we shall find it of considerable Consequence; for, as our greatest Rivals in Foreign Markets for Woollen Goods are the French, who in general undersell us, and thereby lessen our Exports, is it not incumbent upon us to use every Method, and encourage every Undertaking, that may contribute towards enabling us to cope with these Encroachers upon our Trade, Invaders of our colonies, and indeed upon the Liberties of all their Neighbours?
Those who remember the State of our Levant Trade about 19 Years ago, or upwards, and compare it with its present low Ebb, and are acquainted (for it is a Mater of Fact) that, in Proportion as our's has decreased, the Trade of the French has increased, will certainly promote this Undertaking, when they are told that the Execution thereof, by enabling us to render our Manufactures cheaper at Foreign Markets, will at least contribute, and seems to be the most probable Means of bringing back to us more of that valuable Branch of Trade; For may we not hope, if this Undertaking goes forward, that so necessary a Step will induce those eminent Merchants, in a neighbouring City, who lately promoted the opening and further encouraging of Trade to Turkey, to convince the World that those Reasons, so judicially urged to obtain the Bill, appear as evident in Practice as they did in Theory; and that another Place besides the Metropolis may be found which, by its advantageous Situation, and a different Model of executing, nay under the British Woollen Manufacturers in the Markets of the Levant to outvie the French. Should such an Emulation be found amongst them, I believe there would not be wanting in this Country Men of sufficient Spirit and Ability to second their Attempts, and to effect their Share in the National Benefit with Diligence and Reputation,
Amongst other Publick Advantages consequent to this Scheme we must not forget the bringing nearer together the Navigation of the Two principal Rivers of the Kingdom, Thames and Severn, and the opening a nearer Communication by Water between the Two chief Cities, London and Bristol.; And, should the Scheme of a Noble Lord revive, (whose Situation in this County, and particular Influence in his Neighbourhood, points him out the proper Mover in it) of bringing forwards the Navigation of the Isis from near Cricklade to Cirencester, (which, as I am informed, was talked of and proposed by him at the Time the Stroud-water Act was obtained) the Publick would receive a most
