High estimate abroad of English Navigation Laws—Change necessary,
owing to the Independence of America—Other nations at first
Protectionist—Mr. Pitt’s proposals with reference to trade with
America—Mr. Pitt resigns, and a temporary Act ensues—Shipowners and
loyalists in America successfully resist his scheme—Congress the
first to retaliate—Restrictions injurious, alike, to England and her
Colonies—Commercial treaties with America between 1794 and 1817—Acts
of 1822 and 1823, and further irritation in America—Order in Council,
July 1826—Conciliatory steps of the Americans in 1830—Foreigners
look with suspicion on any change in the Navigation Laws—Reciprocity
treaties of 1824-6—Value of treaties in early times, but inadequate
for the regulation of commercial intercourse, and liable to unfair
diplomacy—Reciprocity treaties only, partially, of value, and do not
check the anomalies of Protection—Committee of 1844-5 promoted by the
Shipowners, who seek protection against Colonial shipping—Reciprocity
must lead to free navigation—New class of Statesmen, well supported
by the People—Exertions of Lord John Russell, who leads the way
against Protection—Richard Cobden and the Anti-Corn-Law League—John
Bright—Effect of the Irish famine, 1845-6—Sir Robert Peel carries the
Repeal of the Corn Laws, and resigns.