Richard Cobden - Wealth Quotes

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The city of St. Louis is, in the solidity of its buildings, the extent of its commerce, and the reputed wealth of its capitalists, the third in importance in the States. I have seen no place in the interior which gives the same impression of solid wealth and extensive commerce.

Richard Cobden

How can protection, think you, add to the wealth of a country? Can you by legislation add one farthing to the wealth of the country? You may, by legislation, in one evening, destroy the fruits and accumulation of a century of labour; but I defy you to show me how, by the legislation of this House, you can add one farthing to the wealth of the country. That springs from the industry and intelligence; you cannot do better than leave it to its own instincts. If you attempt by legislation to give any direction to trade or industry, it is a thousand to one that you are doing wrong; and if you happen to be right, it is work of supererogation, for the parties for whom you legislate would go right without you, and better than with you.

Richard Cobden