SomeConsiderationsoftheConsequencesoftheLoweringofInterestandtheRaisingtheValueofMoneyInalettersenttoaMemberofParliament,1691
LondonPrintedforAwnshamandJohnChurchill,attheBlackSwaninPater-Noster-Row,Sir,TheseNotions,concerningCoinage,havingforthemain,asyouknow,beenputintoWritingaboveTwelveMonthssince;asthoseotherconcerningInterest,agreatdealabovetomanyYears:I
putthemnowagainintoyourHandswithaLiberty(sinceyouwillhaveitso)tocommunicatethemfurther,asyouplease。If,uponaReview,youcontinueyourfavourableOpinionofthem,andnothinglessthanPublishingwillsatisfieyou,Imustdesireyoutoremember,ThatyoumustbeanswerabletotheWorldfortheStile;whichissuchasamanwritescareleslytohisFriend,whenheseeksTruth,notOrnament;andstudiesonlytoberight,andtobeunderstood。IhavesinceyousawthemlastYear,metwithsomenewObjectionsinPrint,whichIhaveendeavouredtoremove;andparticularly,IhavetakenintoConsiderationaPrintedSheet,entituled,RemarksuponaPapergivenintotheLords,&c。Becauseonemaynaturallysuppose,ThathethatwassomuchaPatronofthatCausewouldomitnothingthatcouldbesaidinfavourofit。TothisImusthereadd,ThatIamjustnowtoldfromHolland,ThattheStates,findingthemselvesabusedbyCoiningavastquatityoftheirbase[Schillings]Money,madeoftheirownDucatoons,andotherfinerSilver,melteddown;haveputastoptotheMintingofanybutfineSilverCoin,tilltheyshouldsettletheirMintuponanewFoot。
IknowthesincereLoveandConcernyouhaveforyourCountry,putsyouconstantlyuponcastingaboutonallhandsforanymeanstoserveit;andwillnotsufferyoutooverlookanythingyouconceivemaybeofanytheleastuse,thoughoffer’dyoufromthemeanestCapacities:YoucouldnotelsehaveputmeuponlookingoutmyoldPapersconcerningthereducingofInterestto4perCent。whichhavesolonglainbyforgotten,UponthisnewSurveyofthemIfindnotmythoughtnowtodifferfromthoseIhavenearTwentyyearssince:TheyhavetomestilltheAppearanceofTruth;norshouldIotherwiseventurethmesomuchastoyoursight。IfmyNotionsarewrong,myIntention,I
amsure,isright:AndwhateverIhavefailedin,IshallatleastletyouseewithwhatObedienceIam,Sir,Nov。7,1691。
YourmosthumbleServant。
SIR,IHAVEsolittleConcerninPayingorReceivingofInterest,thatwereIinnomoreDangertobemisledbyInabilityandIgnorance,thanIamtobebiassedbyInterestandInclination,ImighthopetogiveyouaveryperfectandclearAccountoftheConsequencesofaLaw,toreduceInteresttoFourperCent。ButsinceyouarepleasedtoaskmyOpinion,IshallendeavourfairlytostatethisMatterofUsewiththebestofmySkill。
Thefirstthingtobeconsider’d,is,WhetherthePriceoftheHireofMoneycanberegulatedbyLaw。AndtothatIthink,generallyspeaking,onemaysay,’tismanifestitcannot。Forsinceit’simpossible,tomakeaLawthatshallhinderaManfromgivingawayhisMoneyorEstatetowhomhepleases,itwillbeimpossible,byanyContrivanceofLaw,tohinderMen,skill’dinthePowertheyhaveovertheirownGoods,andthewaysofConveyingthemtoothers,topurchaseMoneytobeLentthematwhatRatesoevertheirOccasionsshallmakeitnecessaryforthemtohaveit。ForitistobeRemembred,ThatnoManborrowsMoney,orpaysUse,outofmerePleasure:’TisthewantofMoneydrivesMentothatTroubleandChargeofBorrowing:AndproportionablytothisWant,sowilleveryonehaveit,whateverPriceitcosthim。WhereintheSkilful,Isay,willalwayssomanageit,astoavoidtheProhibitionofyourLaw,andkeepoutofitsPenalty,dowhatyoucan。WhatthenwillbetheunavoidableConsequencesofsuchaLaw?
1。ItwillmaketheDifficultyofBorrowingandLendingmuchgreater;wherebyTrade(theFoundationofRiches)willbeobstructed。
2。ItwillbeaPrejudicetononebutthosewhomostneedAssistanceandHelp,ImeanWidowsandOrphans,andothersuninstructedintheArtsandManagementsofmoreskilfulMen;
whoseEstateslyinginMoney,theywillbesure,especiallyOrphans,tohavenomoreProfitoftheirMoney,thanwhatInteresttheLawbarelyallows。
3。ItwillmightilyencreasetheAdvantageofBankersandScriveners,andothersuchexpertBrokers:WhoskilledintheArtsofputtingoutMoneyaccordingtothetrueandnaturalValue,whichthepresentStateofTrade,MoneyandDebts,shallalwaysraiseInterestto,theywillinfalliblyget,whatthetrueValueofInterestshallbe,abovetheLegal。ForMenfindingtheConvenienceofLodgingtheirMoneyinHands,wheretheycanbesureofitatshortWarning,theIgnorantandLazywillbeforwardesttoputitintotheseMenshands,whoareknownwillinglytoreceiveit,andwheretheycanreadilyhavethewhole,orapart,uponanysuddenOccasion,thatmaycallforit。
4。IfearImayreckonitasoneoftheprobableConsequencesofsuchaLaw,ThatitislikelytocausegreatPerjuryintheNation;aCrime,thanwhichnothingismorecarefullytobepreventedbyLawmakers,notonlybyPenalties,thatshallattendapparentandprovedPerjury;butbyavoidingandlessening,asmuchasmaybe,theTemptationstoit。Forwherethosearestrong,(astheyarewhereMenshallSwearfortheirownAdvantage)therethefearofPenaltiestofollowwillhavelittleRestraint;especiallyiftheCrimebehardtobeproved。AllwhichIsupposewillhappeninthisCase,wherewayswillbefoundouttoreceiveMoneyuponotherPretencesthanforUse,toevadetheRuleandRigouroftheLaw:AndtherewillbesecretTrustsandCollusionsamongstMen,thatthoughtheymaybesuspected,canneverbeprovedwithouttheirownConfession。I
haveheardverysoberandobservingPersonscomplainoftheDangerMensLivesandPropertiesarein,bythefrequencyandfashionablenessofPerjuryamongstus。FaithandTruth,especiallyinallOccasionsofattestingituponthesolemnAppealtoHeavenbyanOath,isthegreatBondofSociety:ThisitbecomestheWisdomofMagistratescarefullytosupport,andrenderassacredandawfulintheMindsofthePeopleastheycan。ButifeverFrequencyofOathsshallmakethembelookedonasFormalitiesofLaw,ortheCustomofstrainingofTruth(whichMensSwearingintheirownCasesisapttoleadthemto)hasoncediptMeninPerjury,andtheGuiltwiththeTemptationhasspreaditselfverywide,andmadeitalmostfashionableinsomeCases,itwillbeimpossiblefortheSociety(theseBondsbeingdissolved)tosubsist:AllmustbreakinPieces,andruntoConfusion。ThatSwearingintheirownCaseisapt,bydegreestoleadMenintoaslittleRegardofsuchOaths,astheyhaveoftheirordinaryTalk,Ithinkthereisreasontosuspect,fromwhathasbeenobservedinsomethingofthatkind,Mastersof。
ShipsareasortofMengenerallyIndustriousandSober,andI
supposemaybethought,fortheirNumberandRank,tobeequallyHonesttoanyothersortofMen:Andyet,bytheDiscourseIhavehadwithMerchantsinotherCountries,Ifind,ThattheythinkinthoseParts,theytakeagreatLibertyintheirCustom-houseOaths,tothatdegree,thatIrememberIwasoncetold,inaTradingTownbeyondSea,ofaMasterofaVessel,thereesteemedasoberandfairMan,whoyetcouldnotholdsaying,GodforbidthataCustom-houseOathshouldbeaSin。Isaynotthis,tomakeanyReflectionuponasortofMen,thatIthinkasuncorruptasanyother;andwho,Iamsure,oughtinEnglandtobecherishedandesteem’dasthemostindustriousandmostbeneficialofanyofitsSubjects。ButIcouldnotforbeartogivethishereasanInstance,howdangerousaTemptationitis,tobringMencustomarilytoSwear,wheretheymayhaveanyConcernmentoftheirown。AnditwillalwaysbeworthytheCareandConsiderationofLaw-makers,tokeepuptheOpinionofanOathHighandSacred,asitoughttobe,intheMindsofthePeople;
whichcanneverbedone,wherefrequencyofOaths,biassedbyInterest,hasestablishtaneglectofthem;andFashion(whichitseldomfailstodo)hasgivenCountenancetowhatProfitrewards。
ButthatLawcannotkeepMenfromtakingmoreUsethanyouset(thewantofMoneybeingthatalonewhichregulatesitsPrice)willperhapsappear,ifweconsiderhowharditistosetaPriceuponWineorSilks,orotherunnecessaryCommodities;buthowimpossibleitistosetaRateuponVictualsinatimeofFamine。ForMoneybeinganuniversalCommodity,andasnecessarytoTrade,asFoodistoLife,everybodymusthaveit,atwhatRatetheycangetit;andunavoidablypaydearwhenitisscarce,andDebts,nolessthanTrade,havemadeBorrowinginFashion。
TheBankersareaclearInstanceofthis:ForsomeYearssince,theScarcityofMoneyhavingmadeitinEnglandworthreallymorethanSixperCent。mostofthosethathadnottheSkilltoletitformorethanSixperCent。andsecurethemselvesfromthePenaltyoftheLaw,putitintheBankersHands,whereitwasreadyattheirCall,whentheyhadanOpportunityofgreaterImprovement。SothattheRateyouset,profitsnottheLenders,andveryfewoftheBorrowers,whoarefaintopaythePriceforMoney,thatCommoditywouldbear,wereitleftfree;andtheGainisonlytotheBanker。AndshouldyoulessentheUsetoFourPerCent。theMerchant,orTradesman,thatBorrows,wouldnothaveitonejotcheaper,thanhehasnow;butprobablythesetwoilleffectswouldfollow。First,Thathewouldpaydearer;andSecondly,ThattherewouldbelessMoneyleftintheCountrytodrivetheTrade。FortheBankerspayingatmostbutFourperCent。andreceivingfromSixtoTenPerCent。ormore,atthatlowRatecouldbecontenttohavemoreMoneylyedeadbythem,thannowwhenitishigher:BywhichmeanstherewouldbelessMoneystirringinTrade,andagreaterScarcity;whichwouldraiseitupontheBorrowerbythisMonopoly。AndwhatapartofourTreasuretheirskillandmanagement,joinedwithotherslazinessorwantofskill,isapttodrawintotheirHands,istobeknownbythosevastSumsofMoney,theywerefoundtooweattheshuttingupoftheExchequer。Andthoughitbeverytrue,yetitisalmostbeyondBelief,ThatoneprivateGoldsmithofLondonshouldhaveCredituponhissingleSecurity,(beingusuallynothingbutaNoteunderoneofhisServantsHands)foraboveElevenhundredthousandPoundsatonce。ThesameReasons,I
suppose,willstillkeeponthesameTrade:AndwhenyouhavetakenitdownbyLawtothatRate,nobodywillthinkofhavingmorethanFourperCent。oftheBanker,thoughthosewhohaveneedofMoney,toemployitinTrade,willnotthen,anymorethannow,getitunderFiveorSix,orassomepay,SevenorEight。Andiftheyhadthen,whentheLawpermittedMentomakemoreProfitoftheirMoney,solargeaProportionoftheCashoftheNationintheirHands,whocanthink,butthatbythisLawitshouldbemoredrivenintoLombard-streetnow?therebeingmanynowwholendthematFourorFivePerCent。whowillnotLendtoothersatSix。Itwouldthereforeperhaps,bringdowntheRateofMoneytotheBorrower,andcertainlydistributeitbettertotheAdvantageofTradeintheCountry,ifthelegalUsewerekeptprettyneartothenatural;(bynaturalUse,ImeanthatRateofMoneywhichthepresentScarcityofitmakesitnaturallyat,uponanequalDistributionofit)forthenMenbeingLicensedbytheLawtotakenearthefullnaturalUse,willnotbeforwardtocarryittoLondon,toputitintotheBankersHands;butwillLendittotheirNeighboursintheCountry,whereitisconvenientforTradeitshouldbe。ButifyoulessentheRateofUse,theLender,whoseInterestitistokeepuptheRateofMoney,willratherlendittotheBanker,atthelegalInterest,thantotheTradesmanorGentleman,whowhentheLawisbroken,shallbesuretopaythefullnaturalInterest,ormore;becauseoftheingrossingbytheBanker,aswellastheRisqueintransgressingtheLaw。WhereaswerethenaturalUsesupposeSevenperCent。andthelegalSix;First,theOwnerwouldnotventurethePenaltyoftheLawforthegainingoneinSeven,thatbeingtheutmosthisMoneywouldyield:NorwouldtheBankerventuretoBorrow,wherehisGainswouldbebutOnePerCent。northeMoney’dManlendhim,whathecouldmakebetterProfitoflegallyatHome。AlltheDangerliesinthis,ThatyourTradeshouldsufferifyourbeingbehind-handhasmadethenaturalUsesohigh,thatyourTradesmancannotliveuponhisLabour,butthatyourRichNeighbourswillsoundersellyou,thattheReturnyoumakewillnotamounttopaytheUseandaffordaLivelihood。
Thereisnowaytorecoverfromthis,butbyageneralFrugalityandIndustry;orbybeingMastersoftheTradeofsomeCommodity,whichtheWorldmusthavefromyouatyourRate,becauseitcannotbeotherwheresupplied。
NowIthinktheNaturalInterestofMoneyisraisedtwoways:
First,WhentheMoneyofaCountryisbutlittleinproportiontotheDebtsoftheInhabitantsoneamongstanother。ForsupposeTenthousandpoundsweresufficienttomanagetheTradeofBermudas,andthattheTenfirstPlanterscarriedoverTwentythousandpound,whichtheyLenttotheseveralTradesmenandInhabitantsoftheCountry,wholivingabovetheirGainshadspentTenthousandpoundofthisMoney,anditweregoneoutoftheIsland。
’Tisevident,thatshouldalltheCreditorsatoncecallintheirMoney,therewouldbeagreatscarcityofMoney,whenthatemployedinTrademustbetakenoutoftheTradesmensHandstopayDebts;orelsetheDebtorswantMoney,andbeexposedtotheirCreditors,andsoInterestwillbehigh。Butthisseldomhappening,thatall,orthegreatestpartoftheCreditorsdoatoncecallfortheirMoney,unlessitbeinsomegreatandgeneralDanger,islessandseldomerfelt,thanthefollowing,unlesswheretheDebtsofthePeoplearegrowntoagreaterproportion,forthatconstantlycausingmoreBorrowers,thantherecanbeLenders,willmakeMoneyscarce,andconsequentlyInteresthigh。
Secondly,ThatwhichconstancyraisestheNaturalInterestofMoney,is,whenMoneyislittleinproportiontotheTradeofaCountry。ForinTradeeveryBodycallsforMoneyaccordingashewantsit,andthisdisproportionisalwaysfelt。ForifEnglishmenowedinallbutOneMillion,andtherewereaMillionofMoneyinEngland,theMoneywouldbewellenoughproportionedtotheDebts:ButifTwoMillionswerenecessarytocarryontheTrade,therewouldbeaMillionwanting,andthepriceofMoneywouldberaised,asitisofanyotherCommodityinaMarket,wheretheMerchandizewillnotservehalftheCustomers,andtherearetwoBuyersforoneSeller。
’TisinvainthereforetogoabouteffectuallytoreducethepriceofInterestbyaLaw;andyoumayasrationallyhopetosetafixtRateupontheHireofHouses,orShips,asofMoney。HethatwantsaVessel,ratherthanlosehisMarket,willnotsticktohaveitattheMarketRate,andfindwaystodoit,withsecuritytotheOwner,thoughtheRatewerelimitedbyaLaw:AndhethatwantsMoney,ratherthanlosehisVoyage,orhisTrade,willpaytheNaturalInterestforit;andsubmittosuchwaysofConveyance,asshallkeeptheLenderoutofthereachoftheLaw。
SothatyourAct,atbest,willserveonlytoincreasetheArtsofLending,butnotatalllessentheChargeoftheBorrower:He’tislikelyshallwithmoretrouble,andgoingfartherabout,payalsothemoreforhisMoney;unlessyouintendtobreakinonlyuponMortgagesandContractsalreadymade,and(whichisnottobesupposed)byaLaw,postfactum,voidBargainslawfullymade,andgivetoRichardwhatisPetersDue,fornootherReason,butbecauseonewasBorrower,andtheotherLender。
ButsupposingtheLawreach’dtheintentionofthePromotersofit;andthatthisActbesocontrived,thatitforcedtheNaturalpriceofMoney,andhindreditsbeingbyanyBodyLentatahigherUse,thanFourPoundPerCent。whichisplainitcannot。
Letusinthenextplacesee,whatwillbetheConsequencesofit。
1。ItwillbealosstoWidows,Orphans,andallthosewhohavetheirEstateinMoney,onethirdoftheirEstates:whichwillbeaveryhardcaseuponagreatnumberofPeople,anditiswarilytobeconsider’dbytheWisdomoftheNation,whethertheywillthusatoneblow,fineandimpoverishagreatandinnocentpartofthePeople,whohavingtheirEstatesinMoney,haveasmuchRighttomakeasmuchoftheirMoney,asitisworth,(formoretheycannot)astheLandlordhastolethisLandforasmuchasitwillyield。ToFineMenoneThirdoftheirEstates,withoutanyCrimeorOffencecommitted,seemsveryhard。
2。AsitwillbeaconsiderableLossandInjurytothemony’dMan,soitwillbenoAdvantageatalltotheKingdom。ForsoTradebenotCramp’d,andtheExportationofourNativeCommoditiesandManufacturesnothindred,itwillbenomattertotheKingdom,whoamongstourselvesGetsorLoses:onlycommonCharityteaches,thatthoseshouldbemosttakencareofbytheLaw,whoareleastcapableoftakingcareforthemselves。
3。ItwillbeaGaintotheBorrowingMerchant,ForifheBorrowatFourperCent。andhisReturnsbeTwelveperCent。hewillhaveEightPerCent。andtheLenderFour:WhereasnowtheydividetheprofitequallyatSixPerCent。ButthisneitherGetsnorLosestheKingdominyourTrade,supposingtheMerchantandLendertobebothEnglishmen:onlyitwillasIhavesaid,transferathirdpartoftheMony’dMansEstate,whohasnothingelsetoliveon,intotheMerchantsPocket;andthatwithoutanyMeritintheone,orTransgressionintheother。Privatemensinterestsoughtnotthustobeneglected,norsacrificedtoanythingbutthemanifestadvantageofthePublick。Butinthiscaseitwillbequitethecontrary。Thislosstothemony’dMenwillbeaprejudicetoTrade:SinceitwilldiscourageLendingatsuchadisproportionofProfit,toRisque;asweshallseemorebyandby,whenwecometoconsiderofwhatconsequenceitistoencourageLending,thatsononeoftheMoneyoftheNationmayliedead,andtherebyprejudiceTrade。
4。ItwillhinderTrade。FortherebeingacertainproporionofMoneynecessaryfordrivingsuchaproporionofTrade,somuchMoneyofthisasliesstill,lessenssomuchoftheTrade。Nowitcannotberationallyexpected,butthatwheretheVentureisgreat,andtheGainssmall,(asitisinLendinginEnglanduponlowInterest)manywillchooserathertohoarduptheirMoney,thanventureitabroadonsuchTerms。ThiswillbealosstotheKingdom,andsuchaloss,ashereinEnglandoughtchieflytobelookedafter:ForwehavingnoMines,noranyotherwayofgetting,orkeepingofRichesamongstusbutbyTrade,somuchofourTradeasislost,somuchofourRichesmustnecessarilygowithit;andtheover-ballancingofTradebetweenusandourNeighbours,mustinevitablycarryawayourMoney,andquicklyleaveusPoor,andexposed。GoldandSilverthoughtheyserveforfewyettheycommandalltheconvenienciesoflife;andthereforeinaplentyofthemconsistsRiches。
EveryoneknowsthatMinesalonefurnishthese:Butwithal’tisobservablethatmostCountiesstoredwiththembyNaturearepoor。ThediggingandrefiningoftheseMetalstakinguptheLabour,andwastingtheNumberofthePeople。ForwhichreasonthewisePolicyoftheChineseswillnotsuffertheMinestheyhavetobewrought。Norindeed,thingsrightlyconsidered,doGoldandSilverdrawnoutoftheMineequallyEnrich,withwhatisgotbyTrade。HethatwouldmakethelighterScalepreponderatetotheopposite,willnotsosoondoit,byaddingencreaseofnewWeighttotheemprier,asifhetookoutoftheheavierwhatheaddstothelighter,forthenhalfsomuchwilldoit。RichesdonotconsistinhavingmoreGoldandSilver,butinhavingmoreinproportion,thantherestoftheWorld,orthanourNeighbours,wherebyweareenabledtoprocuretoourselvesagreaterPlentyoftheConvenienciesofLifethancomeswithinthereachofNeighbouringkingdomsandStates,who,sharingtheGoldandSilveroftheWorldinalessproportion,wantthemeansofPlentyandPower,andsoarePoorer。NorwouldtheybeonejottheRicher,ifbythediscoveryofnewMinesthequantityofGoldandSilverintheWorldbecomingwiceasmuchasitis,theirsharesofthemshouldbedoubled。ByGoldandSilverintheWorldImustbeunderstoodtomean,notwhatlieshidintheEarth;butwhatisalreadyoutoftheMineintheHandsandPossessionsofMen。This,ifwellconsidered,wouldbenosmallencouragementtoTrade,whichisasurerandshorterwaytoRichesthananyother,whereitismanagedwithSkillandIndustry。
InaCountrynotfurnishedwithMinestherearebuttwowaysofgrowingRich,eitherConquest,orCommerce。BythefirsttheRomansmadethemselvesMastersoftheRichesoftheWorld;butI
thinkthatinourpresentcircumstances,noBodyisvainenoughtoentertainaThoughtofourreapingtheProfitsoftheWorldwithourSwords,andmakingtheSpoilandTributeofVanquishedNations,theFundforthesupplyoftheChargesoftheGovernment,withanoverplusforthewants,andequallycravingLuxury,andfashionableVanityofthePeople。
Commercethereforeistheonlywaylefttous,eitherforRichesorSubsistence,forthistheadvantagesofourSituation,aswellastheIndustryandInclinationofourPeople,boldandskilfulatSea,doNaturallyfitus:BythistheNationofEnglandhasbeenhithertoSupported,andTradeleftalmosttoitself,andassistedonlybytheNaturalAdvantagesabove-mentioned,broughtusinPlentyandRiches,andalwayssetthiskingdominarankequal,ifnotsuperiortoanyofitsNeighbours:Andwouldnodoubtwithoutanydifficultyhavecontinueditso,ifthemoreenlarged,andbetterunderstoodInterestofTrade,sincetheImprovementofNavigation,hadnotraisedusmanyRivals;andtheamazingPoliticksofsomelateReigns,letinotherCompetitorswithusfortheSea,whowillbesuretoseizetothemselveswhateverpartsofTradeourismanagement,orwantofMoney,shallletslipoutofourHands:
Andwhenitisoncelost,’willbetoolatetohope,byamistim’dCare,easilytoretrieveitagain。FortheCurrentsofrade,likethoseofWaters,akethemselvesChannels,outofwhichtheyareafterwardsashardtobediverted,asRiversthathavewornthemselvesdeepwithintheirBanks。
TradethenisnecessarytotheproducingofRiches,andMoneynecessarytothecarryingonofTrade。ThisisprincipallytobelookedafterandtakenCareof。Forifthisbeneglected,weshallinvain,byContrivancesamongstourselves,andshufflingthelittleMoneywehavefromoneanothersHands,endeavourtopreventourWants:DecayofTradewillquicklywastealltheRemainder;andthentheLanded-Man,whothinksperhapsbythefallofInteresttoraisetheValueofhisLand,willfindhimselfcruellymistaken,whentheMoneybeinggone,(asitwillbeifourTradebenotkeptup)hecangetneitherFarmertoRent,norPurchasertoBuyhisLand。WhatsoeverthereforehinderstheLendingofMoney,injuresTrade:AndsothereducingofMoney,toFourperCent。whichwilldiscourageMenfromLending,willbeaLosstotheKingdom,instoppingsomuchoftheCurrentofMoney,whichturnstheWheelsofTrade。ButallthisuponaSupposition,thattheLenderandBorrowerarebothEnglishMen。
IftheLenderbeaForeigner,bylesseningInterestfromSixtoFouryougettotheKingdomonethirdpartoftheInterestwepayYearlytoForeigners:Whichletanyoneifhepleasethinkconsiderable。ButthenuponlesseningInteresttoFourperCent。
itislikelyoneofthesethingswillhappen。ThateitheryoufallthePriceofyourNativeCommodities;OrlessenyourTrade;
OrelsepreventnotthehighUseasyouintended。ForatthetimeoflesseningyourInterest,youwantMoneyforyourTrade,oryoudonot。Ifyoudonot,thereisnoneedtopreventBorrowingatahighRateofyourNeighbours。FornoCountryborrowsofitsNeighboursbutwherethereisneedofMoneyforTrade:NobodywillborrowmoreofaForeignertoletitlyestill。AndifyoudowantMoney,Necessitywillstillmakeyouborrowwhereyoucan,andattheRatesyourNecessity,notyourLaws,shallset:
orelse,iftherebescarcityofMoney,itmusthindertheMerchant’sBuyingandExportation,andtheArtisan’sManufacture。
Nowthekingdomgetsorlosesbythis(fornoquestiontheMerchantbylowInterestgetsallthewhile)onlyproportionably(allowingtheConsumptionofForeignCommoditiestobestillthesame)asthepayingofUsetoForeignerscarriesawaymoreorlessofourMoney,thanwantofMoneyandstoppingourTradekeepsusfrombringingin,byhindringourGains,whichcanbeonlyestimatedbythose,whoknowhowmuchMoneyweborrowofForeigners,andatwhatRate;andtoo,whatProfitinTradewemakeofthatMoney。
BorrowingofForeignersuponInterestit’struecarriesawaysomeofourGain:ButyetuponExaminationitwillbefound,thatourgrowingRichorPoordependsnotatallponourborrowinguponInterestornot;butonlywhichisgreaterorless,ourImportationorExportationofconsumableCommodities。ForsupposingTwoMillionsofMoneywilldrivetheTradeofEngland,andthatwehaveMoneyenoughofourowntodoit;ifweconsumeofourownProductandManufacture,andwhatwePurchasebyitofForeignCommodities,oneMillion,butoftheotherMillionconsumenothing,butmakeareturnofTenperCent。perAn。wemusttheneveryYearbeOnehundredthousandpoundsRicher,andourStockbesomuchencreast:ButifweImportmoreconsumableCommoditiesthanweExport,ourMoneymustgoouttopayforthem,andwegrowpoorer。SupposethereforeillHusbandryhathbroughtustooneMillionStock,andweborrowtheotherMillion(aswemust,orlosehalfourTrade)atSixperCent。Ifweconsumeonemoyety,andmakestillTenperCent。perAn。ReturnoftheotherMillion,theKingdomgetsFortythousandpoundsperAn。thoughitpaySixtythousandpoundperAn。Use。SothatiftheMerchant’sReturnbemorethanhisUse,(which’tiscertainitis,orelsehewillnotTrade)andallthatissoTradedforonborrowedMoneybebuttheover-ballanceofourExportationtoourImportation,thekingdomgetsbythisBorrowingsomuchastheMerchant’sGainisabovehisUse。ButifweborrowonlyforourownExpences,wegrowdoublypoor,bypayingMoneyfortheCommodityweconsume,andUseforthatMoney;thoughtheMerchantgetsallthiswhile,bymakingReturnsgreaterthanhisUse。AndthereforeBorrowingofForeignersinitselfmakesnottheKingdomrichorpoor;foritmaydoeither:ButspendingmorethanourFruitsorManufactureswillpayfor,bringsinPoverty,andPovertyBorrowing。
ForMoney,asnecessarytoTrade,maybedoublyconsidered。
First,asinhisHandsthatpaystheLabourerandLandholder,(forhereitsmotionterminates,andthroughwhoseHandssoeveritpassesbetweenthese,heisbutaBroker)andifthisManwantMoney,(asforExample,theClothier)theManufactureisnotmade;andsotheTradestops,andislost。OrSecondly,MoneymaybeconsideredasintheHandsoftheConsumer,underwhichNameI
herereckontheMerchantwhobuystheCommoditywhenmade,toExport:AndifhewantMoney,thevalueoftheCommoditywhenmadeislessened,andsotheKingdomlosesinthePrice。IfthereforeUsebelessened,andyoucannottyeForeignerstoyourTerms,thentheilleffectsfallonlyuponyourLandholdersandArtisans:IfForeignerscanbeforc’dbyyourLawtoLendyouMoneyonlyatyourownRate,ornotLendatall,isitnotmorelikelytheywillrathertakeithome,andthinkitsaferintheirownCountryatFourperCent。thanabroadinadecaying。Country?
Norcantheirover-plusofMoneybringthemtoLendtoyou,onyourTerms:ForwhenyourMerchantswantofMoneyshallhavesunkthepriceofyourMarket,aDutchmanwillfinditmoregainstobuyyourCommodityhimself,thanLendhisMoneyatFourperCent。
toanEnglishMerchanttoTradewith。NorwilltheActofNavigationhindertheircoming,bymakingthemcomeempty,sinceevenalreadytherearethosewhothink,thatmany,whogoforEnglishMerchants,arebutDutchFactors,andTradeforothersintheirownNames。TheKingdomthereforewilllosebythisloweringofInterest,ifitmakesForeignerswithdrawanyoftheirMoney,aswellasifithindersanyofyourPeoplefromLendingtheirs,whereTradehasneedofit。
InaTreatisewritonpurposeforthebringingdownofInterest,IfindthisArgumentofForeignerscallingawaytheirMoneytotheprejudiceofourTrade,thusAnswer’d,ThattheMoneyofForeignersisnotbroughtintotheLandbyreadyCoinorBullion,butbyGoodsorBillsofExchange;andwhenitispaidmustbereturnedbyGoodsorBillsofExchange;andtherewillnotbethelessMoneyintheLand。IcouldnotbutwondertoseeaMan,whoundertooktowriteofMoneyandInterest,talksodirectlybesidesthematterinthebusinessofTrade。ForeignersMoney,hesays,isnotbroughtintotheLandbyreadyCoinorBullion,butbyGoods,orBillsofExchange。HowthendowecomebyBullionorMoney?ForGoldgrowsnot,thatIknow,inourCountry,andSilversolittle,thatOnehundredthousandthpartoftheSilverwehavenowinEngland,wasnotdrawnoutofanyMinesinthisIsland。IfhemeansthattheMoniedManinHolland,whoputsouthisMoneyatInteresthere,didnotsenditoverinBullionorSpeciehither:Thatmaybetrueorfalse;buteitherwayhelpsnotthatAuthorspurpose。ForifhepaidhisMoneytoaMerchanthisNeighbour,andtookhisBillsforithereinEngland,hedidthesamethingasifhehadsentoverthatMoney,sincehedoesbutmakethatMerchantleaveinEnglandtheMoneywhichhehasDuetohimthere,andotherwisewouldcarryaway。
No,saysourAuthor,hecannotcarryitaway,for,sayshe,whenitispaiditmustbereturnedbyGoods,OrBillsofExchange。ItmustnotbepaidandexportedinreadyMoney,sosaysourLawindeed,butthatisaLawtohedgeintheCookoe,andservestonopurpose。ForifweExportnotGoods,forwhichourMerchantshaveMoneyduetotheminHolland,HowcanitbepaidbyBillsofExchange?AndforGoods,OnehundredpoundsworthofGoodscannowherepayTwohundredpoundsinMoney。ThisbeingthatwhichI
findmanyMendeceivethemselveswithinTrade,itmaybeworthwhiletomakeitalittleplainer。
LetussupposeEnglandPeopledasitisnow。anditsWoollenManufactureinthesameStateandPerfection,thatitisatpresent;andthatwe,havingnoMoneyatall,tradewiththisourWoollenManufactureforthevalueofTwohundredthousandpoundsYearlytoSpain,wherethereactuallyisaMillioninMoney:
FurtherletussupposethatwebringbackfromSpainYearlyinOyl,Wine,andFruit,tothevalueofOnehundredthousandpounds,andcontinuetodothisTenYearstogether:’TisplainwehavehadforourtwoMillionsvalueinWoollenManufacturecarriedthither,oneMillionreturnedinWine,Oyl,andFruit:
Butwhatisbecomeoft’otherMillion?WilltheMerchantsbecontenttoloseit?Thatyoumaybesuretheywouldnot,norhaveTradedon,iftheyhadnoteveryYearReturnsmadeansweringtheirExportation。Howthenwerethe[Returnsmade?InMoneyitisevident。FortheSpaniardshavinginsuchaTrade,noDebts,northepossibilityofanyDebtsinEngland,cannotpayoneFarthingofthatotherMillionbyBillsofExchange:AndhavingnoCommoditiesthatwewilltakeoffabovethevalueofOnehundredthousandpoundsPerAnnum,theycannotpayusinCommodities。Fromwhenceitnecessarilyfollows,thattheHundredthousandpoundsperAnn。whereinweover-ballancetheminTrade,mustbepaidusinMoney;andsoattheTenyearsend,theirMillionofMoney,(thoughtheirLawmakeitDeathtoexportit)
willbeallbroughtintoEngland;asintruth,bythisover-ballanceofTrade,thegreatestpartofourMoneyhathbeenbroughtintoEnglandoutofSpain。
LetussupposeourselvesnowpossessedofthisMillionofMoney;andExportingYearlyoutofEngland,totheseveralpartsoftheWorld,consumableCommoditiestothevalueofaMillion,butImportingYearlyinCommodities,whichweconsumeamongstustothevalueofElevenhundredthousandpounds。IfsuchaTradeasthisbemanagedamongstus,andcontinueTenYears,itisevident,thatourMillionofMoneywillattheendoftheTenYearsbeinevitablyallgonefromustothem,bythesamewaythatitcametous;thatis,bytheiroverballanceofTrade。ForweImportingeveryYearOnehundredthousandpoundsworthofCommoditiesmorethanweExport,andtherebeingnoForeignersthatwillgiveusOnehundredthousandpoundseveryyearfornothing,itisunavoidable,thatOnehundredthousandPoundsofourMoneymustgoouteveryYeartopayforthatover-plus,whichourCommoditiesdonotpayfor。’Tisridiculoustosay,thatBillsofExchangeshallpayourDebtsabroad:Thatcannotbe,tillScripsofPapercanbemadecurrentCoin。TheEnglishMerchant,whohasnoMoneyowinghimabroad,cannotexpecttohavehisBillspaidthere。OrifhehasCreditenoughwithaCorrespondent,tohavehisBillsanswered:ThispaysnoneoftheDebtofEngland,butonlychangestheCreditor。AndifuponthegeneralballanceofTrade,EnglishMerchantsowetoForeignersOnehundredthousandpounds,oraMillion,ifCommoditiesdonot,ourMoneymustgoouttopayit,orelseourCreditbelost,andourTradestop,andbelosttoo。
AkingdomgrowsRich,orPoorjustasaFarmerdoth,andnootherwise。LetussupposethewholeIsleofPortlandoneFarm;
andthattheOwner,besideswhatserveshisFamily,carriestoMarkettoWeymouthandDorchester,&c。Cattle,Corn,Butter,Cheese,Wooll,orCloth,LeadandTin,allCommoditiesproducedandwroughtwithinhisFarmofPortland,tothevalueofaThousandPounds;yearly;andforthis,bringswhomeinSalt,Wine,Oyl,Spice,LinnenandSilks,tothevalueofNinehundredPounds,andtheremainingHundredPoundsinMoney。’TisevidenthegrowseveryyearahundredPoundsRicher,andsoattheendoftenyearswillhaveclearlygotaThousandPounds。IftheOwnerbeabetterHusband,andcontentinghimselfwithhisNativeCommodities,buylessWine,Spice,andSilk,atMarket,andsobringhomeFivehundredPoundsinMoneyyearly,insteadofaThousandPounds,attheendoftenyearshewillhaveFivethousandpoundsbyhim,andbesomuchRicher。HeDies,andhisSonsucceeds,afashionableyoungGentleman,thatcannotDinewithoutChampaneandBurgundy,norSleepbutinaDamaskBed;
whoseWifemustspreadalongTrainofBrocard,andhisChildrenbealwaysinthenewestFrenchcutandStuff。HebeingcometotheEstate,keepsonaverybusieFamily。theMarketsareweeklyfrequented,andtheCommoditiesofhisFarmcarriedout,andSold,asformerly,buttheReturnsaremadesomethingdifferent;
thefashionablewayofEating,Drinking,FurnitureandClothingforhimselfandFamily,requiresmoreSugarandSpice,WineandFruit,SilkandRibons,thaninhisFatherstime;sothatinsteadofNinehundredPoundsperAnnum,henowbringshomeofconsumableCommodities,tothevalueofElevenhundredPoundsyearly。Whatcomesofthis?HelivesinSplendor,’tistrue,butthisunavoidablycarriesawaytheMoneyhisFathergot,andheiseveryyearanHundredPoundsPoorer。TohisExpences,beyondhisIncome,addDebauchery,Idleness,andQuarrelsamongsthisServants,wherebyhisManufacturesaredisturbed,andhisBusinessneglected,andageneralDisorderandConfusionthroughhiswholeFamilyandFarm:ThiswilltumblehimdowntheHillthefaster,andtheStock,whichtheIndustry,Frugality,andgoodOrderofhisFatherhadlaidup,willbequicklybroughttoanend,andhefastinPrison。AFarmandakingdominthisrespectdiffernomorethanasgreaterandless。WemayTrade,andbebusie,andgrowPoorbyit,unlessweregulateourExpences;IftothisweareIdle,Negligent,Dishonest,Malitious,anddisturbtheSoberandIndustriousintheirBusiness,letitbeuponwhatpretenceitwill,weshallRuinethefaster。
SothatwhateverthisAuthor,oranyoneelsemaysay,MoneyisbroughtintoEnglandbynothingbutspendingherelessofForeignCommodities,thanwhatwecarrytoMarketcanpayfor;
NorcanDebtsweowetoForeignersbepaidbyBillsofExchange,tillourCommoditiesExported,andSoldbeyondSea,haveproducedMoneyorDebtsduethere,tosomeofourMerchants。FornothingwillpayDebtsbutMoneyorMoneysworth,whichthreeorfourLineswritinPapercannotbe。IfsuchBillshaveanintrinsickvalue,andcanserveinsteadofMoney,whydowenotsendthemtoMarketinsteadofourCloth,LeadandTin,andataneasierratepurchasetheCommoditieswewant?AllthataBillofExchangecando,istodirecttowhomMoneydue,ortakenupuponCreditinaForeignCountry,shallbepaid:Andifwetraceit,weshallfind,thatwhatisowingalreadybecameso,forCommodities,orMoney,carriedfromhence:AndifitbetakenupuponCredit,itmust(lettheDebtbeshiftedfromoneCreditortoanotherasoftenasyouwill)atlastbepaidbyMoneyorGoods,carriedfromhence,orelsetheMerchantheremustturnBankrupt。
WehaveseenhowRichesandMoneyaregot,kept,orlost,inanyCountry;andthatisbyconsuminglessofForeignCommoditiesthanwhat,byCommoditiesorLabourispaidfor。Thisisintheordinarycourseofthings:ButwheregreatArmiesandAlliancesaretobemaintainedabroadbySuppliessentoutofanyCountry,thereoften,byashorterandmoresensibleway,theTreasureisdiminished。ButthissincetheholyWar,oratleastsincetheImprovementofNavigationandTrade,seldomhappeningtoEngland,whosePrinceshavefoundtheenlargingtheirPowerbySea,andthesecuringourNavigationandTrade,moretheInterestofthisKingdomthanWarsorConquestsontheContinent,ExpencesinArmsbeyondSeahavehadlittleInfluenceonourRichesorPoverty。
Thenextthingtobeconsidered,is,howMoneyisnecessarytoTrade。
TheNecessityofacertainProportionofMoneytoTrade,(I
conceive)lyesinthis,ThatMoneyinitsCirculationdrivingtheseveralWheelsofTrade,whilstitkeepsinthatChannel(forsomeofitwillunavoidablybedreinedintostandingPools)isallsharedbetweentheLandholder,whoseLandaffordstheMaterials;TheLabourer,whoworksthenm;TheBroker,(i。e。)
MerchantandShopkeeper,whodistributesthemtothose,thatwantthem;AndtheConsumer,whospendsthem。NowMoneyisnecessarytoallthesesortsofMen,asservingbothforCountersandforPledges,andsocarryingwithitevenReckoning,andSecurity,thathe,thatreceivesit,shallhavethesameValueforitagain,ofotherthingsthathewants,wheneverhepleases。TheoneoftheseitdoesbyitsStampandDenomination;theotherbyitsintrinsickValue,whichisitsQuantity。
ForMankind,havingconsentedtoputanimaginaryValueuponGoldandSilverbyreasonoftheirDurableness,Scarcity,andnotbeingveryliabletobeCounterfeited,havemadethembygeneralconsentthecommonPledges,wherebyMenareassured,inExchangeforthemtoreceiveequallyvaluablethingstothosetheypartedwithforanyquantityoftheseMetals。Bywhichmeansitcomestopass,thattheintrinsickValueregardedintheseMetalsmadethecommonBarter,isnothingbutthequantitywhichMengiveorreceiveofthem。FortheyhavingasMoneynootherValue,butasPledgestoprocure,whatonewantsordesires;andtheyprocuringwhatwewantordesire,onlybytheirquantity,’tisevident,thattheintrinsickValueofSilverandGoldusedinCommerceisnothingbuttheirquantity。
TheNecessitythereforeofaProportionofMoneytoTrade,dependsonMoneynotasCounters,fortheReckoningmaybekept,ortransferredbyWriting;butonMoneyasaPledge,whichWritingcannotsupplytheplaceof:SincetheBill,Bond,orotherNoteofDebt,IreceivefromoneManwillnotbeacceptedasSecuritybyanother,henotknowingthattheBillorBondistrueorlegal,orthattheManboundtomeishonestorresponsible;andsoisnotvaluableenoughtobecomeacurrentPledge,norcanbypublickAuthoritybewellmadeso,asintheCaseofAssigningofBills。BecauseaLawcannotgivetoBillsthatintrinsickValue,whichtheuniversalConsentofMankindhasannexedtoSilverandGold。AndhenceForeignerscanneverbebroughttotakeyourBills,orWritingsforanypartofPayment,thoughperhapstheymightpassasvaluableConsiderationsamongyourownPeople,didnotthisverymuchhinderit,viz。ThattheyareliabletounavoidableDoubt,Dispute,andCounterfeiting,andrequireotherProofstoassureusthattheyaretrueandgoodSecurity,thanourEyesoraTouchstone。AndatbestthisCourse,ifpracticable,willnothinderusfrombeingPoor;butmaybesuspectedtohelptomakeusso,bykeepingusfromfeelingourPoverty,whichinDistresswillbesuretofinduswithgreaterdisadvantage。ThoughitbecertainitisbetterthanlettinganypartofourTradefallforwantofcurrentPledges;andbettertoothanborrowingMoneyofourNeighboursuponUse,ifthiswayofAssigningBillscanbemadesoeasie,safeanduniversalathome,astohinderit。
Toreturntothebusinessinhand,andshewthenecessityofaProportionofMoneytoTrade。EveryManmusthaveatleastsomuchMoney,orsotimelyRecruits,asmayinhand,orinashortdistanceoftime,satisfiehisCreditorwhosupplieshimwiththenecessariesofLife,orofhisTrade。FornobodyhasanylongerthesenecessarySupplies,thanhehasMoney,orCredit,whichisnothingelsebutanAssuranceofMoneyinsomeshorttime。SothatitisrequisitetoTradethatthereshouldbesomuchMoney,astokeepuptheLandholders,LabourersandBrokersCredit:AndthereforereadyMoneymustbeconstantlyexchang’dforWaresandLabour,orfollowwithinashorttimeafter。
ThisshewsthenecessityofsomeProportionofMoneytoTrade:ButwhatProportionthatis,ishardtodetermine;becauseitdependsnotbarelyonthequantityofMoney,butthequicknessofitsCirculation。TheverysameShillingmayatonetimepayTwentyMeninTwentydays,atanother,restinthesameHandsOnehundreddaystogether。ThismakesitimpossibleexactlytoEstimatethequantityofMoneyneedfulinTrade:Buttomakesomeprobableguess,wearetoconsider,howmuchMoneyitisnecessarytosupposemustrestconstantlyineachMan’sHands,asrequisitetothecarryingonofTrade。
FirstthereforetheLabourers,livinggenerallybutfromhandtomouth,andindeed,consideredasLabourersinordertoTrade,maywellenoughcarryontheirpart,iftheyhavebutMoneyenoughtobuyVictuals,Cloaths,andTools:Allwhichmayverywellbeprovided,withoutanygreatSumofMoneylyingstillintheirHands。TheLabourerstherefore,beingusuallypaidonceaWeek,(ifthetimesofPaymentbeseldomer,theremustbemoreMoneyforthecarryingonthispartofTrade)wemaysupposethereisconstantlyamongstthem,onewithanother,orthosewhoaretopaythem,alwaysoneWeeksWagesinreadyMoney。Foritcannotbethought,thatall,ormostoftheLabourerspayawayalltheirWagesconstancy,assoonastheyreceiveit,andliveuponTrusttillnextPayDay。ThistheFarmerandTradesmancouldnotwellbear,wereiteveryLabourer’sCase,andeveryonetobetrusted:AndthereforetheymustofnecessitykeepsomeMoneyintheirHands,togotoMarketforVictuals,andtootherTradesmenaspoorasthemselves,forTools;andlayupMoneytootobuyCloaths,orpayforthosetheyboughtuponCredit。WhichMoneythusnecessarilyrestingintheirHands,wecannotimaginetobe,onewithanother,muchlessthanaWeeksWages,thatmustbeintheirPockets,orreadyintheFarmer’sHands。ForhewhoemploysaLabourerataShillingperDay,andpayshimonSaturdayNights,cannotbesupposedconstancytoreceivethatsixShillingsjustthesameSaturday:ItmustordinarilybeinhisHandsonetimewithanother,ifnotawholeWeek,yetseveralDaysbefore。
ThiswastheordinaryCourse,whil’stwehadMoneyrunningintheseveralChannelsofCommerce:Butthatnowverymuchfailing,andtheFarmernothavingMoneytopaytheLabourer,supplieshimwithCorn,whichinthisgreatPlentytheLabourerwillhaveathisownRate,orelsenottakeitoffhisHandsforWages。AndasfortheWorkmen,whoareemployedinourManufactures,especiallytheWoollenone,thesetheClothier,nothavingreadyMoneytopay,furnisheswiththenecessariesofLife,andsotrucksCommoditiesforWork,which,suchastheyare,goodorbad,theWorkmanmusttakeathisMaster’sRate,orsitstillandstarve:
Whil’stbythismeans,thisnewsortofIngrossersorForestallers,havingthefeedingandsupplyingthisnumerousBodyofWorkmenoutoftheirWarehouses,(fortheyhavenowMagazinesofallsortsofWares)setthePriceuponthepoorLandholder。SothattheMarketsnowbeingdestroyed,andtheFarmernotfindingventthereforhisButter,Cheese,Bacon,andCorn,&c。forwhichhewaswonttobringhomereadyMoney,mustsellittotheseIngrossers,ontheirownTermsofTimeandRate;andallowittotheirownDay-LabourersunderthetrueMarket-price。WhatkindofInfluencethisisliketohaveuponLand,andhowthiswayRentsareliketobepaidatQuarter-day,iseasietoapprehend:And’tisnowondertoheareverydayofFarmersbreaking,andrunningaway。ForiftheycannotreceiveMoneyfortheirGoodsatMarket,’willbeimpossibleforthem,topaytheirLandlord’sRent。Ifanyonedoubtwhetherthisbeso,Idesirehimtoenquire,howmanyFarmersintheWestarebrokeandgonesinceMichaelmasslast。WantofMoneybeingtothisdegree,worksbothwaysupontheLandholder。Forfirst,theingrossingForestallerletsnottheMoneycometoMarket;butsupplyingtheWorkman,whoisemployedbyhiminManufacture,withNecessaries,imposeshisPrice,andForbearanceontheFarmer,whocannotselltotheothers。AndtheLabourer,whoisemployedbytheLandholderinHusbandry,imposesalsohisRateonhim,fortheCommoditieshetakes。FortherebeingawantofDayLabourersintheCountry,theymustbehumoured,orelsetheywillneitherworkforyou,nortakeyourCommoditiesfortheirLabour。
Secondly,asfortheLandholder,sincehisTenantscannotCointheirRentjustatquarter-day,butmustgatheritupbydegrees,andlodgeitwiththemtillPay-day;orborrowitofthose,whohaveitlyingbythem,ordogatheritupbydegrees,whichisthesamething,andmustbenecessarilysomuchMoneyforsometimelyingstill。Forall,thatispaidingreatSums,mustsomewherebegatheredupbytheRetailIncomesofaTrade,orelseliestilltooingreatSums,whichisthesamestopofMoney,oragreater。Addtothis,ThattopaytheCreditor,thatlenthimhisRent,hemustgatherupMoneybydegrees,astheSaleofhisCommoditiesshallbringitin,andsomakesagreaterstop,andgreaterwantofMoney:SincetheborowedMoneythatpaidtheLandholderthe25thofMarch,mustbesupposedtolyestillsometimeintheCreditor’shand,beforehelentittheTenant;andtheMoney,thatpaystheCreditorthreeMonthsafter,mustlyestillsometimeintheTenant’s。NordoestheLandlordpayawayhisRentusually,assoonashereceivesit,butbydegrees,ashisoccasionscallforit。Allthisconsider’dwecannotbutsuppose,thatbetweentheLandlordandTenanttheremustnecessarilybeatleastaquarteroftheYearlyRevenueoftheLandconstantlyintheirhands。Indeedconsidering,thatmostpartoftheRentsofEnglandarepaidatourLady-dayandMichaelmas,andthatthesameMoney,whichpaysmemyRentfrommyTenantthe25thofMarch,orthereabouts,cannotpaymynextNeighbourhisRentfromhisTenantatthesametime,muchlessonemoreremoteinanotherCountry,itmightseemrequisitetosupposehalftheyearlyRevenueoftheLandtobenecessarilyemployedinpayingofRent。FortosaythatsomeTenantsbreakandpaynottheirRentatall,andotherspaynottilltwo,three,four,five,six,&c。Monthsafterquarter-day,andsotheRentisnotallpaidatonetime,isnomorethantosay,ThatthereisMoneywantingtotheTrade。ForiftheTenantfailtheLandlord,hemustfailhisCreditor,andhehis,andsoon,tillsomebodybreak,andsoTradedecayforwantofMoney。ButsinceaconsiderablepartoftheLandofEnglandisintheOwnersHands,whoneitherpaynorreceivegreatSumsforitatacertainDay;
andbecausetoo,(whichisthechiefReason)wearenottoconsiderherehowmuchMoneyisinanyoneman’s,oranyonesortofmenshandsatonetime;forthatatothertimesmaybedistributedintootherhands,andserveotherpartsofTrade;buthowmuchMoneyisnecessarytobeineachman’shandsalltheYearround,takingonetimewithanother,(i。e。)havingThreehundredpoundsinhisHandonemonth,istobereckonedasOnehundredpoundinhisHandthreemonths,(andsoproportionably)I
thinkwemaywellsupposeaquarteroftheYearlyRevenuetobeconstancyintheLandlordsorTenantsHands。
Here,bytheby,wemayobserve,ThatitwerebetterforTrade,andconsequentlyforeverybody,(formoreMoneywouldbestirring,andlesswoulddothebusiness)ifRentswerepaidbyshorterintervalsthansixmonths。ForsupposingIletaFarmatFiftytwopoundsperAn。ifmyRentbepaidhalfYearly,thereisrequiredTwentysixpoundstobeemployedinthePaymentofitinoneentireSum,(ifitbepaidwell,andifitbenotpaidwell,forwantofsomuchMoneytobesparedtothatpurpose,thereissomuchwantofMoney,andTradeisstillendamag’dbyit)agreatpartwhereofmustnecessarilyliestillbeforeitcomeoutofmyTenantsChesttomyHands:IfitbepaidonceaquarterThirteenpoundalonewilldoit,andlessMoneyislaidupforit,andstop’dalesswhileinitscourse:ButshoulditbepaideveryWeek,onesinglewentyShillingswillpaytheRentofFiftytwopoundsperAnnum,whencewouldfollowthisdoublebenefit。
First,ThatagreatdeallessMoneywouldservefortheTradeofaCountry。AndSecondly,ThatlessoftheMoneywouldliestill,thecontrarywhereofmustneedshappen,wheregrowingDebtsaretobepaidatlargerdistances,andingreaterSums。
Thirdly,AsfortheBrokers,sincetheytoomustlayuptheMoneycominginbyRetail,eithertogotoMarket,andbuyWares,ortopayatthedayappointed,whichisoftensixMonths,forthoseWareswhichtheyhavealready,wecannotsupposethemtohavelessbythem,onewithanother,thanOnetwentiethpartoftheiryearlyReturns。WhethertheMoneybetheirown,ortheybeIndebtedsomuchormore,itmattersnot,ifitbenecessarytheyshouldhaveconstancybythem,comparingonetimewithanother,atleastOnetwentiethpartoftheiryearlyReturn。
IndeedinsomegreatTowns,wheretheBankersarereadyathandtobuyBills,oranyotherwaytolendMoney,forshorttimeatgreatInterest,thereperhapstheMerchantisnotforcedtokeepsomuchMoneybyhim,asinotherplaces,wheretheyhavenotsuchaSupply:Butifyouconsider,whatMoneytodothismustnecessarilybeconstantlylodgedintheBankersHandsthecasewillbemuchthesame。
TotheseSums,ifyouadd,whatpartoftheMoneyofaCountryScholarsofallsorts,Women,Gamesters,andgreatMensmenialServants,andallsuchthatdonotcontributeatalltoTrade,eitherasLandholders,Labourers,orBrokers,willunavoidablyhaveconstantlyintheirHands,itcannotwellbethought,thatlessthanOneFiftiethpartoftheLabourersWages,OneFourthpartoftheLandholdersyearlyRevenue,andoneTwentiethpartoftheBrokersyearlyReturnsinreadyMoney,willbeenoughtodrivetheTradeofanyCountry。Atleast,toputitbeyondexceptionlowenough,itcannotbeimagin’dthatlessthanonemoietyofthis,i。e。lessthanOnehundredthpartoftheLabourersyearlyWages,OneEighthpartoftheLandholdersyearlyRevenue,andOneFortiethpartoftheBrokersyearlyReturns,inreadyMoney,canbeenoughtomovetheseveralWheelsofTrade,andkeepupCommerceinthatLifeandThrivingpostureitshouldbe;andhowmuchthereadyCashofanyCountryisshort。ofthisproportion,somuchmusttheTradebeimpair’dandhindredforwantofMoney。
Buthoweverthesemeasuresmaybemistaken,thisisevident,thatthemultiplyingofBrokershinderstheTradeofanyCountry,bymakingtheCircuit,whichtheMoneygoes,larger,andinthatCircuitmorestops,sothattheReturnsmustnecessarilybeslowerandscantier,totheprejudiceofTrade:Besidesthat,theyEatuptoogreatashareoftheGainsofTrade,bythatmeansStarvingtheLabourer,andimpoverishingtheLandholder,whoseInterestischieflytobetakencareof,itbeingasettledunmoveableConcernmentintheCommonwealth。
Ifthisbeso,itispastquestion,thatallEncouragementshouldbegiventoArtificers;andthingssoorder’d,asmuchasmightbe,thatthosewhomake,shouldalsoVendandRetailouttheirownCommodities,andtheybehindredasmuchaspossiblefrompassinghereathome,throughdiversHandstothelastBuyer。LazyandUnworkingShopkeepersinthisbeingworsethanGamesters,thattheydonotonlykeepsomuchoftheMoneyofaCountryconstantlyintheirHands,butalsomakethepublickpaythemfortheirkeepingofit。ThoughGamingtoo,upontheaccountofTrade(aswellasotherReasons)maywelldeservetoberestrain’d:SinceGamesters,inordertotheirPlay,keepgreatSumsofMoneybythem,whichthereliesDead。ForthoughGamestersMoneyshiftMastersoftenerthanany,andistumbledupanddownwitheverycastofaDie,yetastothepublickitliesperfectlystill,andnomoreofitcomesintoTrade,thantheyspendinEatingorWearing。
Heretoowemayobserve,howmuchManufacturedeservestobeincourag’d:SincethatpartofTrade,thoughthemostconsiderable,isdrivenwiththeleastMoney,especiallyiftheWorkmanshipbemoreworththantheMaterials。FortotheTradethatisdrivenbyLabour,andHandicraftsMen,OnetwoandfiftiethpartoftheyearlyMoneypaidthemwillbesufficient:
ButtoaTradeofCommoditiesofourbareNativegrowth,muchgreaterproportionofMoneyisrequir’d。
Perhapsitwillbewondred,whyhavinggivensomeestimate(howwideIknownot)oftheMoneynecessaryintheHandsoftheLandholder,Labourer,andBroker,tocarryonTrade,IhavesaidnothingoftheConsumer,whomIhadmentionedbefore。TothisI
Answer,TherearesofewConsumers,whoarenoteitherLabourers,Brokers,orLandholders,thattheymakeaveryinconsiderablepartintheaccount。ForthosewhoimmediatelydependontheLandholder,ashisChildrenandServants,comeinunderthattitle,beingmaintain’dbytheRentofhisLands;andsooftherest。
Bywhathasbeensaid,wemayseewhatInjurytheLoweringofInterestisliketodousbyhinderingTrade,whenitshalleithermaketheForeignercallhomehisMoney,oryourownPeoplebackwardtoLend,theRewardnotbeingjudgedproportionabletotherisque。
ThereisanotherseemingConsequence,ofthereducingofMoneytoalowPrice,whichatfirstsighthassuchanappearanceoftruthinit,thatIhaveknownitimposeuponveryableMen,andIguessithasnosmallInfluence,atthistime,inthepromotingthisalteration,andthatis,ThattheloweringofInterestwillraisethevalueofallotherThingsinproportion。
ForMoneybeingtheCounter-ballancetoallotherThingspurchasablebyit,andlying,asitwere,intheoppositeScaleofCommerce,itlookslikeanaturalConsequence,thatasmuchasyoutakeofffromthevalueofMoney,somuchyouaddtothepriceofotherThings,whichareexchang’dforit;theraisingofthepriceofanythingbeingnomorebuttheadditiontoitsvalueinrespectofMoney,or,whichisallone,lesseningthevalueofMoney。ForExample:ShouldthevalueofGoldbebroughtdowntothatofSilver,OnehundredGuineaswouldpurchaselittlemoreCorn,Wool,orLand,thanOnehundredshillings,andsotheValueofMoneybeingbroughtlower,saythey,thepriceofotherThingswillrise;andthefallingofInterestfromSixpoundtoFourpoundperCent。istakingawaysomuchofthepriceofMoney,andsoconsequentlythelesseningitsvalue。
ThemistakeofthisplausiblewayofReasoningwillbeeasilydiscovered,whenweconsiderthatthemeasureofthevalueofMoney,inproportiontoanythingpurchasablebyit,isthequantityofthereadyMoneywehave,inComparisonwiththequantityofthatthinganditsVent;orwhichamountstothesamething,ThepriceofanyCommodityrisesorfalls,bytheproportionofthenumberofBuyersandSellers;ThisruleholdsUniversallyinallThingsthataretobeboughtandSold,bateingnowandthenanextravagantPhancyofsomeparticularPerson,whichneveramountstosoconsiderableapartofTradeastomakeanythingintheaccountworthytobethoughtanExcepriontothisRule。
TheVentofanyThingdependsuponitsNecessityorUsefulness,asConvenience,orOpinionguidedbyPhancyorfashionshalldetermine。
TheVentofanyCommoditycomestobeincreasedordecreasedasagreaterpartoftheRunningCashoftheNationisdesignedtobelaidoutbyseveralPeopleatthesametimeratherinthat,thananother,asweseeinthechangeofFashions。
IshallbeginfirstwiththeNecessariesorConvenienciesofLife,andtheConsumableCommoditiessubservientthereunto;andshew,ThattheValueofMoneyinrespectofthosedependsonlyonthePlentyorScarcityofMoneyinproportiontothePlentyandScarcityofthosethings,andnotonwhatInterestshallbyNecessity,Law,orContractbeatthattimelaidontheborrowingofMoney:andthenafterwardsIshallshewthatthesameholdsinLand。
ThereisnothingmoreconfirmedbydailyExperience,thanthatMengiveanyPortionofMoneyforwhatsoeverisabsolutelynecessary,ratherthangowithoutit。Andinsuchthings,theScarcityofthemalonemakestheirPrices。AsforExample。LetussupposehalfanOunceofSilver,orhalfaCrownnowinEngland,isworthaBushelofWheat:ButshouldtherebenextYearagreatscarcityofWheatinEngland,andaproportionablewantofallotherFood,fiveOuncesofSilverwouldperhapsinExchangepurchasebutoneBushelofWheat:SothatMoneywouldbethennineTenthslessworthinrespectofFood,thoughatthesamevalueitwasbefore,inrespectofotherThings,thatkepttheirformerproportion,intheirquantityandConsumption。
BythelikeproportionsofIncreaseandDecrease,doesthevalueofThings,moreorlessconvenient,riseandfallinrespectofMoney,onlywiththisdifference,thatthingsabsolutelynecessaryforLifemustbehadatanyRate;butThingsconvenientwillbehadonlyastheystandinpreferencewithotherConveniencies:AndthereforeinanyoneoftheseCommodities,thevaluerisesonlyasitsquantityisless,andventgreater,whichdependsuponitsbeingpreferr’dtootherThingsinitsConsumption。ForsupposingthatatthesametimethatthereisagreatscarcityofWheat,andotherGrain,therewereaconsiderablequantityofOats,MennoquestionwouldgivefarmoreforWheatthanOats,asbeingthehealthier,pleasanter,andmoreconvenientFood:ButsinceOatswouldservetosupplythatabsolutenecessityofsustainingLife,MenwouldnotrobthemselvesofallotherConvenienciesofLife,bypayingalltheirMoneyforWheat,whenOats,thatarecheaper,thoughwithsomeinconvenience,wouldsupplythatDefect。Itmaythensohappenatthesametime,thathalfanOunceofSilver,thattheYearbeforewouldbuyoneBushelofWheat,willthisYearbuybutoneTenthofaBushel:HalfanOunceofSilver,thattheYearbeforewouldhaveboughtthreeBushelsofOats,willthisyearstillbuyoneBushel:AndatthesametimehalfanOunceofSilver,thatwouldtheYearbeforehaveboughtFifteenpoundsofLead,willstillbuythesamequantity。SothatatthesametimeSilver,inrespectofWheat,isnineTenthslessworththanitwas,inrespectofOatstwoThirdslessworth,andinrespectofLead,asmuchworthasbefore。
ThefallthereforeorriseofInterest,makingimmediatelybyitschangeneithermorenorlessLand,Money,oranysortofCommodityinEngland,thantherewasbefore,altersnotatalltheValueofMoney,inreferencetoCommodities。BecausethemeasureofthatisonlytheQuantityandVent,whicharenotimmediatelychang’dbytheChangeofInterest。SofarastheChangeofInterestconducesinTradetothebringinginorcarryingoutMoneyorCommodities,andsointimetothevaryingtheirProportionshereinEnglandfromwhatitwasbefore,sofarthechangeofInterestasallotherthingsthatpromoteorhinderTrademayaltertheValueofMoneyinreferencetoCommodities。
Butthatisnotinthisplacetobeconsidered。
ThisisperfectlytheValueofMoneyinrespectofConsumableCommodities。Butthebettertounderstanditinitsfulllatitude,inrespectbothofconsumableCommodities,andLandtoo,wemustconsider,First,ThattheValueofLandconsistsinthis,ThatbyitsconstantproductionofsaleableCommoditiesitbringsinacertainyearlyIncome。Secondly,theValueofCommoditiesconsistsinthis,Thatasportableandusefulthings,theybytheirExchangeorConsumption,supplytheNecessariesorConvenienciesofLife。Thirdly,InMoneythereisadoubleValue,answeringtobothofthese,firstasitiscapablebyitsInteresttoyieldussuchayearlyIncome:andinthisithastheNatureofLand,(theIncomeofonebeingcalledRent,oftheotherUse)onlywiththisdifference,ThattheLandinitsSoilbeingdifferent,assomefertile,somebarren;andtheProductsofitveryvarious,bothintheirSorts,goodnessandvent,isnotcapableofanyfixedestimatebyitsquantity:ButMoney,beingconstantlythesame,andbyitsInterestgivingthesamesortofProductthroughthewholeCountry,iscapableofhavingafixedyearlyRatesetuponitbytheMagistrate;butLandisnot。
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