Do justice first, and then let charity follow in its wake.

Richard Cobden, translated by Frédéric Bastiat
Complete Works, Volume 3, pages 409 to 419
Covent Garden, December 11th, 1844

On pages 403 to 409, Frédéric Bastiat refers to two meetings having taken place in Northampton and Walsall from which I do not extract any quote, the object being to enligthen about the electoral strategy of the League after the vote on June 28th.

Two themes appear in this speech by Richard Cobden (original is linked thanks to David Hart) on December 11th, viz. the “charitable” approach of the opponents to the League and the implementation of a trade agreement with China by Henry Pottinger “imposing” free imports of corn and food products as well as the absence of protective tariffs. The monopolists supporting Henry Pottinger because it suits them as potential exporters are exposed in their contradictions when he says: “How inconsequent is it indeed to refuse the same benefits to their fellow citizens and brothers”.

Today’s quote pertains to the issue of charity offered by the aristocracy in order to buy the support of the people. Even nowadays we can observe governments bribing through subsidies those who suffer from a legislation and regulation that prevent them to enrich themselves. While Lord Ashley attempts to seduce the people by legislating a reduction in working hours, Richard Cobden criticizes him for refusing them the most basic rights by increasing the price of corn. What he exposes here is the institutionalisation of injustice while, at the same time, attempting to restore good reputation by corrupting those who are plundered. Yes to charity but not as a subsitute for injustice.