CHAPTER XIX.
NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE.
Among the arguments which are considered of weight in favor of the restriction system, we must not forget that drawn from national independence.
"What shall we do in case of war," say they, "if we have placed ourselves at the mercy of Great Britain for iron and coal ?" English monopolists did not fail on their side to exclaim, when the corn-laws were repealed, "What will become of Great Britain in time of war if she depends on the United States for food ?" One thing they fail to observe: it is that this sort of dependence, which results from exchange, from commercial operations, is a _reciprocal_ dependence.

We cannot depend on the foreigner unless the foreigner depends on us.

This is the very essence of _society_.

We do not place ourselves in a state of independence by breaking natural relations, but in a state of isolation.
Remark also: we isolate ourselves in the anticipation of war; but the very act of isolation is the commencement of war.

It renders it more easy, less burdensome, therefore less unpopular.