markets for our productions, if we allowed a full
and free exchange of our commodities for the
corn, and sugar, and coffee of other countries, this
would be the practical means of raising the prac-
tical value of our products, and consequently of
raising the value of the labor which produced
them; so that, indeed, ten hours' labor might be
as good or better than twelve hours' now for the
pocket of the laborer, and produce as much profit
to the employer."

Thus it clearly appears Mr. Cobden was not
against ten hours' labor in itself, or, indeed, any
prudent and possible reduction of the hours of la-
bor. In fact, this very condition, which he pre-
dicted in 1844, in these last sentences, as render-
ing a reduction of labor possible and advisable,
had come about--through him more than all oth-
er men put together--some years ere he died.
And many facts around us to-day, both in the la-
bor market and the food market, prove to us that
both his wishes were fulfilled, namely, the attain-
ment of the end which he approved and desired,
and the adoption of the proper method of seek-
ing after it.

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