Pe Spectator
February 13, 1830
WE cannot perceive much consistency in the man who opposes general reform, and yet prates about the necessity of representing the productive classes. Are the productive classes confined to Birmingham and large towns? Mr. HUSKISSON, in truth, advocates the rights, not of the productive classes, but pf capitalists engaged in production. Arc representatives to be given to all those who have 'a stake in the country?' Well, every man who must labour for food has a stake in the country which supplies it; he has an interest in procuring that food as cheaply as possible, and in hand- ing over to the tax-gatherer as small a portion as possible of his wages. The productive classes have a right to be represented, but the poorest consumer has quite as strong a right as the greatest capitalist.
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