But what was more serious than the loss in our export trade to America was that which arose from the Cotton Crisis as it was termed.

How long was the Cotton Crisis to endure; was a singular question to come from a Member of the Government upon whom the continuance of the crisis depended.

The suffering of Ireland has arisen from no overtrading, but is due to causes quite as much beyond the control of those who have to endure it as the Cotton Crisis in Lancashire.

Another suggestion had been made by the hon. Member for Stockport, which had been often discussed both in that House and out of it—namely, that at the commencement of the Cotton Crisis the Government should have caused notice to be given in the various cotton-growing districts that they would receive any quantity of cotton from the ryots, and guarantee a price of 3d.

and did not the nation work together, high and low, north and south, east and west, to tide the factory operatives over the Cotton Crisis, as if, instead of the hard strata of unsympathizing castes, as hon. Gentlemen opposite sometimes are pleased to represent us, we were members of one family, with a common object and common interests?