Waterways and Water Transport in Different Countries by J. Stephen Jeans

8. The above advantages, whilst affording unbounded

relief to commerce and the public, would result in increased employment for the labouring classes, and add to the wealth of the nation by creating a revival and permanent expansion of trade—thus relieving our present burdens without imposing new ones.” The same writer thus expresses the disadvantages and difficulties in the way of State management of canals:—