The Apparent Ruine of the GLASS-MAKERS in England, and loss of the said Manufacture, by reason of the Duties laid thereon, most Humbly laid before this Honourable House, in Hopes to prevent the same.
1st, THE said Manufacture not being capable to bear a Duty, (especially of 20 per Cent.) inasmuch as Glass, before the said Duty, was Sold for much less then 20 per Cent. Profit.
2dly, And that notwithstanding the said Duty, the Prices of Glass are not Advanced, but the contrary, being now Sold Cheaper then before, and that not for the reason, which Persons Interested in Collecting the said Duties, give out in Speeches for their own Interest, and to continue their Sallary. But for that the Maker endeavouring to sell Glass at such Price, whereby to repay him the Duty already paid his Majesty, hath so lessened the Consumption, that he is forced to sell at any Rate to pay Workmen; and rather than to let his Glass lye longer to grow more out of Fashion, thereby to loose more by it.
3dly, For this Reason the Maker cannot put himself forward to make any quantity of Glass, in as much as the Duty is payable for all Glass, as soon as the same is made, by which the Maker pays as if the same were free from any Hazard or Danger, but sure to be sold at the Price, according as the Duty is paid for, when the same is Whole and in Fashion; Whereas 'tis quite contrary, for Glass will unavoidable fly considerable in lying, break in packing in and out; and by lying grow out of Fashion, insomuch, that the Maker would be glad to sell the same for less then it Cost, besides the Duty thereof.
4thly, The Trade of Glass-making is not like other Trades, who can have what Workmen they will, and when they will; for Glass-makers being bread up always to the Fire, cannot turn themselves to other things; so that if they cannot be Imployed in their own Trade in England, must be forced into Foreign Parts, which have always been ready to entertain any Art from us, and very careful to keep any from us. And to shew how sensible they are of our Workmens necessity to leave their own Countries, have in Holland, Ireland, Scotland, &c. Erected Glass-works for their Reception; and by late Advice from Ireland it appears, they have laid a great Duty upon all Glass Imported.
All which being Considered, with the many Reasons already Presented to this Honourable House, 'tis Humbly Hoped will find Relief; that a Manufacture so greatly improved in this Nation, may not be lost; and the Improvers thereof (willing to continue in their Native Countrey) forced to fly the same, greatly doubting as Fugatives, to have such great Care taken of them, as Fugatives have here in England.
And Lastly, 'Tis Humbly Hoped, this Honourable House will not suffer so Improved a Manufacture to be lost, and the Improvers thereof Ruined, when the Duty, the occasion thereof, brings so very little to the Crown, as in several Printed Papers has been laid before this Honourable House, and plainly to be made appear.