The proceedings on this contract demonstrated the futility of all the principles on which the monopoly was founded.
Edmund Burke: “The proceedings on this contract demonstrated the futility of all the principles on which the monopoly was founded.”
Editor's note · Context
This observation highlights the shortcomings of the principles supporting the opium monopoly.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
This idea of a liberal descent inspires us with a sense of habitual native dignity, which prevents that upstart insolence almost inevitably adhering to and disgracing those who are the first acquirers of any distinction.
A few years ago I should be ashamed to overload a matter so capable of supporting itself by the then unnecessary support of any argument; but this seditious, unconstitutional doctrine is now publicly taught, avowed, and printed.
But supposing they had ranked as they ought to do, and as with us they do actually, the sides of sick-beds are not the academies for forming statesmen and legislators.
Those who are servants in name, as well as in effect, do not like to be told of their situation, their duty, and their obligations.





