Take it away Mr. Bastiat:
The truth is that we should reverse the principle of the balance of
trade and calculate the national profit from foreign trade in terms of
the excess of imports over exports. This excess, minus expenses,
constitutes the real profit. But this theory, which is the correct one,
leads directly to the principle of free trade. I present this theory to
you, gentlemen, just as I do all the others that have been the subjects
of the preceding chapters. Exaggerate it as much as you wish; it has
nothing to fear from that test. Assume, if it amuses you, that
foreigners flood our shores with all kinds of useful goods, without
asking anything from us; even if our imports are infinite and our exports nothing, I defy you to prove to me that we should be the poorer for it.
A complete tit.
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