text:  It would be well if the same rule were always applied when mightier interests than those of individuals are at stake! It is just eighteen years ago since a ministry feeble in practice but strong in speculative theory ventured to put forth its hand against the monetary system of Scotland under shelter of which the country had improved and thriven to a degree of prosperity never experienced to the north of the Tweed before and at a ratio which far exceeded that of any other nation in Europe