text:  per cent--for the purpose of not only supplying the deficiency in the revenue but of enabling us with confidence and satisfaction to propose great commercial reforms which will afford a hope of reviving commerce and such an improvement in the manufacturing interests as will re-act on every other interest in the country; and by diminishing the prices of the articles of consumption and the cost of living will in a pecuniary point of view compensate you for your present sacrifices; whilst you will be at the same time relieved from the contemplation of a great public evil