Note 6 — Chapter II · SIR JOHN KIRK AT HOME.

In remarks of this character I do not wish it to be supposed that while ardently admiring all British officials who have but one single-minded purpose, viz. that of straining every effort to secure peculiar advantages for the power and commerce of their own country, I am hypocritical enough to think it immoral and unjust when the same object is held in view by the servants of foreign powers—France, Russia, Germany, and the like. From their point of view they are acting quite rightly and deserve every credit from their fellow-countrymen for their determined efforts to thwart our healthy appetite, which must seem like greediness to them. Every one for himself. Self-denial only creates selfishness.