"Int ippettator," jattuarp 26th, 1850
Mr. Cobden has paid a visit to his Yorkshire constituents in Sheffield, and addressed them at an evening meeting, and also at a public breakfast, on current political topics. . . . The experience of the last two years [he said] has convinced all working men—in the North of England at least—that low- priced food means fuller employment and better wages. How can the Protectionists persuade themselves that they are to go back to the little loaf at dear prices? "There is a gentleman in the room here, wh6 showed me just before I came in a curiosity in the anteroom. He has brought with him a penny loaf which was made in 1801. (Laughter, and cries of "Show it ! ") [The loaf was handed to Mr. Cobden by Mr. Binks of Wentworth, along with a penny loaf of the present day, which was about four times the size of the former.] Now, this is a loaf made in January 1801. The weight is 2+ ounces; and the quartem loaf of 3+ pounds sold at the time for Is. 101c1. The Free-trade penny loaf- which was bought today weighs 8+ ounces; and the quartem loaf of 3+ pounds is now sold at 5d. It's 5d. against is. 100."
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