Meaning: The quote you have provided is a statement made by Joseph Hume, a Scottish doctor, and radical Liberal politician who was a prominent figure in the British Parliament in the 19th century. This quote reflects his strong opposition to the existing corn laws in the United Kingdom during his time.

In the early 19th century, the Corn Laws were a series of protectionist measures that restricted the import of grain into the UK, aiming to protect domestic agriculture and ensure food security. These laws were highly controversial and were a subject of intense debate and political struggle during the period. Joseph Hume was a vocal critic of these laws, and his quote captures his belief that the existing corn laws were detrimental to the interests of the broader population, favoring the landed elite at the expense of other social classes and economic interests.

Hume's assertion that the corn laws gave a monopoly of food to the landed interest over every other class and interest in the kingdom encapsulates the central argument against the protectionist policies. He argued that the laws artificially inflated the price of grain by limiting competition from cheaper imported sources, thus benefiting the wealthy landowners who controlled agricultural production. This, in turn, had a negative impact on the working and middle classes who had to pay higher prices for essential food items. Hume's position aligned with the views of many economists and social reformers of his time who saw the Corn Laws as a barrier to free trade and a cause of economic hardship for the less privileged.

The Corn Laws were a highly contentious issue in British politics, and the debate surrounding them encompassed broader questions about economic policy, social justice, and the balance of power in society. For Hume and others who shared his perspective, the laws symbolized the unjust privileging of the landed aristocracy and the agricultural elite at the expense of the broader population. Their opposition to the Corn Laws was part of a wider movement for economic and political reform that sought to dismantle entrenched privileges and create a more equitable society.

Hume's quote also reflects the tensions and conflicts that characterized the political landscape of the time. The struggle over the Corn Laws pitted different interest groups against each other, with agricultural landowners and their supporters defending the protectionist measures as essential for maintaining the agricultural sector, while industrialists, workers, and advocates of free trade campaigned for their repeal. The debate over the Corn Laws intersected with larger questions about the distribution of wealth and power in society, making it a focal point for broader social and political movements.

Ultimately, the opposition to the Corn Laws, including that expressed by Joseph Hume, contributed to their eventual repeal in 1846. The repeal marked a significant victory for advocates of free trade and a milestone in the evolution of British economic policy. It also underscored the enduring significance of the issues raised by Hume and others in their critique of the laws, highlighting the ongoing relevance of their arguments about economic fairness and the equitable distribution of resources.

In conclusion, Joseph Hume's quote encapsulates his strong opposition to the Corn Laws and his belief that these protectionist measures were detrimental to the interests of the broader population. His critique reflects the broader social and political tensions of the time and the larger struggle for economic and political reform. Hume's position and the eventual repeal of the Corn Laws highlight the enduring relevance of debates about economic fairness and the distribution of resources in society.