A. PREFERENTIAL FABLE.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—The proposed preferential tariff for Colonial produce reminds me of a boyish speculation and agreement entered into with my mother, and its results. Briefly, this was the purchase of some chickens, the food for which was supplied by my mother, to whom I sold their eggs. This was ex- ceedingly profitable for me ; and although my brothers and sisters were advised to go and do likewise, their jealousy and intrigues very soon threatened disruption in the family. Protests became stronger as the price was increased, and although my dear mother was delighted to see me earning my pocket-money, she also protested, and finally, in self- defence, purchased elsewhere. The dear old Motherland who
protects the Colonies at her own expense, and who has five times as many poor per thousand, but is delighted to see her far-off children prosperous, is now asked to purchase Canada's wheat and Australia's wool practically at their own price, it being urged that by so doing it will keep the family together. But, without arguing the point, I would ask,—May not jealousy in the family, added to the necessary restrictions and probable protests, tend to disruption instead P—I am, Sir, &c.,
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