,The Passing of the Tariff. By Raymond L. Bridgman. (T.
Fisher Unwin. 3s. Gd. net.)—This is a powerful exposition of the working of Protection in the United States. Any one who may be tempted on this side of the Atlantic by Tariff Reform promises—the politicians who advocate it are profuse in promises—should see how the system actually works. Here is something worth especial note :—" The im- mediate effect of the increase [or imposition] of duty would be to ,give to a community a temporary prosperity. Protected interests would feel the stimulus of the removal of competition, and apparent prosperity would prevail. People would bo deceived, and would suppose that general improvement of business had 'begun ; but • if the condition of the whole com- munity could be learned the prosperity would be found to be an illusion." The consumer really exists, whatever the Morning Post may say, and his welfare is the ultimately important thing. How many people are thinking now how to economise in the things which the new Budget will make dearer ?
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