MR. GLADSTONE AND FREE-TRADE. [To THZ EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sia,—The Spectator of August 18th, in an editorial reply to a letter from Mr. Dunn, puts forward the name of Mr. Gladstone as that of a typical Free-trader. Then, I would ask, what is the fundamental principle of Free-trade, and what is the essential difference between Free-trade and Fair-trade P Fair-trade, I apprehend, undertakes to improve upon competi- tion prices by corrective legislation, a proceeding directly and completely opposed to freedom applied to trade.
Now, in 1881 Mr. Gladstone was the author of a notable Act of Parliament—the Irish Land Act—the avowed purpose of which was fixing price by law. Was that, I would ask, Free-trade, or Fair-trade ? The very term "Fair Rent" appears to answer the question. Many, no doubt, regard Free-trade as simply applying to foreign commerce, as, in fact, synonymous with untaxed imports. Nothing of the kind ; the Spectator will certainly not advisedly uphold such a limi- tation of this fertilising and progress-favouring principle. But if the great principle of freedom be, applicable to internal industry, the author of the Act of 1881 cannot be regarded as a typical Free-trader. Refraining from digression on the Irish Land Act, and hoping that courtesy and regard for sound principle will induce you, Sir, to give space to this venturesome criticism on an obiter dictum of the Spectator, I am, Sir, Ste., Horeham Road, Sussex, August 20th. CHETWYND.
[Fair Rents in Ireland were always admitted to be an excep- tion to the Free-trade doctrine. The only defence for the interference of the State with rents in Ireland which any Free- trader would admit, was that the Irish tenant-farmers as a class had shown themselves utterly wanting in the independence necessary for making their own bargains. Is anything of the kind even alleged in the case of foreign commerce ; and if it were, where is the tribunal to which the matter could be referred ? Certainly not the Government of one of the bargaining peoples.—En. Srectator.]
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