The reduction of the duties on the import of coal
and iron into France has been hailed with great satisfaction, partly on account of the benefit which will be conferred on two important branches of our own commerce, but still more on account of the sign that sound commercial principles are beginning to take root in France. The reduction is considerable : on pig iron it is about one third, on bars it is more; on sheet iron, it was prohibitory, and is now moderate ; and rails are placed on an equality with bars. The im- mediate object of .the reduction is to remove a serious impediment to the construction of railways, to which it will supply material and fire-power; so that even the working iron trades in France will participate. Our own ironmasters and coalowners are well pleased ; and the benefit will reach considerable numbers of the working classes. It may be hoped that the improvement of the French tariff will not stop here.
