The American Invaders. By F. A. McKenzie. (Grant Richards. 2s.
6d. net.)—" I have counted it no business of mine," writes Mr. McKenzie in his preface, "to depreciate British manufacturers in the States or to gloss over their successes." The general conclu- sion at which he arrives is that we have been asleep and must wake up. In some directions the look-out is alarming. "I have come fresh from the plants of both lands," said an observer who had been sent by his Government to examine the state of things. "The British plants and equipment are like toys compared with the American." In Canada last year, we learn from another source, the imports of iron and steel, material and manufactures, were about twenty-six millions and a half (dollars), of which seven-eighths came from the United States and one-eighth from this country. The "Genesis of the Tobacco War" is an interest- ing chapter. "This raid," says Mr. McKenzie, "has come upon us, not because of the supineness of British manufacturers, but because of their activity." The fight has, so far, been undecided. "In America the Imperial Tobacco Company is carrying the war into the enemies' country." Meanwhile some people are certainly profiting. At one end of the scale is the Press, one paper receiving 4400 for a single advertisement ; at the other the consumer, who can get for threepence the cigarettes which not long ago cost him fivepence.
Previous page
