30 AUGUST 1924, Page 2

Protectionists in the Labour ranks are'growing in numbers. That is

not to be wondered at. Labour Parties all over- the world, except in Great Britain, are Protectionists. The step from protecting one's labour to protecting the results of one's labour is a short_ and' seemingly, logical one If the Free Trade versus Protee•-• tion issue should be raised again,-it might be under quite new conditions—we mean under conditions which with have prejudiced Free Trade in advance. Free Trade as a doctrine is, in our judgment, unassailable, but we, can, alas ! only too easily_ imagine circumstances in. which- Free Trade cannot be saved.

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