Just at present, the French Government is not inclined to
accept M. de Breteuil's advice—at least, as regards Italy—and the two Governments have engaged in a war of tariffs. The French Chamber has passed a Bill placing a duty of 50 per cent. upon raw silk from Italy, the effect of which will be, it is said, to close half the mills in Lyons, while it will hardly hurt the Italian silk-growers, who can accumulate their stocks,
which are never equal to the demand. On the other hand, the Italian Government has taxed French iron 20 per cent., French machines 30 per cent., and French copper 50 per cent., and has greatly raised the duties upon every other article imported. Both countries are simply taxing their own subjects ex- orbitantly ; but it is said both have a secret object in view. France desires, by raising duties on Italian articles, to deprive Germany of her present power of exporting goods, under " the most-favoured-nation clause," at Italian rates of duty ; while Italy is anxious to protect her ally. M. Crispi had much better have responded by taking all duties off French articles except alcohol, and so enriching all his own people except those who export to France. Nothing, however, will teach the nations the elementary truth that to pay more than you need for anything is to throw away money.
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