[To THE Eorroit OF TEE "SPECTATOR."] SIR, —In reading the criticisms
of various people and papers I have not noticed any remarks on the probable effects of Protection on our system of government. At the present time, I think we can flatter ourselves that, although not perfect, the purity and disinterestedness of our Government, whichever party may be in power, taken as a whole, are before those of any foreign Government. What would be the effect of Protection on it ? In my opinion, most deplorable. Look at those countries where Protection is in operation. Every industry wants its own particular trade protected from com- petition by an impregnable tariff wall, and its leaders will go to almost any length in the way of bribery and influence to secure their own ends. Governments will find it difficult to retain power unless they are willing to become the tools of trade interests. In fact, the government of the Empire will be indirectly conducted by the "bosses" of trade in their own interests, and the social and moral well-being of the Empire will take quite a secondary place. It is to be hoped that all who can will use their influence to prevent such a state of affairs being brought about, and that ours may continue to be a pattern of good government to the world. An article on this phase of the question would, no doubt, open the eyes of many who are inclined to favour Protection.—I am, Sir, &c.,
FREE-TRADE.
[We are entirely at one with our correspondent, and have several times pointed out in these columns the very great danger of giving men the fierce interest in government and legislation which must ensue when we begin to try to make men, or rather some men, rich by Act of Parliament. When three words added to a subsection in a Tariff Bill will make the difference between wealth and poverty to a group of individuals, can we wonder if they are inclined to forget all other interests, and to use any and every means to get those three words added P—ED. Spectator.]
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