29 AUGUST 1908, Page 2

M. Yvesi Gigot contributes to the mirrent nuMber of the

Journal des Bconomiates an ietereeting summary of the

proceedings of the International Free-Trade Congress. M. Yves (uyot, at becomes a sound Free-trader, has not failed to expose the unsoundness of Mr. Asquith's position, or to contrast the tendency of his legislation with the principles he professes to support. "There is a contradiction," he writes, "between the home policy of the Liberal Minister and the Free-trade policy which gave rise to the majority which be represents, and therein lies the danger." And again: "If England reverts to a Protectionist system, the responsi- bility will rest on a Ministry which, created by a Free-trade majority, has adopted a Socialist policy instead of carrying out the programme thanks to which it is now in power, as well as on the French Protectionists of the Customs Commission."