ALTERNATIVES TO MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S POLICY.
[To THE EDITOR OF TEE "SPECTATOR."] SLR,—In the Spectator of October 24th Mr. Chamberlain is reported to have said that no alternative to Protection has been suggested by his opponents. There are only too many voters who are ready to echo his words, partly because Mr. Chamber- lain is supposed to know,. partly because it is easier to repeat
cry than to think for oneself, partly because there are many who for some reason or another have felt a pinch in business, and are ready to try anything that is suggested on the chance of improvement, forgetful that it is neither economy nor morals to rob Peter to pay Paul. Will you not give us a concise list of possible alternatives so that he who runs may read ? I append a few suggestions, though I am sure you can largely add to them :-
(1) To bind together the Mother-country and Colonies:— (a) Cheap post and telegraphs. (b) Cheap and easily ob- tained money orders, (c) Cheap book and newspaper post. (d) Cheap parcel and sample post.
(2) To increase the sale of goods in foreign countries :— (a) Decimal weights, measures, and coinage, corresponding to that in use in other lands. (b) Catalogues printed in the language of the countries to which they are sent. (c) Travellers and clerks fluent in foreign languages.
(3) To increase and improve manufactures :—(A) On the part of the State : (a) Simplifying the patent laws. (b) Encouraging research. (B) On the part of manufacturers : (a) Making use of scientific knowledge and research and paying for it.
. (b) Rewarding and encouraging improvements and in- ventions by the workmen.
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