BELGIAN RAILS FOR ENGLISH TRAMWAYS. Ito THB EDITOR OP TRH
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Sra,—I have read a good deal lately about the manufacture in Belgium of rails for English tramways. Mr. Chamberlain would no doubt like to put a duty on these foreign tram-rails, thinking thereby to help the home manufacturer. But if the Belgians can make these things better than we can, by reason of any natural advantages which they may possess, it is surely better that they should do so, and that we should employ our energy and capital in some industry in which we are more fitted to succeed. But suppose the Belgians have obtained this trade, not through any natural advantages, but through the greater intelligence and industry of the masters and men employed in the trade, and through the use of better machinery and methods than are generally in use here. In such a case, what would be the effect of a duty ? First in respect of the Belgians. By taxing their rails we should at once stimulate their manufacturers to still greater activity, industry, and efficiency. On our own manufac- turers the effect would be just the opposite. They would
o on with the old machinery in the old way, and when at last the increased efficiency of the foreigner made competition felt once more, they would simply demand an increased duty. Protection is for many people the alterna- tive of reform. But I may be asked how I account for the efficiency that is to be found in the management of many foreign protected industries ? The true answer, I believe, is that that efficiency has been forced upon them by British competition, and in spite of their protection. At the same time, the ease with which Britain has hitherto sustained this competition has allowed her to become to some extent less efficient than she should be. The effect of Free-trade in the future will be to weed out those unhealthy industries which are, after all, only a drain on the resources of the nation, and to promote efficiency and economy in those in which we are best fitted to succeed. I should like to say one thing more. As a nation, I think we admire and trust energetic people. At present all the energy seems to be on Mr. Chamberlain's side, but I hope Free-traders will wake up and let the country Bee that they are not the worn-out, effete sort of people they are said to be.—I am, Sir, &c., H. M. WOODWARD. Welford-on-Avon.
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