IfiE QUESTION OF PRICES.
SOME of the German fabricants object to send articles to the Great Industrial Exhibition unless with the prices affixed; considering that from the lower wages paid in Germany they will have an advantage in the less cost of production. But this would certainly be to admit a new element ; the competitive points settled in manufactured products being the relative quality of the raw materials used, with the taste, skill, and perfection of the mechanical workmanship. Market or selling price does not depend on these inherent claims; it is only a nominal or conventional expression, that may be influenced by extrinsic circumstances—the prices of provisions, local usages of trade, and fluctuating relations between the supply and demand for labour. Notwithstanding this distinction' it would perhaps be advisable in the Royal Commission to yield the desired concession; leaving it, however, optional in exh.ibiters generally, to affix or not the prices of their articles : and to the natives of Germalay it might operate as some set-off to them for the many drawbacks under which they suffer from the perpetuation of guilds rand other restrictive interferences in the exercise of traffic and intlfistry in that somewhat oldfashioned country. A leadingcleature of the Exhibition is a clear stage and no favour; a free conference of nations, not only for the comparative juxtaposition of material products, but an unreserved interchange of sentiments on the arts, science, and appliances pertaining to their skilled elaboration. For the more perfect consummation of these issues, it is obviously essential that the display should be as varied and complete as possible ; and with this aim, every facility ought to be afforded to the exhibiters of every state, and no concession refused that does not compromise the main design. In this view, outweighing reasons may probably be urged in favour of allowing the Germans to affix their prices, though at first sight it may appear extraneous to artistic merits, and savour more of mere business. In the first place, it would obviate an objection, which it has been ascertained is indulged in by a portion of the German manufacturers ; and thereby, to that extent, give wider scope to the exhibition. Next, a general labelling of prices would of itself be a matter of great popular interest, as well as a source of valuable statistical information, from the comparative light it would throw on the relation of wages and prices in the different competing countries : and the opportunity afforded by the Exhibition for the purpose, being both a favourable and unprecedented one, assuredly, it qught not to be suffered to pass unimproved. Thirdly, no jealousies or detriment either to British or Foreign interests could possibly arise from the exposition of prices; since it would be conclusive of nothing—neither of intrinsic value,. nor superiority, nor even of cheapness that depending wholly on the quantity and quality of the material used with the labour and skill expended. Lastly, it should be borne in mind that England. is the challenging nation ; that she opens the lists to all comers for a passage of skill at the great industrial tournament. In a fair spirit of chivalry, she is bound to abstain from whatever has the least semblance of churlishness, and concede whatever is just, or even generous, to the stranger visiter who may honour her with his presence or contribution.
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