New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-11-11

foreigners az generally equal or superior 10
their own. The visitors that came hlther from
Furone are almost unanimous on this point
II is n matter of surprise to them, and they
already sneak of it as such in English ana
Continental publications. The Spectator alludes
to the EXPRESSION of this feeling as wide
spread in British newspapers, and ADDS that IL
takes the form of "alarm" and gloomy
Vaccinations respecting the manufacturing
future of England"
There il a marked contrast between the eX-
pressions of foreign visitors, depending on
their point of view, whether they regard
American progress with pleasure or regret
The men of science express delight OH
William Thomson, for instance, fairly over
flowed with hearty and specific compliment 10
his cOworkers in science on this SIDE OF the
Atlantic. He was "vividly impressed" during
his stay at Philadelphia, alike by the ollSl-
nalty and thoroughness of American scientific
research. The advances made here III hydro
GRANNY. in coast survey, in ingenious devices
as displayed by the Patent Office Museum, in
the science of weather predictions, in astro-
nomical apparatus, are alluded to as things that
benefit mankind. Not the least particle
of national jealousy appeared IN his au-
dress before the Glasgow meeting. oh
the other hand, Mr.. Isaac Lowthan
Bell. in a speech delivered in one OF the north
eastern counties of England, scarcely conceals
the gloom with which he regards American
progress in iron manufacture and the prospect
of the loss of our market to England lie re-
CARDS the loss as permanent. Having eAahl-
incd the American iron exhibits at Phlladel-
phia, and noted the advantages OF the United
States in the position and abundance OF ores
and fuel, he sees no hope for the competition OF
the English irOnmaSter. This admission Is
definite. though it Is curously interviewer with
an attack on the Protective system. 1t Is a
fair inference from his words that he does not
believe that n reduction of duties here would
help the matter At the same time he does not
much fear American exports OF IRON coming
into competition with England, because our
mining regions are in general too far from the
sea coast rs compared with his own island.
The present year is, indeed, certain to be
landmark in the history of American industry.
Let us rapidly review some OF It's features OF
change. few years ago we were importing
n million tons of British iron per annum that
trade is now said by Mr.. Bell, who Is very
good authority, to he annihilated." III re-
cent years Sheffield steel found its best
market in this country; now it has compare
t,ycly little sale here, and our own cutlery Is
largely exported to British colonies. The
Sheffield cutters have not only given up com
pctition from England in our market, but
have in at least two prominent instances re-
Gently transferred their workshops to our
shores. The namakers of this country are
now reported as shipping their products to En-
gland and there undcrselhng the Birmingham
nails This Centennial year first witnesses
larger value of silk goods manufactured
in this country than is imported. A few weeks
ay0 TIE TRIBUNE has given particulars OF
revolution in the paper trade; from being
among the largest importing countries as to
all varieties of paper-cycn the finest-Amenca
has succeeded in meeting all her own needs,
and has within few months begun to take
a leading position among exporting nations.
The CONSERVATION of British manufacturers at
finding American cotton goods for sale IN En-
gland i So recent that it is probably fresh IN
the minis of most readers The list of such
advances might he much extended. We have
said enough, however, to justify the belief
that the Centennial year marks an cpOch III
the progress of American industry.