Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-03-30
IS
COM|NGT0 A
PROTECTIVE
TARIFF RULE
ASSOCIATED Press Correspondence

/ ASSOCIATED Press Correspondence
London, March 25.-Two members of
the Government, Mr.. Mckenna, Chan
cellor of the EXchequer, who directs
fiscal policy and frames tariff legisla-
ton and Mr.. Bonar Law, Minister of
Colonies, have given an idea of the
Government attitude on the agitation
which has been sweeping Manchester,
Birmingham and the great industrial
centers, FOR a complete overturning of
British policy giving free open markets
for foreign goods, and the Inauguration
of new policy of tariff restriction.
\ The two ministers represent the two
extremes of sentiment within the Gov
eminent on this fundamental question
of British policy. the Chancellor of the
Exchequer belonging to the Golden ele-
ment strongly attached to the tradi-
tional doctrine of open markets, and
Bonar Law representing the later ele-
ment which took up Joseph Chamber
lain's campaign for protection of home
industries. Each has made an address
recently, showing how both sides of
the Government approach the same
conclusion that the war has changed
every lIllHS ana HIS pl'elltu llic way
| for new economic policy. The two
ministers differ. however, in one re-
spect. Mr.. Bonar Law holding that in
the change to tariff basis I'VE must
begin on a new basis and put aside. all
preconceived IDEAS" while MIR. Mcken-
ma maintains that proposed tariff
changes will be the result of common
agreement and enlightment from the
war, rather than a surrender of old
ideas.
\ 81 believe" said Mr.. Mckenna, that
upon the great issue which once divid-
ed the. nation free trade) probably the
opinions of most of us remain I'M
changed But it does not follow, be-
cause upon that great issue we stand
where we stood before-basing our
opinions, each according to his own
lights. on theoretical principles-that
there is not very large field for COM
mon agreement between us. 1t does
not follow, though trade may be free
that the help of the Government should
not be given to assist our traders. We
are prepared, and we have already
shown in a way which I am not yet
able to state we are prepared to give
the assistance of the Government to
the development of foreign trade in
order to ensure that those rivals who
are now our bitter enemies shall not
have the control of foreign trade which
they have enjoyed in the past.
Il do not fear that the spirit and re-
sources of our manufacturers and mer-
chants and bankers will fail us. In the
past there has been complaint that the
Government "a oil ho
ance in distant parts of the world
which was rendered by other Govern
ments. in similar circumstances. 1t
may be that the policy which is
right at one time is not right
at another And it may be that
we have to learn that the policy of
I, Government assistance becomes neces-
sary to procure the development of
what you might call the master trades
and to secure the extension of our com
4 mercial influence through neutral coun-
tries. | hope that wisdom may come to
us all and that in true spirit of
give and take we may get to a COM
plete understanding"
| Mr.. Bonar Law was more specific on
putting aside old ideas and beginning
new policy. He said
| Il am under suspicion on one point
OF view tprotection), and the Chancel-
Tor of the EXchequer is under suspic-
ION on the other point Of view free
trade. But | am sure all will agree
that now everything has changed. and
that we must begin on a new basis and
put aside all preconceived ideas
\ i remember reading a book bv q
German economist. in which this pas
! sage occurred: Where would be the
German sugar industry, the textile, the
IRON industry. now created throughout
the German Empire, without the rich
English market always ready to re-
ceive our goods? On the back of free
| trade England we have tried to CRASH
the trade of the world
THAT was before the war. and now
we recognize the truth of it. One
thing is sure. whatever else happens
the resources Of the British Empire will
never be exploited as they have been
in the past"
| With these two responsible Minis
tiers. representing. the two shades OF
! view in the Government, agreeing that
change is in prospect. and differing
only as to whether this change sacri.
fees old ideals, there seems little doubt
that the change itself will take form
as Government measure radically
| departing from the old doctrine of free
open markets. The extent of the
change, as affecting the United States
and other neutrals. is not yet indi
| Gated. but the Morning Post gives it's
view Of what the change should be:
I'VE favor scientific tariff con-
structed in close consultation with the