Evening journal., 1918-09-07
nnIrArN HIDES nrn rcoNoMc HAND.

vy>HAT Great Britain Is hiding her postwar economic
hand is asserted by the Hon. Jonathan Bourne lr,
president OF the Republican Publicity Association He
calls attention to the fact that the recent announcement
by Bonar Law in Parliament, that future economic
policy was being considered seriously as possible In
war time but that this problem to be solved after
the war;" Is believed by many to indicate that British
authorities oshe to expose their program at this
time for fear It Will cayeat to the United States
Since as far back June 1916 when the Paris Trade
Conference hed-the British government has been
contemplating entire change Of trade policy. and state
ments have repeatedly been given out that this change
had for It's central design return to the policy Of
lection, which, up TO the middle OF the Nineteenth Cen
tury controlled the most wonderful period OF Britan's
Industrial development.
Quite recently Lord Balfour Of Burleigh, chairman
of the committee which undertook to consider and
recommend future commercial policies OF Great Britain
presented exhaustive report the subject in which
the protective principle emphasized and most favor
ably commented upon.
During July. Mr.. Bourne says the Imperial War Con-
ference and the Imperial War Cabinet held number OF
important sessions in London attended by large num-
Der Of Representatives Of British domlnions, including
Sir William Hughes Prime Minister Of Australia; General
SHUTS, of British South Africa premiers Of number
of the Canadian States and other Representatives Of
Englands possessions These representatives very
favOraby disposed TO the adoption and strong develop
ment Of close imperial cooperation In matters OF
economic policy the future control OF materials,
etc Sir William Hughes often quoted at length in
the London press giving expression 10 pronounced
protective tariff views. 10 is confidently predicted that
the reign of the Cobdenlte free traders ended and
protectionlst gospel preached by Joseph Chamberlain
at last falling heedful ears'
"n January OF this year." Mr. Bourne asserts "Presi-
dent Wilson gave expression to Congress Of his desire
the removal Of all barriers effected his
record in public office and on the platform puts him
Jot.v, gl,fe
supported by the free trade South and certain big i'm
porting interests OF the North and West. In this view
OF the situation and following after Mr. Wilson's
speech OF January the British authorities doubtless be-
eye Il would be most impoc in the heat OF the war
to announce change OF policy which would run counter
to Mr. Wilson's third condition of January s. mpotic
FIRST because It might meet with the Presidents dissent
at time when the preservation OF entente cordae
Indispensable and second because any marked agitation
in the American papers cenering attention on the
fact that Britain going back to protection might
bring such pressure TO bear Mr. Wilson from proec-
zionist forces in this country 10 induce the usual
change Of mind night and return to sys-
tenn OF protection. In such instance he could fall
back on his statements historian OF the period inn
mediaiey following the War OF 1912. ntimating that
similar conditions TO follow this would license his
change Of front today Or on the other hand, if Mr.
Wilson st remained obdurate the chances Of his de-
feat in 1920 would be improved the Republican party
would come into power, and the return Of the United
States to the protective basis would be assured"
For these reasons, so cogenty set forth by Mr.
Bourne it is believed that the British authorities viii
keep what they propose to do with respect TO
tariffs and the control OF Materials for some time
to The last thing on earth England would wish
TO is the return OF the United states TO the policy
Of protection because she, well the of Europe
has high hopes OF liqudang a large portion Of war
debts by sales of manufactured goods in the American
market