Year: 1870

the prophet answered and said ''Thou hast
done foolish thing" Enough said





The Free Trade Agitation in England and


The progress of the present era is becoming
evident in many and various shapes and
cannot fail to have it's influence on the financial
and commercial operations ofthe many nations
OF the world. The increased facilities Of tele-
graphic and steam communication between
the most distant and remote points OF the
globe naturally cause reaction which must
yItally affect the produce and the requirements
OF each one nation individually. The question
las been the subject of much discussion
recently, in the United States, England and
France because it affects the very exis-
tence Of those countries. The London Times
openly denonnces protection, and infers that it
cannot be in any way compatible with the
times we live in. Other arguments are brought
forward by the conservative party in England
tending to combat the theory Of reciprocity.
In France the matter has been still more ear
mes ly discussed in the sessions of the Corps
L gislatif, and M. Jules Simon calls for an
Investigation of the various commercial treaties
now existing between France and other coun-
tri 3. France is a great producing country,
ar must, therefore, feel the direct result of
an combination that is prejudicial to her COM
Me zee and manufactures NJ. Simon produces
sta istlcs proving that the present commercial
condition of France is not so ruinous as some
would make it appear. 1t is true that some
branches of manufacture are suffering, espe-
chilly shipbuilding and iron founding, and
some protection could be extended to them.
Oie great point in reference to commerce and
manufactures is without doubt the cost of trans
port, and this point should therefore be brought
under immediate consideration. In France
the tariffs for the transport of merchandise
are very defective, and in many cases incon-
sistent. Moreover the railroad communication
in France is still very imperfect and far behind
that OF many other great commercial nations.
Placed as they are in respect to each other, the
question of free trade or protection between
England and France is one of great import to
both countries, and will doubtless result in
many radical changes in the commercial
treaties now in force. The same influence has
manifested itself in other parts. Austria has
sent diplomatic and commercial commission
to close conventions with the various govern
ments in the far East. Russia is making
colossal preparations in order to push her
trade in the same direction and avail herself of
the facilities offered by the opening of the
sSuez Canal. The ruler of the Celestial
Empire has also felt the influence of the
progress of the times, and for that purpose
sent an extraordinary commission to visit the
government of the United States and the chief
governments of Europe. 1t is impossible to
f0retel the results of this Simultaneous reac-
ton, but there certainly is every reason to
anticipate many great changes in the existing
relations between the nations of the world.
Owing to the geographical position of this
country and the nature and variety of its pro-
duce the question becomes one OF vital interest,
and should not be allowed to slnmber in Wash
ington. The active measures adopted towards
carrying out the great ship canal through the
Isthmus of Darien will tend still more to de-
yelop our commercial relations throughout the
universe, and naturally viii! affect this country
more than any other.