FREE-TRADE

is the fetish of the modem quibbler with words. No trade can be free as long as the hours and the incidence of labour are restricted, as they are in the United Kingdom, not to mention the restrictions on British goods entering foreign markets. Therefore, to talk as if we enjoyed Free-Trade is simply stupid. On the other hand, we have more or le Free Imports, which is a very different thing and the progre made since they were first instituted; in 1846, encourages the belief that such a system is beneficial. Real Free-Trade embodies a scientific principle about which there can be no question—that every place and person ought to produce that for which they are naturally suited, and that no attempt ought to be made to foster an unnatural product or industry. That is to say. Division of Labour is a solid and scientific principle. It remains to be seen how far one-sided * Free-Trade,’ i.e. Free Import am tion of goods and labourers, is really beneficial the long run but it is quite certain that taxes will never again be; allowed on the importation of real nece aries like bread and meat.