[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.'
Sirt,—The Protectionists in the Press and on the platforms are shifting their ground. Preferential tariffs, with their
accompanying Corn-tax, are no longer given first place. The hardiest supporter of Mr. Chamberlain's proposals when brought face to face with the views of the electorate shrinks from the battle, and now seeks to give effect to his Protec- tionist sentiments by calling to his aid the pathetic figures of the pauper-magnates of the iron and steel industries. We may not like, even though we " do not live by bread alone," to have our bread taxed, but can we be so hard-hearted as to refuse outdoor relief in the shape of import-duties on steel rails and billets to the iron and steel manu- facturers ? Surely not. Many of us have accepted the glowing reports contained in the prospectuses issued by the trade, and have invested our money in it without inquiry ; it follows that when we are assured, not in prospectuses but by the same honourable men, that ruin is impending, we ought to accept the revised version also without inquiry. That being so, can we stop there ? The allied trades, from shipbuilding to umbrella-making, must also receive first-aid for the injured, and that no consumer may suffer, assistance must also be given to railway shareholders, dock labourers, Judges, coopers, schoolmasters, butchers, et haec genera amnia. This might take the form of old-age pensions, old age being defined to commence at the date on which the import-duties come into force. Then, each in our own station, we shall all be protected, and by giving and receiving mutual assistance shall have ushered in the millennium. Yee ; this is the battle-ground on which victory is assured. Let no one, even in Sheffield, mention the Bread-tax. The desired end can be obtained by preaching universal Protection.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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