THE EXPLOITATION OF EMPIRE.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.")
Sur,—Will you allow me to point out that there is no controversy whatever upon the cardinal facts of the "differential duty " onpalm-kernels? It is not denied that the object is to render British manufacturers secure from Continental competition, nor is it denied that the legislation has been imposed from London upon the Dependencies, and that it has been forced upon the Gold Coast in particular, against a united unofficial opposition, by official instructions from London.
The only controversy is upon what is really a secondary issue—namely, whether the " risk " to be taken will or will not injure the native inhabitants. But here again it is not denied that " by existing enactments we are depriving the native growers and traders of the right to get the best price they can for their products" (the Spectator). Moreover, even the majority of the Committee recommending the measure admitted there was a " risk " of disabilities falling on the natives; but, in view of the objects aimed at (monopoly manufacture) that " risk " was worth taking.
But, Sir, a new danger has now arisen, which might have been foreseen. Great Britain needs enormous quantities of kindred oil-seeds—cotton seeds—but by the 1815 Treaty America cannot impose on us the " differential " and prohibitive duty on the export of cotton seed which we have just imposed on the United States with regard to the palm-kernels she has been shipping from West Africa. Is it to.be supposed America will quietly acquiesce? Again, Mr. Harmsworth has just told the House of Commons that by the Berlin Act France, Belgium, and Portugal are forbidden to adopt in the Congo Basin the policy which we have just applied to our Dependencies in West Africa. It will be rather interesting to hear what Lord Curzon proposes to say to France, Portugal, and Pelgium if and when these Powers ask for a reconsideration
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of the commercial clauses of the Berlin Act. It is to be hoped that when noble Lords discuss this question, as I understand it is proposed, on the 17th inst., this international feature will find a place in the debate.—I am, Sir, &c., Ions H. HARRIS.
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