'Russia and India in 1903' [‎28r] (57/68)

BRITISH TRADE IN INDIA.
5 i
Empire on a commercial basis. What says the
leading journal of India ? “ Examination shows that
all commercial unions reposing on community of
material interests tended to the consummation of a
political bond, while no political association has in
fact endured except those that in due time manifested
a capacity to evolve some sort of system of commer
cial union.” And it concluded even amid protestations
of so-called Free Trade : “ There can be no doubt that
the issue now pending .between Free Trade and Pro
tection is the leading economic question now before
Great Britain.” In the time at my disposal I have
of course only been able to touch the fringe of the
question; detailed examination I leave to you. In
thanking the Bombay Chamber generally for great
hospitality and courtesy, I would only ask all in
considering this matter to bear in mind that we have
never had Free Trade or free interchange, save in
name. Free markets have been met by Protection
and bounties by foreign Governments, more and more
difficult to surmount. Remember, too, that the British
Empire with its thirteen million square miles of terri
tory, its varied climates and varied soils producing
everything known to man or necessary for its 400
millions of people, is united not alone by sentiment,
by loyalty, and by blood, but by seas, held far more
securely now for Britain, than in the days of Nelson, its
coaling stations being in our armed hands. Remember,
too, that science, steam and electricity have annihilated
distance, have to a great extent conquered the ele
ments, and have destroyed the natural protection of
thousands of miles of freightage promised by Cobden,
to the deluded agriculturists of England sixty years
ago. Is it not better to trade with those who will
trade with us, with our kith and kin, rather, than
with foreigners, who are eager to sell, but who will not
buy, who would shut us out, and do shut us out, from
their markets ?