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ENGLAND UNDER FREE TRADE.

how, as regards population, we stand well in comparison with the older States.

Now, let us consider some of the facts bearing on the economic condition of these four great nations. I find on referring to Mulhall's Balance-sheet of the World, 1870—1880," that in a table of the world's industries, under the heads of commerce, manufactures, mining, agriculture, carrying and banking, he gives us the following totals:—

1870. Per Head. 1880. Per Head.
Millions £ s. d. Millions £ s. d.
Great Britain 1,687  53 13 0 2,024  58 11 0
France 1,181 31  0 0 1,325 35 12 0
Germany 1,002 26  7 0 1,269 28  1 0
United States 1,479 38  9 0 2,004 40  1 0

Taking man for man, therefore, we are far ahead of the world in industry, and, instead of going back, are actually improving our position.

Now let us see what Mulhall says of the earnings of the nations free of taxes per head of population:—

1870 1880.
Great Britain £26 17  1 £29 10 7
France  17 12  2  18 12 5
Germany  16 16  6  16  9 8
United States  23 17 10  25  5 0

Man for man we thus, as regards our earnings, not only stand at the head of the list, but have gained on our competitors.

Let us now look at what is said under the head of manufactures:—

Manufactures:—Textiles, Hardware, Sundries.

1870. Per Head. 1880. Per Head.
Millions £ s. d. Millions £ s. d.
Great Britain 642  20  8 0 758  22  0 0
France 439 11 11 0 485 13  2 0
Germany 341  9  0 0 427  9 0 0
United States 682 17 14 0 888 17 15 0