[1] Mr. Bright’s letter to A. Sharp, Bradford, 1879.
[CHAPTER IV.]
A FEW UGLY FACTS.
I have said that facts are against your idol, let me advance a few of them:—
(1.) The prophecies made by the originators of free trade have proved to be false.
(2.) England stands alone as a free-trader. Free trade, at the present time, is either an English, or a barbarous custom.
(3.) France made a partial trial of free trade, but has drawn back and refused to continue the commercial treaty.
(4.) Increased wealth,—due to improvements in science, steam, and electricity, although dishonestly claimed the work of free trade,—has been shared by all civilized nations.
(5.) Protectionist countries have made greater relative advance in prosperity than England.