| + + — | Engin. N. 53: 532. My. 18, ‘05. 950w. |
Ashley, Percy. Modern tariff history: Germany, United States, France. [*]$3. Dutton.
The tariff histories of Germany, France, and the United States are offered in brief form “for the purpose of showing how these countries have met the problems of free trade and protection. It is the work of a politician and an economist, who felt the necessity of coming to a clear and unprejudiced understanding of the great problem.” (N. Y. Times). The tariff history of Germany is outlined from the formation of the Zollverein to the present time. The lesson which the author draws from his investigation of the experience of Germany is summarized as follows: “Changes in tariff policy have been only one, and commonly not the most important, among the many causes of her economic progress.” “Of the French tariff legislation,” says Mr. Ashley, “it can be said with some confidence that, whatever it may have done to maintain agriculture—and even there it is arguable that it has encouraged the continuance of old fashioned methods—it has wrought little good and in various ways much harm to industry and commerce.” The tariff legislation in the United States is traced from its beginning, and in conclusion he argues that while America has in the past benefited by a protective policy, the time has come when the abandonment promises greater results.
“Mr. Ashley’s style is remarkable for a certain freshness and vitality which makes his book easy reading in spite of the abstruseness of the subject. Taking it altogether the book is well worth while.” J. E. Conner.
| + + | Ann. Am. Acad. 26: 598. S. ‘05. 330w. |
“Derived almost wholly from secondary sources intelligently selected, they afford in short compass a good sketch of the history of the tariff during the past century in the three countries. It suffices to say that Mr. Ashley employs the historical method judiciously and effectively, with an evident knowledge of its limitations. Instructive as is this comparative tariff history in many other respects, it is peculiarly excellent as affording an insight into what is called neo-mercantilism, and its correlative—which might perhaps be called neo-libertarianism.”
| + + | Nation. 80: 138. F. 16, ‘05. 1040w. |
“He has given an interesting history of the tariff in three great countries, but we cannot see how the results of his studies are going to enlighten his countrymen very much.”
| + | N. Y. Times. 10: 7. Ja. 7, ‘05. 1480w. | |
| R. of Rs. 31: 510. Ap. ‘05. 120w. |
Ashley, William James. Progress of the German working classes in the last quarter of a century. [*]60c. Longmans.