GERMANY AND THE. WELSH COAL FIELD.

Evening Post, Volume LXX, Issue 61, 9 September 1905, Page 9

GERMANY AND THE. WELSH COAL FIELD.

The acquisition of tho Whitworfch coal" field by a German syndicate (writes th« Berlin correspondent of The Times) is discussed with as much interest in thi* country as appears to bo the case in England, chiefly with a view to future possibilities. German opinion appears to bo under the apprehension that tha trend of British domestic policy is towards increased protection, and tho Aliens Bill is cited as an indication that England is becoming less tolerant and humane. The same method of argument is applied to ..the opposition which, has been offered in- England to the sale /of British coalfields to German speculators unless previous investigation has been made and satisfactory guarantees aie forthcoming. The fact is overlooked that the sale of the WhitwortU coalfield involves & question of principle which must como into play according •to whether this area is capable or not of materially contributing to the supply of steam ' coal which) it is in the vital interests of the country exclusively to command. * The Naturalisation Act of 1870, it in true, enables aliens to take, acquire, hold, and dispose of real and personal property in England of every description save one. In view of this statute British opposition to tho German (scheme might, perhaps, seem to bo unreasonable. The one exception, however, i.i property in a 'British chip, which rib alien can own. It is evident, therefore, that the attitude of the British publin in this instance where the command '61' the coal ' supply as a condition of t)ift command of the eetis is involved is inspired by tho same principle which Jed tho legislators of 1870 to retain aa against the foreigner the disability which was imposed by the Navigation Acts and oilier laws connected with the restrictive commercial policy of former days. In this matter feeling in England is purely conservative, and not subversive or _ re'trogiessive as appears to bo imagined in this country.