COMMERCIAL OPINION ON COLONIAL TRADE.

Evening Star, Issue 12687, 13 June 1907, Page 1

COMMERCIAL OPINION ON COLONIAL TRADE.

[Feom Oua Special Coeeesponmnt.) LONDON, May 3. The ‘ Magazine of Commerce ’ has been inviting leading firms in England to express their views on trade relations with the colonies. The trade question of tie moment, it writes, transcending all others in importance, and involving tremendous interests, may be expressed in two words and a mark of inquiry, thus: Colonial Preference? On this question the opinion* of leading firms of manufacturers and merchants in various branches of industry have been solicited. The following questions were put to them: L Do you think that the question of trade arrangements between the Mother Country and the colonies should remain a matter of party politics in this country? 2. Would the present Government be justified in negativing a resolution of the Imperial Conference in favor of Preferential Trade on the ground that this country is definitely hostile to Preferential Trade arrangements with the colonies? 3. Do you think that our adherence to a system'of free imports is of greater importance to us than an effort to meet the colonial demand for Preferential Trade between the Mother Country and the colonies? 4. If we decline the colonial proposals, do you think that the consolidation of the Empire will bo endangered? 5. If wo decline the colonial proposals, do yon think that the colonies, having failed to arrange Preferential Trade with the ikrther Country, will transfer their efforts in other directions, and endeavor to effect reciprocal arrangements with foreign countries? , A very large number of replies was received. The views expressed are of -equal interest and importance, and a largo and representative body of trade opinion is obtained. The symposium constitutes, a very important contribution to the proper ventilation of this subject, in which we are all so much interested. It is clear from the replies that there is a unanimous feeling against the introduction of party politics into this matter. So much was to be expected. But surprise may be felt in some quarters at the almost unanimous vote in favor of Preferential Trade relations between ourselves and the colonies. Absolute impartiality was preserved by the 'Magazine of Commerce ’ both in the selection of the firms invited to eontribute their views and in the selection o? replies printed.