Protection

The Island Empire of the West (Britain), once a protectionist Nation, has thought it indispensable to its interests to become the greatest free-trade Nation in the world. The Island Empire of the East, whose geographical position is analogous to that of the British Commonwealth of Nations, has been tempted from the Broadway of free-trade into the side-streets of protection, emulating, in this respect, the U. S.

Last week the Imperial Diet passed a Government Bill raising the tariff on 250 luxury-articles by an additional 100% ad valorem duty.

The bill, according to the Government, is intended to curb Japanese appetites for foreign-made luxuries. They must now consume their own luxuries, or pay highly for those imported into the country.