88 REPORT ON COOPERATION IN AMERICAN EXPORT TRADE.

since British trade in many products is world-wide, a number have
quite naturally projected their activities into foreign trade—were
doubtless organized with that purpose expressly in view—and have
built up international organizations to carry out their objects.
In general, British combinations have been largely effected in two
ways: (1) through agreements, and (2) through amalgamation.
Amalgamations have been common in British industrial development,
but they have established monopolies in only a few branches of manufacture,
 e. g., in thread. (See p. 251.)
In this chapter only a few combinations are discussed to indicate
the general character of such organizations in British industry. The
combinations of far more importance in the commerce of the world,
such as those in iron and steel, textiles, chemicals, coal, petroleum,
electrical equipment, etc., are discussed more fully in Chapter V.
(See pp. 215-293; 247-255; 280-284; 295 ; 332-838; 852-354.)
Sreirrrs.—In the manufacture of potable and industrial spirits in
the United Kingdom there have been three distinct combinations,
organized in part at least by the same interests, for the control of
the business. The first was to unite Scotch distillers, the principal
producers of potable spirits; the second was to combine English
distillers, making principally industrial spirits; and the third was
intended to unite Irish distillers and blenders of Irish whisky and
to bring related industries under control.
The Distillers’ Co. (Ltd.).—This company was fortfied in 1877
by the amalgamation of the businesses of six of the principal Scotch
distillers.* In 1878 the company bought a large distillery in Dublin.
Since then the businesses of three English firms and several additional
 Scotch firms have been acquired, as well as nearly a half
interest in a large Belfast concern; new distilleries have been erected,
and blending and bottling works established? In addition to its
principal office in Edinburgh, the company has branch offices in
London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Dublin, Melbourne, Sydney, Montreal,
and Buenos Aires.
The production of spirits in the United Kingdom amounts to
about 50,000,000 proof gallons per annum, divided among Scotland,
England, and Ireland roughly in the proportion of 25, 13, and 12,
respectively. While there are various independent companies in
the industry, some of which are strong concerns, and while no data
have been found covering sales and costs for the Distillers’ Co. or
showing its output, it apparently occupies a dominant position, and
for more than 15 years has paid 10 per cent dividends regularly on
the ordinary shares. For the period 1907 to 1914 inclusive. its

1 Harper's Manual, 1914, p. 404.
* ibid, p. 404, and The Stock Exchange Official Intelligence, London. 1909, p. 478.