LAISSEZ FAIRE IN COMMERCE 869 
expectations of those who advocated a change in our fiscal 
policy—but there is little disposition on the part of other but their 
peoples to follow the line we have pursued. Indeed, the 0 
attitude of a country, which poses as a great example to ie aon 
other nations, i not necessarily attractive. It is less likely to nations 
call forth enthusiastic imitation than to give rise to carping been 
criticism. The expectations of Cobden have been falsified :/ We: 
other nations are inclined to imitate the steps by which 
England attained to ‘greatness, and to try to build up 
a commercial and industrial system by the protectionist 
methods she pursued in the seventeenth and eighteenth 
centuries, rather than to take over her recent policy ready 
made. It may be pointed out with truth that the system of 
anfettered intercourse was opportune for England, because 
she had reached a particular phase of development as 
an industrial nation, but that it is not equally advan- 
tageous to countries in which the economic system is less 
advanced®. The Free Traders made the error which was 
so common among the economists of the day? and based on 
the particular conditions of England, a maxim which they 
regarded as of universal validity. Cobden had no scruple 
in separating himself from the thorough-going Free Traders¢ 
and falling back upon a system of commercial treaties in 
1860. But his anticipations as to the collapse of protectionism 
in France® have not been realised; the network of treaties 
which was framed, has not secured a gradual advance towards 
universal Free Trade®. The rise of national enthusiasms, both 
on continental Europe and in America, has had its natural 
result in kindling an increased desire for national economic 
life ; and England has bereft herself of the means of bargain- 
ing? with any foreign country, so as to make better terms 
for the admission of her goods. A modification of our 1t may be 
fiscal system, which would enable us to offer free import Sandon 
for the corn of Canada, India, Australia, and other parts of the J iren wie 
Empire, would secure us an ample food supply; we would re nb 
then be able to impose duties on the goods imported from of securing 
countries which endeavour to exelude our manufactures; our food 
i Cobden, 15 Jan. 1846; Speeches, 1. 360. 
} List, National Political Kconomy, 186. 
See above, p. 740. 
i Morley, Cobden, 11. 338. 5 Ib. mx. 246. 6 Ib. m1. 843. 
Fuchs, The Trade Policy of Great Britain and her Colonies. xx1%. 201.