Two Autograph Letters Signed J. Chamberlain to Sir Robert Giffen, eminent Scottish statistician and economist, encapsulating his views on tariff reform and related issues at a critical time.

Author: 
Joseph Chamberlain (DNB), politician and statesman
Publication details: 
[Printed headings] 40 Prince's Gardens, SW [London], 11 Aug. 1902 AND Highbury, Moor Green, Birmingham, 11 Dec. 1903.
£450.00
SKU: 23664

3 & 4pp., 12mo, very good condition. With original addressed envelope for Letter 1 (Sir Robert Giffen KCB | etc etc etc. [Chamberlains' joke?], 40 Brunswick Road ...) , with franked signature of Chamberlain. Letter One (1902): Many thanks for your notes. I agree with you in thinking that preference is chiefly valuable as promoting the Imperial sentiment of unity. | It has, however, other advantages - (1) it is a movement as far as it goes, towards free trade within the Empire. Every reduction of duty helps towards the end. (2) It is calculated to stay the movement towards increased protection in the Colonies. (3) Whatever its value now, it will be increased as they grow in population and their demands increase. | But with all this it still leaves untouched the important matter of communications. We have a general revolution on the subject by the Conference, but we shall have to give effect to it by private negotiation with the separate Colonies. ... Letter Two (1903): ... I think the correspondence has enabled me entirely to appreciate your position while at the same time you will see the way in which the question strikes me. | I do not think I am Protectionist in the old sense of the word, and you will remember that even Cobden laid great stress on what he called the national protection of distance & transport which has now disappeared. | I am, however, strongly opposed to what I call unfair competition - as for instance 'dumping', and above all I want to induce the people to make the small sacrifice - if indeed it is a sacrifice at all - which is necessary in order to conclude arrangements with our Colonies. | We must strengthen [repeated word 'strengthen' excised] the tie or else it will snap before very long.