THE WAR AND AMERICAN GOODS.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2369, 27 January 1915, Page 9

THE WAR AND AMERICAN GOODS.

Sir, —There was recently an ■■ announcement in the Press that a large cement company at Whangarci had acccpted an offer (amounting to several thousand pounds) froni an American firm to supply machinery for their works. They bad an offer from a British firm which came to the same amount, but it was turned down, as this firm could not deliver the machinery at so early a date. Now, . Sir, may I point out that, as America is several thousand miles nearer than Britain to us, there will always be this reason for preferring American to British goods : but if such reasons are .going to prevail jn our future business actions, then it is very patent that the drawing together of the various units of this Empire that most expect as one of the good results of this terrible war will not take place.

For many years a laige number of Britons, especially in this part of the Empire, have insisted that America would be sure to come to our aid in any sorious trouble with a first-class Power. Her recent action with regard to copper shipments to Europe has shown the depth of her affection. The President's late announcement as regards the States' future policy in Mexico is another sample of'the ideals that influence their actions. In order to regain a friendship we once stupidly lost we have for some thirty years given in to America in all important disputes (e.g., Venezuela, Alaska, Panama); _ but as soon as her merchants aro inconvenienced by lie action we have to take to prevent our enemies from getting that most important war material —copper — then there is a howl. Preventing Germany from receiving copper is vital to us.: but to Americans it is of comparatively" minor importance. Any reader of history and student of world affairs is forced to the conclusion that this war will be followed by many others, and probably at no distant dates. Those who (like Carnegie) think that some kind of treaty will in the future be made by the Great Powers to prevent any member from making war are mere impractical drfeamers, oblivious of _tht! fact that the actions of human beings are impelled by weak human nature, and ignoring the fact that nations are no more moral than tho average morality of the groups of human beings that compose those nations.'

However, it is beyond doubt that we are now engaged in the most vital struggle that the British Empire has yet had to face; and it is certain that if we are going to be successful it is imperative that we hold together, and that each unit help in every' way possible with men, money, and in business. A day or two ago there was an account of a Frenchman who had walked (having no money to pay his fare) from the. King Country, over 200 miles, to Wellington, in order that he might get a passage to Europe, and offer his life, for his beloved- France. How many Britishers are there who would do the same? Has commercialism so undermined our characters that in this timo of stress we shall refuse business with our compatriots and give it to foreigners ?; If so, the end of the British Empire is not far distant. —I am, etc., E.P.T.