THE COMPETITION OF THE UNITED STATES. 523 



rails, girders and heavy products, but that England will be ahead in 

 steel products requiring special and delicate manipulation. 



Probably the greatest hindrance to advance in Britain is trades 

 unionism; but the fallacy of their doctrine may soon be realized by the 

 workmen, and any just cause for complaint against the capitalist may 

 be adjusted in an amicable and reasonable manner. An association 

 called the National Industrial Association has been formed or is in the 

 process of forming with this as one of its aims. The object is c to 

 create and cement a feeling of common interest between employer and 

 employee.' The Association appeals to every engineering firm in the 

 United Kingdom because by bringing employers and employees to see 

 their mutual interest there will be an increase in the output of their 

 works without additional cost. With better and cheaper work the manu- 

 facturer will be more able to combat foreign competition. Strikes and 

 lockouts will be far less frequent, and so great loss and misery will be 

 prevented. In this Association employers and employees meet upon 

 the same plane, and they hope to provide machinery for conciliation 

 which shall be available in case of any threatened dispute between em- 

 ployers and their men. The Association has in view the carrying on 

 of inquiries regarding matters affecting British trade and commerce, 

 with the object of holding their own in the markets of the world. 



It will be to the interest not only of Britain, but of America as 

 well, if British manufactures increase and if Britain grows commer- 

 cially. America sells most to the richest nation — Britain is her best 

 customer. There is no doubt that the United States will continue to 

 develop her resources and will be able to sell to nations that can afford 

 to buy. The standard of living is higher now than it was even a few 

 years ago. What were luxuries to our fathers are necessities to us. 

 There is room for all the growth possible in both Britain and America, 

 and it is to be hoped that civilization may be advanced and the world 

 benefited by the competition of the United States with the United 

 Kingdom. 



