“British Free Trade”, a Delusion

The Civil War had just ended, and the country was trying to figure the best way to achieve an economic recovery. Many proposals were forthcoming, one of which was to adopt a free trade approach to international commerce. Mr. Stebbins, the author of the pamphlet British Free Trade, a Delusion – To the Farmers, Mechanics, Laborers, and all voters of the Western & North-Western States, was vehemently opposed to this approach. He writes" ...This loose talk about free trade, delusive and dangerous as used, has its origin, as we shall see, from foreign self-interest. It is largely a cry raised by British capitalists and manufacturers, to unsettle our policy, and that of the world, that they may reap the benefit, by making England the workshop of the world, and her ships and traders the carriers of raw materials and finished products to and from her workshops – a cry of those who would monopolize, but not reciprocate…". Mr. Stebbins was anxious to get his position publicized and made available to as many as possible, as indicated by this pamphlet bearing a heading above the title saying "Read, and Lend to you Neighbor".

The pamphlet contains eight double-column pages, without covers, that measures approximately 5 ½ x 8 ¼ inches. The pages are tanned, but the text is clear and easy to read. The overall condition of the item is good.

The illustration accompanying this description shows the first page of the article.

Giles Badger Stebbins (1817 – 1900) wrote about many subjects, but the issue of international commerce reappeared in his 1883 book, "The American protectionist's manual. Protection to home industry, essential to national independence and to the well-being of the people. British free trade; a delusion and a peril".