ABSTRACT
One of the earliest expressions of disillusionment came from a timber and furniture dealer in the City of London. The Protection policy restricted international trade to a minimum and effected a tremendous reduction in the shipping industry. There can be no excuse for the belief that tariffs were in themselves a blessing to this country. The artificial silk industry, after so many years of safeguarding, was proving a big disappointment to Protectionists, and in the industry itself there was much uncertainty. The textile people were very far from satisfied with the results of the policy that was going to do so much for them. Increased costs of production caused the expressions of disillusionment that were not blazoned forth in the headlines of the Tory Press. The tax on imported lead was having similar effects and created the same disillusionment. The disillusionment at the way the new system was working displayed itself in some much unexpected quarters.
