ABSTRACT
Of all the industries whose interests were canvassed during the Protectionist campaign, the iron and steel industry got most attention. Among the main reasons why Free Traders fought against the granting of Protection to iron and steel, there was the fact that the industry was a predominantly exporting industry. So far as its international trade was concerned, standing to lose more by retaliation than it could possibly gain even if the whole of the competing imports were shut out by tariffs. Traders and users alike were assured that the industry could very well meet all demands. Protection was being granted to enable the industry to reorganize, so that it could meet the requirements of the using industries in all these respects. Protection would only be continued if evidence was forthcoming that a genuine effort was being made to fulfil the conditions.
