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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 85
[introduction]
It would be a matter for great regret did the "Curiosity Shop' character of the exhibits in these Courts lead the visitor to under estimate the importance of the Dependencies they represent.
"Where are new markets to be found for British Industry?" Not only are our goods shut out of European markets by hostile tariffs, but our sale is limited by the growing progress of the industries of European countries, in which longer hours of labour and lower wages prevail.
Hong Kong gives us a magnificent vantage ground for trade, with a population of 250 millions in China, and through China with nations in the interior of Asia.
page 57
The Straits Settlements give a vantage ground for the Malay Peninsula and countries such as Siam, connected with it, on the "opening up" of which countries depends the "opening up" of a great Indo-Chinese trade.
North Borneo and New Guinea give us the trade of Malaysia with its wealth of natural resources. See Malaysia on the map.
We have thus access to populations eager for British Manufactures.
May the hope be expressed that the British manufacturer will supply the real needs of native populations, and by excellence of workmanship establish implicit faith in British work.
Specially may Christianity, the only abiding civilizing agent, be commended to these native populations by British justice and observance of "The Golden Rule."