But, it is also objected, differential rates deprive the inhabitants of certain towns of the natural advantages of their geographical position. This argument would be more persuasive than it is if it were not generally expressed in the very language of Protectionists, if it were not so often a claim of an exclusive right to supply certain markets, and a scarcely concealed dislike to the intrusion of competition. Even supposing that low rates, which enable the produce of remote parts of England and Scotland to be conveyed throughout the length and breadth of the land may interfere with the trade of manufacturers nearer London and other great towns; so may the making of a railway. Places which have one, or districts which are left without any, may be injured by railway communication elsewhere being opened. The existence of any such right as is claimed is questionable. Preserving the natural advantages of one town means preventing the removal of the natural disadvantages of others. In truth, the abolition of differential rates would deprive many places of their natural advantages. That Liverpool is on the sea, and that Birmingham is not, that there is sea communication from the former to London, are circumstances which railways did not create, and to which they must accommodate themselves. Railway Companies are not answerable for the fact that certain kinds of traffic come from a point having the advantage of a sea route; that there is competition at one place and not at another; and that goods may be conveyed from New York to London all the way by sea, or partly by sea and partly by land. If the rates for all traffic between intermediate places were either made the same as or less than those to terminal points, companies would be compelled to consider whether raising the export and import rates, or reducing those on local traffic, would result in the least loss. If the former course were adopted, as, in the majority of cases it would be, the facilities which manufacturers and merchants now enjoy would be withdrawn; it would be to their interest to ship at the nearest port. The railways would suffer some loss. The inhabitants of intermediate places and the port towns would derive no advantage except the removal of what generally is merely a sentimental grievance. What would a London draper gain if the Manchester and London Shipping rate were withdrawn, and if manufacturers shipped all their goods in Liverpool instead of a portion of them being shipped from London? What would it avail an Essex farmer if Dutch and Belgian produce were sent direct from Rotterdam and Antwerp to London, instead of through Harwich? Would farmers in the South of England be any better off if French eggs and butter were sent by sea to London instead of through Southampton or Newhaven? SECTION VI. GROUPING HERE AND ON THE CONTINENT.