We now refer to the early introduction of the manufacture of glass into
England. The English manufacturers, like ourselves, had to struggle
with the various evils incident to the introduction of a new art.
France and Germany, from their long experience in the making of glass,
were enabled for a long time to undersell the English manufacturer in
his own market.
To foster and protect this branch of national industry, the English
government imposed a heavy tax on all foreign glass imported into their
dominions. This measure secured to the English manufacturer the entire
trade, both with their colonies and with the home market, thus giving
such substantial encouragement to the enterprise, that, in a few years,
the manufacture was so much increased as to admit of exportation.
To stimulate the exportation of various articles of English production,
the government, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, granted
bounties, from time to time, on linens, printed cottons, glass, &c, &c.
Until the bounty on glass was allowed, the exportation of glass from
England to foreign countries was very limited; for the French and
Germans, as has before been stated, for various reasons could undersell
the English; but the government bounty changed the aspect of affairs,
and shortly the English manufacturers not only competed with the
Germans and French for the foreign market, but actually excluded them
from any participation,--the government bounty being equal to one half
the actual cost of the glass exported.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account