Page:History of merchant shipping and ancient commerce (Volume 3).djvu/478

 Under such vexatious restrictions it was impossible for the shipbuilder of France to compete successfully with those of other countries, as they were nearly as prejudicial to his interests as they would have been by the maintenance of the duties on all the articles he required. Competition in every branch of commerce throughout the world is so close, that, wherever the Legislature imposes not merely taxes but conditions, which, from their nature, must necessarily interfere with the course of business, and occupy a considerable portion of the shipbuilder's time, which is a part of his capital, he cannot successfully compete with those of other countries where no such conditions are imposed.

Such restrictions, though in themselves comparatively unimportant, afforded the Shipowners of France a lever which they worked incessantly, hoping with the aid of the other Protectionists, to overthrow in time, the wise and liberal Act of the 19th May, or at least to abrogate its leading principles. At last the complaints from the seaports, and some changes in the administration of affairs, led to the appointment of a Commission or Parliamentary Committee, with powers to inquire not merely into the effect of these restrictions, but into the state generally, of the Commercial Marine of France, and on the best means of affording it assistance, should any be deemed necessary or desirable.

into the construction of the said vessels under the provisions of the present Decree, shall, in case of landing, or in case of the dismantling, repairing, or breaking up of the ships, be subject to the provisions of general legislation in matters of Customs' dues.]
 * [Footnote: Art. 11. All articles placed on board vessels, and all material incorporated