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Show STRONG PROTEST ON COTTON DUTY LONDON, March 12, 2:32 p. m. A deputation representing all sections of i the Lancashire cotton industry waited, upon Austin Chamberlain, secretary for India, today to protest against the' recent increase In duties upon cotton; imported to India. The delegates declared the duty was' the greatest blow ever struck at the! cotton industry and tbat it would re suit in the closing of the mills. They I were prepared, they said, to face a gradual and natural growth of the mills in India, but not an artificial growth brought about by a protective tariff. They asked for a withdrawal of the dutv Mr. Chamberlain replied that It was impossible to grant the request of the delegation. The duty, he said, was a necessary contribution to the charges1 on India's war tax. The Indian people and British residents of India, he added, add-ed, were unanimously In favor o what had been done. |