English glass makers refused job to make insulator for Crompton's system, so job went to German glass maker.

Glass Insulators.—A significant fact in illustration of the way work goes abroad may be mentioned in connection with the special glass insulators used in Crompton's system of underground mains described elsewhere. When the system was first drawn out on paper, and the design of insulator decided upon, a quotation was asked for from several English firms with a request for specimens to be submitted. Without exception those asked refused to do this unless a definite order for so many thousands was given. At this juncture a German representative called, saw the design, at once offered to submit samples, quickly did so, with the result that orders for tens of thousands of these glass insulators have gone to Germany. Thus does want of enterprise on the part of English manufacturers bring about its own punishment.