*4 



to the detriment of the smaller farmers is evident from 

 the widespread dissatisfaction which is now noticeable in 

 their ranks, and is fully corroborated by an analysis of 

 the conditions under which they have been placed by the 

 Tariff as well as by what indirect evidence it is possible 

 to collect. In the nature of things the peasants in 

 Germany, as elsewhere, belong to the least articulate 

 class of society, and they themselves would for ever re- 

 main the last source from which we are likely to hear a 

 clear account of their hardships and trials. It is just 

 possible that, instead of giving vent to their dissatisfac- 

 tion by voting for Social Democrats, as they do now, 

 they may one day not only go back to their previous 

 position, but even demand increased Protection as a 

 remedy for those very wounds which Protection has 

 already inflicted upon them. "You suffer," the Junkers, 

 who are after their own interests, may tell them yet, "you 

 suffer not from Protection, but from inadequate Protec- 

 tion, and if you want to prosper you must demand a further 

 increase of duties." There would, in view of the well- 

 known ignorance of the rustics, be nothing very wonder- 

 ful in their permitting themselves once more to be gulled 

 by these empty promises, and become once more Pro- 

 tectionists, and that with a vengeance. This, however, 

 would clearly prove nothing, and things being such as 

 they have been described in the foregoing pages, we may 

 confidently expect in a few years' time to see the baneful 

 effects of Protection exhibited in clear language in figures 

 directly bearing upon the subject. It is, at any rate, 

 obvious that the Protectionists have not made out their 

 case with regard to the alleged benefits which small farm- 

 ing derives from high duties on agricultural produce, and 

 those in our own countryside who are inclined to listen 

 to the specious promises of the Tariff Reformers on the 

 subject of agricultural revival through peasant proprietor- 

 ship will do well to think twice, and three times, before 

 they give them a favourable reply. 



Printed bt Cassell & Comi-ant, Limited, La D«.l» Sautacb, London. E.C 



