NATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 7 



be quoted in this connection, though the dis- 

 turbance was temporary and far less aggravated 

 than that which would be occasioned by a war 

 with a strong naval Power. A panic on the price 

 of foodstuffs in our great industrial centres might 

 nullify the best-laid plan of naval and military 

 campaign. The establishment of Government 

 granaries has been suggested as a means of 

 meeting this danger. It is submitted that such a 

 remedy is insufficient, and that the only effective 

 course is to increase the production of home- 

 grown wheat. For these reasons, we identify 

 ourselves with the views of Mr. Disraeli, who, 

 as a private member, as a Minister, and as 

 Prime Minister, claimed that agriculture had a 

 special claim on the consideration of the State. 

 Furthermore, we accept Mr. Disraeli's general 

 and consistent opinion that great national in- 

 dustries should be protected or assisted when they 

 need such protection or assistance, but not other- 

 wise. 



Following out this conception, we are perfectly 

 prepared to accept any decision of the Unionist 

 Party which gives to agriculture real security 

 in the future — by which we mean the kind of 

 security which would induce any reasonable 

 person to invest his money, his brains, or his 

 industry in it. The maintenance of stability and 

 employment in all industries is the essence of 

 Toryism. With this end in view it is necessary 



