26 



EXPORTS OF INDIAN MEAL. 



Here we find the same general result as in the cases of wheat, of 

 wheat flour, and of corn larger export quantities and higher av 

 erage prices under the policy of Protection to home industry. 

 Are these evidences of the spoliation practiced upon Western far 

 mers through the baneful operation of our present tariff system, as 

 is asserted by Free Traders? If so, what a pernicious influence 

 must be exerted upon agricultural prosperity by increased prices 

 for breadstuff s ! The official statistics show, by contrasting two 

 consecutive periods of thirteen years each, that the export price of 

 Indian meal, on an average, was $1.14.765 higher per barrel, or 

 321 per cent, more under the policy of Protection, than it was 

 under the policy of partial Free Trade. What a calamity that was 

 to Western farmers ! Just think of it ! They were plundered by 

 having more money put into their pockets. That is very sad, indeed ! 

 This great wrong can be stopped, however, by returning to the 

 blessings of partial Free Trade. 



The average export price for the first period of thirteen years 

 was $3.56.235 per barrel. If the quantity exported in the second 

 period had obtained no higher rate, then the sum realized would 

 have been only $12,969,508.20, or $4,178,261.80 less than what 

 was actually received. How did that gain of more than four mil 

 lion dollars operate to the injury of farmers ? Does this large 

 increase of value indicate the alleged scheme and process of 

 spoliation in the series of tariffs since 1861 ? Can the agricultural 



