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by the retention of a limited number of these rural 

 judges or by other measures, to prevent a relapse. 



It must be freely admitted that, under the proposed 

 system, something like two-thirds of the existing total 

 claims against agriculturists will probably be dis- 

 allowed. In former days, when relations between 

 money-lenders and agriculturists were less strained 

 than they have now become in many places, the writer, 

 taking advantage of his position and influence as dis- 

 trict officer, has, as arbitrator, disposed, with the 

 consent of both parties, of hundreds of such cases, 

 precisely as he now proposes that the rural judges 

 should be empowered to dispose of them. 



Every case varies, and naturally some money-lenders 

 are more honest, others more usurious ; but it is be- 

 lieved that, taking a large series of such claims, it 

 might be broadly asserted that, out of the sum total 

 claimed, one-third was fairly due, one-third fairly 

 enough put on to compensate for the uncertainties 

 and intolerable delays and expenses (licit and illicit) 

 of our courts, and that one- third was an inequitable 

 charge due to exorbitant interest and compound in- 

 terest.* 



It would appear, therefore, that the proposed mea- 

 sure would be a great blow to the capitalist class, 

 and that there might be danger, existing debts once 

 cleared, of the money-lenders refusing to make new 

 advances. 



In the first place, once the people were fairly out of 



24 to 30 per cent, are not at all unheard-of rates. 



