15 



men. of the past ; our attention may more profitably be directed to 



THE FUTURE. 



I am no alarmist. Permit mo to say, that after a most careful 

 consideration of all matters concerned, and after giving due weight 

 to the important question of the importation of farm produce of 

 all kinds from other countries, I have come to the conclusion 

 that we English farmers have nothing to fear for the future of 

 the agriculture of this country. It is quite possible that we may 

 have to change our system of management in many respects in 

 order to keep pace with the altered conditions of the day, but 

 with a re-arrangement of rents, at present taking place on all sides 

 — whether of a permanent or temporary character ; — with land 

 relieved of much of the unjust and inequitable taxation imposed 

 upon it ; — with a just scale of compensation for unexhausted im- 

 provements ; — with ample and reasonable security for tenant's 

 capital ; — with consistent legislation to prevent the introduction of 

 contagious diseases from foreign countries, and ample safeguards 

 at home, we may yet find the earnest desires of our hearts gratified. 

 To landlords I say. Stick by your old and tried tenants. To tenants 

 I say, Place trust and confidence in your landlords. Permit 

 no side issue or momentary panic to distract your attention or 

 entice you from the political traditions of your ancestors ; and, 

 above all, stick to the great Conservative cause of ttiis country, 

 which is naturally so closely identified with and representative 

 of the agricultural interest, and, whilst progressive in its action, 

 will jealously protect and defend the institutions and the bulwarks 

 of our constitution. Then, with a return of fine seasons, which are 

 as sure to recur as day and night alternate, and of which I 

 venture to think the present fine winter is a precursor, we shall 

 once more find farming a prosperous and lucrative occupation, and 

 we shall again live to see the agriculture of our beloved country 

 stand out in bold relief, to the admiration and pride of Englishmen 

 and the wonder and envy of all nations. (Cheers.) 



