56 THE MURDER OF AGRICULTURE 



We fervently hope not. We have done much to 

 weaken our position by Utopian legislation and an 

 inane fiscal policy; we have sacrificed our best interests 

 in regard to agricultural matters, and we have, in conse- 

 quence, impoverished the people to an extent that finds 

 no parallel in any civilised country in the world; but we 

 surely cannot carry this destructive policy through to 

 our utter ruin. 



Royal Commissions have reported on this momentous 

 question time and again ; able writers and public speak- 

 ers, moved by loyalty and patriotism, have for years 

 past sent their warnings to Governments and their 

 message to the people, but so far, alas, without the 

 slightest result. Governments still continue to show 

 more interest in the petty, political conflict which wages 

 round the contest for a seat, than in the safety of an 

 Empire, while the people remain sunk in the slough of 

 apathy and indifference. 



Admirals, generals, statesmen, have spared no time 

 and trouble in bringing this vital question home to the 

 British Parliament and the British people. 



Here is what Admiral Harding Close said on the sub- 

 ject in 1903: 



" We spend thirty-one millions a year on the Navy. You 

 might as well chuck that money into the sea for all the 

 good it will do, for what is the use of our going to sea 

 and winning battles of Trafalgar if we leave a starving 

 population behind? ... It is no use your boasting that 

 we have a powerful Navy, and that, therefore, having 

 command of the sea, our food supply is safe. You cannot 

 get a naval officer to say so. We never had command of 



