64 THE MURDER OF AGRICULTURE 



which enormously outweigh the single benefit of cheap 

 bread? 



This purpose cannot be served better than by re- 

 ferring here to the Report of what is called the " Gains- 

 borough Commission." 



It will be borne in mind that a "Commission " of 

 working men was formed a year or more ago at Gains- 

 borough, to study the conditions of labour prevailing in 

 German workshops, and the social status of German 

 workpeople. 



Six men were elected by ballot from among their 

 co-workers. Their names are: T. W . Mottershall, J. 

 Mann, G. W. Brown, G. Proctor, H. Beilby and H. 

 Calvert, and they were employed by Messrs Marshall, 

 Sons and Co., Rose Bros., and Edlington and Co. (all of 

 Gainsborough). 



Some of them were recognised Free Traders. The 



object of the journey was entirely unpolitical, it being 



intended, mainly, that certain fallacies prevailing in 



England, concerning the rate of wages and mode of life 



of German workmen, should be rectified. 



Rival The working men were conducted through Germany 



Conditions by Mr J. L. Bashford, the Editor of the book. Life and 



Germany Lahour in Germany, which contained an account of their 



investigations. 



The necessary facilities for carrying out such a task 

 were most readily given by the Secretary of State of the 

 German Imperial Home Office; by the Prussian Minister 

 of Trade and Commerce ; by a number of manufacturers 

 and others connected with industry, and by the organi- 

 sing authorities of the Social Democratic Party. 



