CHAPTER IV 



PROTECTION 



First and foremost I write as a farmer, having no 

 bias for Free Trade or Tariff Reform. Judging 

 from other countries, it seems that Protection 

 benefits those who are strong enough to turn it to 

 their advantage. So far, we can deduce, but not 

 much further, for who shall say which of the great 

 nations is the more prosperous or lay his finger on 

 the exact reason? But some matters are obvious if 

 we look with an unprejudiced eye. If an English 

 boot manufacturer can have his goods protected 

 from foreign competition by a tariff, so much the 

 better for him; and if the farmer can obtain pro- 

 tection for himself, then his industry will flourish. 

 This is certain. Every one would like to be shielded 

 from foreign competition. I am doubtful, how- 

 ever, as to its effect on the country at large. The 

 question is complex, and such gigantic interests 

 are involved that I do not think anyone realizes 

 what would be the effect of tariffs. 



At any rate, we can make some forecast of its 

 effect on agriculture, looking at it as farmers who 



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