284 OUR ENGLISH LAND MUDDLE. 



of agricultural depression. There is the objec- 

 tion to a Credit Fonder system that it would in 

 some cases be of aid and advantage to people 

 who are guilty of being landowners. Exasper- 

 ating as that may be to those who have been 

 taught that landlordism is the father of the 

 seven deadly sins, I fear that the fact will have 

 to be boldly faced. Speaking seriously, in no 

 department of the land question will honest and 

 sound reform be possible if it is attempted on 

 the basis of hate of any class or section. A 

 general amnesty for the crimes of landlordism 

 (and of demagoguery) in the past should be pro- 

 claimed, and every land issue as it arises con- 

 sidered in the light of what is best for the nation 

 as a whole. If that is done, I think I can foresee 

 an amicable discussion, and a fairly general 

 acceptance in principle of all that I have pro- 

 posed, except on the single point of an agri- 

 cultural tariff. 



About that it seems to be hopeless to expect 

 in England a non-party and a business-like 

 verdict. Agricultural protection has been iden- 

 tified so closely (and so untruthfully in the light 

 of experience elsewhere) with dear food that it 



