Cost of Farmers^ Supplies Increased. 69 



went to tlie government. Over $94 went to the trusts and 

 other protected interests." 



The Situation" is Now Before Us. 



Because of their defenseless trade position the agri- 

 cultural masses are selling their products on a level with 

 the poorest paid (the agricultural) of the ''pauper labor 

 of Europe"; while they are buying their supplies in a 

 monopolized market at prices so high that 50% duties 

 are thought required to keep out foreign competition. 



Put in another form: while the farmers pay for what 

 they buy in gold dollars held at a high premium, they 

 receive for what they sell depreciated currency which the 

 manufacturers will not take back at more than seventy- 

 five cents on a dollar. This condition is largely due to 

 the protective system, of which it has been said it pro- 

 tects American industry. 



