AN AGRICULTURAL PARTY 411 



incidental domestic matters which fade into insignificance beside 

 the much more important one of obtaining profits large enough 

 to enable each section to get a share. Why are we so constantly 

 being told " that there is no community of interests between the 

 three sections ? " We do not hear the same about other industries 

 It is an accepted fact that if there is no margin of profit in any 

 business that business goes to the scrap heap, and both employers 

 and employes suffer ; the latter feel it first, and physically, most. 

 However much politicians may endeavour to widen the gulf 

 between these sections, for their own base party purposes, the 

 great truth must prevail at last, and these three sections will 

 realise that they are all in the same boat. Therefore it is not 

 impossible for a member to fairly represent them all. 



NO. 2. THE EXPENSE TOO GREAT. 



It would be intensely interesting if we could ascertain how 

 much of the funds which now keep together the two great parties 

 comes out of the pockets of agriculturists. As their accounts are 

 not open to inspection, we can only guess that if all agriculturists' 

 subscriptions were diverted into other channels the two central 

 Associations would find their claws cut rather short. Why should 

 not this diversion be turned into a strictly agricultural channel ? 

 Moreover, when the ice was once broken, there are many wealthy 

 men who would stand as agricultural candidates, and pay all 

 expenses, as they do now under other appellations. It is asserted 

 that the whole cost of registration, as well as other costs, must 

 come out of our pockets. Even if it did, I maintain that it would 

 be the best investment that agriculturists could make. Incident- 

 ally it is worth consideration whether a strong body of members 

 might not carry through legislation which would materially 

 reduce these same costs. The fact is that this question of cost is 

 chiefly put forward by those who hope thereby to frighten us 

 from our object. But do not let me be misunderstood. I do not 

 wish to shirk the question ; it will be a costly matter, and all 

 landlords and farmers must bear their share of it ; but I say 

 again that it will be money very well spent. 



No. 3. NO UNANIMITY BETWEEN MEMBERS OF 

 EITHER CLASS. 



There is a greater element of truth in this than in any of the 

 other contentions. On several points a farmer in Cornwall will 

 differ from a farmer in Cumberland, and a farmer in Cambridge- 

 shire will not agree with either of them. But while that is true 

 on certain points it is untrue on others. There are many matters 

 which agriculturists desire to see settled, and upon which practical 

 unanimity exists. Absolute unanimity there may not be, but will 

 our opponents tell me of any single question upon which they can 

 get absolute unanimity from any body of men engaged in any 

 industry. Anyone, having even a slight acquaintance with political 

 life, knows that in every question there is, and must be, more or 



