8 THE GREAT WAR 



cumstances to insure our grain-laden ships, 

 except at prohibitive rates ; and, in a few weeks, 

 panic would ensue, and the cost of food would 

 rise to famine prices. 



We have been saved from this catastrophe, 

 not so much by prevision on our own part as by 

 the blunders of the enemy. The nation, however, 

 is in such a position with regard to its food 

 supply as should alarm every thinking person : 

 and later on in these pages a remedy will be 

 urged for this perilous state of things. 



