XVI PREFACE 



bolder development of small holdings on economic lines ; 

 or, further, the completion of the triumphs of science in 

 stamping out the last and worst of cattle diseases, tuber- 

 culosis ; or turn to other well-known fields for useful 

 reform, either by legislation, or administration, or organ- 

 isation, the evidence of this Commission will be found 

 helpful. It has opened wide the door and pointed out 

 many paths. 



All the materials for a bold constructive and restorative 

 policy, to build up and expand the future of agriculture, 

 are ready to hand. 



Such a policy has its justification even more in the 

 national welfare than in the relief of a particular class. 

 And in so far as it touches questions on which the 

 interests of the owner and of the worker on the land 

 appear to conflict, there is no fallacy which the evidence 

 of the Commission more clearly sweeps away than the 

 fallacy that tenant right must mean landlord wrong. 

 On the contrary, where improvements are encouraged 

 by absolute security, the value of the landlord's property 

 is the more certainly maintained and increased. 



The history of the depression, and of the working of 

 its contributory causes, establishes the fundamental 

 unity of interests, and the law that justice means the 

 best, injustice the worst, economic result to both sides. 



FRANCIS ALLSTON CHANNING. 



Oct. \2ih 1897. 



