26 



'EXPORTS OF INDIAN MEAL. 



Here we find the same general result as in the cases of wheat, of 

 wheat flour, and of corn larger export quantities and higher av- 

 erage prices under the policy of Protection to home industry. 

 Are these evidences of the spoliation practiced upon Western far- 

 mers through the baneful operation of our present tariff system, as 

 is asserted by Free Traders? If so, what a pernicious influence 

 must be exerted upon agricultural prosperity by increased prices 

 for breadstuff's ! The official statistics show, ]py contrasting two 

 consecutive periods of thirteen years each, that the export price of 

 Indian meal, on an average, was $1.14.765 higher per barrel, or 

 321- per cent, more under the policy of Protection, than it was 

 under the policy of partial Free Trade. What a calamity that was 

 to Western farmers ! Just think of it ! They were plundered by 

 having more money put into their pockets. That is very sad, indeed ! 

 This great wrong can be stopped, however, by returning to the 

 blessings of partial Free Trade. 



The average export price for the first period of thirteen years 

 was $3.- 5 6- 2 35 P er barrel. If the quantity exported in the second 

 period had obtained no higher rate, then the sum realized would 

 have been only $12,96.9,508.20, or $4,178,261.80 less than what 

 was actually received. How did that gain of more than four mil- 

 lion dollars operate to the injury of farmers ? Does this large 

 increase of value indicate the alleged scheme and process of 

 spoliation in the series of tariffs since 1861 ? Can the agricultural 



