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DECLINE OF AGRICULTURE. and the additional employment afforded to British workmen.

The decision which the British people have to take on this question is a most momentous one for the future of the Empire. I would not support this proposal on Imperial grounds alone, though I believe unless we do we shall lose Canada, and by-and-by our other Colonies as well. It is we in this country who have to run the risk of the adoption of this policy, and I agree with the Duke of Devonshire that it must be judged mainly from the point of view of the people of this country. From our point of view there are three things to be considered. I have already spoken of one, the danger to British industry from the development of the American trusts and the German trade combination.

Another consideration which has had a most powerful influence in bringing me to my present opinion is the danger to which we are exposed in depending to such a large extent on the United States for our supply of food. I believe that it is true to say, as I have said on other occasions, that we are absolutely at the mercy of the United States as regards our food supply, and that is a position which no great Empire ought ever to be in.

To turn to the question which most concerns you—the Decline of British agriculture. What has that meant in East Sussex during the years which I can remember? It has meant, as regards the landowners, that many properties have been sold and others let. Few persons depending entirely on the land are living in the homes they resided in when I was a boy. Many farmers have lost their capital in the struggle against the bad 155