Conclusions.

Protection is always oligarchic—established for the advantage of a privileged minority, at the expense of the majority.

Protection to agriculture is the more oppressive in France because the food of the people already falls below the standard fixed by the soldier’s rations in time of peace to the extent of nearly 30 per cent. for cereal matter and 50 per cent. for meat.

Not one of the agriculturalists or health specialists who have disagreed with this standard, has dared to suggest that the military ration should be lowered: therefore in so far as the civil ration falls below it, it is manifestly inadequate.

Agricultural protection can be of advantage only to the great landowners.

The cost of food is higher in France than in England.

Many of those who most require a nourishing diet have less than enough to eat.

The relative decrease in the consumption of meat in most of the big French towns prove the evil results of the Customs duties which actually increase its price 13/4d. per lb.