Page:The New Protectionism.djvu/119

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THE CASE OF AGRICULTURE
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materials and processes which render it refractory to rigorous routine. Most of those who favour the ownership and control by the State of railroads, mines, and the great staple manufactures, recognize that the direct incentives of private individual gain and liberty of working are essential to get the best out the soil.

That the State can do much to stimulate and improve agriculture must be admitted. But the assistance does not lie along the road of tariffs or bounties. The real need is to release agriculture from the rusty chains of medieval land tenure, and to place it on a modern business footing, affording to the employer and the worker the hopes and prospects of gain requisite to evoke their intelligent and efficient industry. Reform of hind tenure, scientific and business training for the farmer's son, skilled craftsman's wages and personal liberty for the wage-earner (with the option of an independent livelihood upon a small holding), improved and cheapened transport for agri-

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