LESSONS OF THE CENSUS [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—In your issue of May 21st, Mr. Ellison reiterates his dogma for the economic salvation of this country, viz., " that we must work hard and have children," but, apart from stating that he is " personally in favour of the Conservative. Land Policy," he makes no attempt to reply to my question as to how the numbers of those dependent on the soil are to be doubled (a statement in his original letter) by any way that is not antagonistic to the welfare of the industrial population. The standard of living of the lowest grade of society is always a pretty good guide to the state of prosperity of a country, and this standard of living can be raised either by increased production by the same population or by the same production by a smaller population. Mr. Ellison will be one of the most popular men in Great Britain if only he will divulge his secret, i.e., of how to encourage British agriculture so as to make it possible for the numbers dependent on the soil for their liveli- hood to be doubled without involving a reduction in the standard of. living of industrialists or agriciilturists.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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