Mt. Lloyd George added that both employers alid workmen. throughout
Germany were satisfied with the system of con- tributory insurance, all agreeing that it had very much. raised the letel of health and life. Already thirty-four. millions Were aimually raised by contributions for sickness,, invalidity, and old age, and le a few years extensions of the system would bring up the total annual tern to AftY7 three millions. The contribittions of the State amounted' practically to little more than the working expenses tor. the whole Sebeme. In a sympathetic review of Mr. Lloyd George's observations the Manchester duardian frankly admits that "the *hole German System has been repeatedly investigated, reported on, and appreciated by English experts ; and it is improbable that a statesman even with Mr. Lloyd George's adtantagek can learn ulna that is very new about it to-day." Mr. Lloyd George't new- found enthusiasm for the Contributory system May be reconciled with the Old-Age Pensions Act on the ground that he proposes to apply it to a different twit of problems; but even hie eupportere are obliged to admit that liis investigationt are belated and unnecessary. Mr. Lloyd George has devoted "four weeks' hard work" to learniag what be ought to have learned a year ago, and what be could have learned *Moat going to Germany at all.
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