Many of the manufacturers and a large party in the Reichstag petitioned that the action of the law might at any rate be suspended.

Free-Traders, however, still had a majority, for the greater portion of the National Liberals belonged to that school, and the law was carried out.

It was, however, apparent that not only the iron but other industries were threatened.

The building of railways in Russia would bring about an increased importation of Russian corn and threatened the prosperity, not only of the large proprietors, but also of the peasants.

It had always been the wise policy of the Prussian Government to maintain and protect by legislation the peasants, who were considered the most important class in the State.