Now they find themselves compelled to have recourse to compulsory measures.

I believe it is too late." The Secretary of State then gives a detailed account of the measures taken up to date in England for dealing with the food question, and thereafter continues: "On March 22 again the English food dictator, Lord Devonport, stated in the House of Lords that a great reduction in the consumption of bread would be necessary, but that it would be _a national disaster_ if England should have to resort to compulsion.
"His representative, Bathurst, stated at the same time: 'We do not wish to introduce _so un-English a system_.

In the first place, because we believe that the patriotism of the people can be trusted to assist us in our endeavours towards economy, and, further, because, as we can see from the example of Germany, the compulsory system promises no success; finally, because such a system would necessitate a too complicated administrative machinery and too numerous staffs of men and women whose services could be better employed elsewhere.' "Meantime the English Government has, on receipt of the latest reports, decided to adopt this un-English system which has proved a failure in Germany, declaring now that the entire organisation for the purpose is in readiness.
"I have still something further to say about the vigorous steps now being taken in England to further the progress of agriculture in the country itself.

I refrain from going into this, however, as the measures in question cannot come to anything by next harvest time, nor can they affect that harvest at all.

The winter deficiency can hardly be balanced, even with the greatest exertions, by the spring.