“Gentlemen,” said he, as he ended a long speech intended to celebrate the advantages of Socialism, “you know how all European nations are now situated. In England, in a great part of France, and particularly in Ireland, unfortunate wretches work like slaves to win harvests from the earth, harvests of which they are only allowed to retain just the amount absolutely necessary to keep them from dying of starvation, all the rest goes to maintain in idleness people who have only had the trouble of being born. It is private estates that have caused it all. It is because the earth, the common property of all mankind, has been unjustly monopolised by a few, that these infamous things have taken place. You will tell me that these things are only seen in Europe amongst nations of backward civilisation, but these private estates also exist amongst us, and if we do not guard against it we shall also feel the fatal consequences of the system here. Our agriculturists are already in the hands of capitalists, who will now only advance them money at fabulous interest.” I had just finished my cigar, and thought that a discussion with the good man might be amusing. “Excuse me,” I commenced, interrupting him, “in which State do you live then?” “In Minnesota. But what is taking place in Minnesota is taking place in the other States too.” “And what interest did you say agriculturists are obliged to pay for loans in these districts?” “At one and a-half at least, and generally at two, and even at three, per cent per month.” “Quite right! I know that. Now that wheat is only worth fifty cents the bushel the farmers make no profits; the capitalists feeling their money is in danger will no longer lend without high interest; but then, why do the farmers require money?” “To build their houses, to drain, irrigate and plant, in fact, to put the land into order that the State gives them.”