Both the original version(in German) and its English translation of this part are available on the web as well.
Gesell tells of the influence of technical improvement on rent and wages, pointing out that it favors freeland farmers . A sowing machine, for example, is only effective with those who have such a huge land like freeland farmers, and will benefit little for workers on intensive farms. But the increase of the product and the proceeds of freeland farmers thanks to the technical improvement will impact the life of workers both at farms and at factories. Especially the latter, with the food price's drop on top of the increase of farmer's proceeds, will receive double benefits.
Let's say that the product of a freeland farmer increased by 20%. His/her proceeds will increase by only 10% as the other half will benefit workers at industry. European landowners of intensive farming will need to raise their workers' proceeds by lowering the rent or increasing their wage, firing some to keep their income. As a result, some redundant workers will have to emigrate. This shows the possibilities that the technical improvement can even lower the life standard of some workers.
(mig@lime.plala.or.jp)