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We have next to consider the effects of the non-residence of wealthy absentees. In estimating the moral and political effects of the non-residence of this class of proprietors, there is an important distinction to be borne in mind. Where a very large property is, by the operation of primogeniture, concentrated in the hands of a single individual, his establishment is generally conducted on a scale of extravagance, and with an absence of prudence and economy, that has an injurious effect on the classes beneath him, leading the middle classes especially into vanity and extravagance. It also operates as a discouragement to regular industry, and as an inducement to gambling and rash speculation; because the people see one placed so far above them by no industry or exertion of his own, but as it were by accident; placed, too, in a position that no exertion of theirs can ever enable them to reach.
Very different would be the moral effects of the residence of a number of proprietors, if the same property was divided equally amongst all the members of the family. No one of them would be too far removed from the condition of his neighbours, neither would they be so wealthy as to render the prudent and careful management of the property unnecessary. They would, on the contrary, seek to provide for their families by the improvement of the land. Whilst their example would not be injurious on account of their wealth, they would, by being exempt from the engrossing cares of personal labour or personal superintendance of capital, have leisure to cultivate the higher qualities of the mind. It would be difficult to exaggerate the civilizing influence which the continued residence of a numerous body of active and prudent proprietors of moderate fortune would exercise on the community. Such a class would afford the means of working our local institutions with advantage, and would promote an improved public opinion.
As we have seen that the principal cause of the absenteeisms of our wealthiest proprietors is primogeniture, it follows that the moral and political evils of their absence are, from the very circumstance that produces it, their great wealth, much less than would be the effects if their properties were divided, and all the members of the family were non-resident.
But even with this qualification, there can be no doubt that the permanent absence of wealthy proprietors is morally and politically injurious to the community. The remedy for it, as we have already indicated, is the removal of encouragements to primogeniture. Any tax on absentees, short of a confiscation of property, would not operate in stopping wealthy absentees; as it would not remove the causes of their being so, but only slightly increase their expenses.
The great argument used by those who exaggerate the evils of absenteeism is involved in the next subject for consideration, namely, the effect of the expenditure of wealthy absentees. It is
