that a system of compulsory rents would only lend to its manifestation, in a more objectionable form; and that as a matter of policy, it is better that those alone should have the opportunity of taking advantage of it, who are the least likely to abuse their power.[1]
- ↑ "It may be observed that if an Irish landlord resist the temptation of a high offer, and lets his land at what he considers a
"That small holdings, in consequence of the greater competition, command a higher price than large.
"That the tenant-right confuses the rights of landlord and tenant, and is an undue interference with the interest of the proprietor.
"That the amount paid for the purchase of tenant-right injures the incoming tenant, by diminishing his capital.
"That debts are contracted upon the security of the tenant-right.
"That the children of farmers are provided for by charges upon the tenant-right.
"That the incoming tenant is frequently compelled to borrow funds for the purchase of the tenant-right at usurious interest.
"That the existence of the tenant-right renders more difficult reclamation of waste lands by capitalists.
"That in most parts of Ireland the practice exists of selling the possession of farms held even from year to year.
"That the price of tenant-right frequently amounts to £10, £12, £20, or £25 per acre, and that sometimes as much as forty years' purchase of the rent is paid for it.
"That many proprietors have attempted to regulate and restrict its price.
"That such restrictions are frequently evaded.
"That the tenant is able to obtain a high rate of purchase for his good-will where he has effected no improvements, or has even deteriorated his farm.
"That even if the price of tenant-right be at all affected by the improvements made on a farm (a fact doubted by some witnesses), it is not so influenced in proportion to the value of the improvements."—Dig. Devon Com, p. 290.
