LETTER XXIII.
Of the Just Tenure of Lands: and the proper Functions of high Public Officers.
146.I MUST repeat to you, once more, before I proceed, that I only enter on this part of our enquiry to complete the sequence of its system, and explain fully the bearing of former conclusions, and not for any immediately practicable good to be got out of the investigation. Whatever I have hitherto urged upon you, it is in the power of all men quietly to promote, and finally to secure, by the patient resolution of personal conduct; but no action could be taken in redistribution of land or in limitation of the incomes of the upper classes, without grave and prolonged civil disturbance.
Such disturbance, however, is only too likely to take place, if the existing theories of political economy are allowed credence
