THE IRISH LAND QUESTION.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.]
Sirt,--In an article you have recently written on the Irish Land question, you say that if the Irish landlords became mere holders of quit-rent, and went to live at Zurich, there would be no great harm. As you are generally willing to consider what can be said in favour of any of the criminal classes, among whom Irish land- lords seem to be now included, I venture to direct your attention to my own position, and to ask if some exceptions ought not to be admitted. I have made it my duty to live in Ireland a part of every year, and I spend a good deal in labour. I have built or repaired several farmhouses and offices, made main drains, and in other instances either advanced money, given a certain sum, or supplied slates and timber to my tenants. My expenditure on labour never can give a return in money. The expenditure on my property will in some instances be remunerative, in others not, except in the improvement of appearance. If I had not given the employment which I now give, or ceased to do so, the poor-rate would have been 35s. in the pound, and several old men in the poor-house. I do not wish to boast. Many who, like myself, recognize the duties of property, have done and are doing much more, at almost greater personal inconvenience. Lord Digby has spent near 140,000 in the barony of Gedshill. A parish priest told me last week he sent into his district, engaged a number of half-paid labourers, lodging them in Russian houses, and employing them on his large drainage works. I could mention many more, who spend a good deal of money, and in whose neighbourhood the signs of it are evident.
Is it desirable these men should go away ? and will not the withdrawal of their capital be a national loss? If there are ten- ants' improvements to be respected, have landlords none which equity requires should be recognized? Should all landlords be treated alike, and is no distinction to be made between the one who has tried to do his duty, and the careless " felon "?
The suggestion that the Spectator made some time ago, to com- pensate owners of land when perpetuity of tenure was conceded to their tenants, was fair. But is it likely auy proposal of the kind would be entertained by a British Parliament ?
Why, too, should the labourers be forgotten? They are numerous, and equal, if not superior, in intelligence to the usual run of farmers. Their position will not certainly be bettered if the landowners, who have built them cottages, given them work, and occasional indulgences, go to Zurich. And the shopkeepers, who depend mainly on the resident gentry, deserve some consideration.
It will be a long time before the small farmer either has the taste or the means to provide himself even with common luxuries. You desire, Sir, I believe, the good not of one class, but of all the people of Ireland, and it is for this reason I submit these points to your consideration.—I am, Sir, &c., Buxton, November 16, 1869. BRINSLEY AIARLAY.
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