As a curious illustration of the demoralising effect of the
present suspended animation of government in Ireland, we may mention an instance of the action of the tenantry in relation to rent which we know to be true, and which we believe to be typical. While the Conservatives were in office, the tenantry of a certain landowner demanded a reduction of 20 per cent., and accepted a reduction of 10 per cent, on their rents. The Liberal Government came in, and the same tenantry then withdrew their assent, and demanded a reduction of 40 per cent., refusing to pay till it should be granted. Then Mr. Gladstone's Bill was thrown out, upon which the tenantry at once came and paid down part of their rent, with a promise to pay the rest, by way of securing their position. What can illustrate more vividly the disastrous moral effect of the present uncertainty in Ireland ?
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