CURRENT LITERATURE.
A Saxon's Remedy for Irish Discontent. (Tinsley.)—We can hardly admit the writer's claim "to be tho first unprejudiced, well informed 'Saxon' who has studied the Irish questions and given the pros and. cons without humbug." But ho certainly displays a considerable amount of shrewdness and good sense, and, though we cannot by any moans trust him implicitly, we can see that what ho has to say deserves a hearing. The suggestions which he makes probably represent the feelings and wants of a largo class, and there is nothing immoderate, about them. He proposes various minor improvements in tloe management of Irish affairs, in the appointment of magistrates, for instance, and in the levying of what answer to our county rates. Irk ecclesiastical matters he favours the payment of the ministers of all religions by the State. But his great "Remedy" of course- refers to the land. Mr. Bright's proposal he approves, and would gladly see carried out as far as may be practicable. At the same time, he sees great obstacles in the way of making anything like a. general measure of it. To the proposal of giving a perpetual tenure independent of the ownership of the soil he is strongly opposed. Hie own scheme is a system of long leases, to be renewed at stated intervals, when a new valuation is to be made, and any increase that is found to have taken place in the estimated rental is to be divided between landlord. and tenant. Thus if land hitherto let at thirty shillings per acre be. found to be worth two pounds, only half of tho increase is to be added. to the tenant's rent. Thus a sort of partnership would be constituted. The Saxon writes in a livoiy style, and his readers, whatever they may think of his political wisdom, at least will not find him dull.
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