Page:Irish Emigration and The Tenure of Land in Ireland.djvu/223

Rh interest beyond the amount appropriate to such investments, the consequent stimulus to competition would immediately reduce them to their normal level; and, secondly, that to endow the present chance occupiers of farms with an indefeasible tenure would be tantamount to the imposition of a disability on the rest of the non-occupying population to hold land. The tenant's claim to occupation being necessarily, then, of a terminable character, he has no right to complain if his landlord finds its advisable, on the expiration of his term, to confer on another advantages similar to those he has hitherto enjoyed. Many considerations indispose both parties to change their relationship. Ancient associations, habits of friendly intercourse, the fellowship which unites old customers, may preserve the bond for generations ; but when once it becomes the imperative interest of either to cancel it, the endeavour of any third party, such as the State, to force the maintenance of a connexion, which in its very nature is one of voluntary obligation, will tend to precipitate the rupture.

It is admitted by the witnesses on the other side that an industrious tenant is seldom, if ever, turned off an estate in Ireland ; but it is a mistake to imagine that non-payment of rent is the only circumstance which can justify evictions. Any one acquainted with the management of land is aware that an idle or unskilful farmer, even though he pay his rent, may do his landlord's property