“Property in this country,” said Hickman, “is surrounded by many difficulties—­difficulties which unfortunately fall chiefly upon those who cultivate it.  In the first place, there is the neglect of the landlord; in the next, the positive oppression of either himself or his agent; in the third, influence of strong party feeling—­leaning too heavily on one class, and sparing or indulging the other; and perhaps, what is worse than all, and may be considered the fons et origo malorum, the absence of any principle possessing shape or form, or that can be recognized as a salutary duty on the part of the landlord.  This is the great want and the great evil.  There should be a distinct principle to guide, to stimulate, and when necessary to restrain him; such a principle as would prevent him from managing his property according to the influence of his passions, his prejudices, or his necessities.”

“That is very true,” said Mr. Clement, “and there is another duty which a landlord owes to those who reside upon his property, but one which unfortunately is not recognized as such; I mean a moral duty.  In my opinion a landlord should be an example of moral propriety and moderation to his tenantry, so as that the influence of his conduct might make a salutary impression upon their lives and principles.  At present the landed Proprietary of Ireland find in the country no tribunal by which they are to be judged; a fact which gives them the full possession of unlimited authority; and we all know that the absence of responsibility is a great incentive to crime.  No man in a free country should be invested with arbitrary power; and yet, it is undeniable that an Irish landlord can exercise it whenever he pleases.”

“Then what would you do,” said Easel; “where is your remedy?”

“Let there be protective laws enacted, which will secure the tenant from the oppression and injustice of the landlord.  Let him not lie, as he does, at the mercy of his caprices, passions, or prejudices.”

“In other words,” said Harman, “set the wolves to form protective enactments for the sheep.  I fear, my good sir, that such a scheme is much too Utopian for any practically beneficial purpose.  In the meantime, if it can be done, let it.  No legislation, however, will be able, in my mind, to bind so powerful a class as the landlords of Ireland are, unless a strong and sturdy public opinion is created in the country.”

“But how is this to be done?” asked Easel.

“It is to be done by educating the people; by teaching them their proper value in society; by instructing them in their moral and civil duties.  Let them not labor under that humiliating and slavish error, that the landlord is everything, and themselves nothing; but let the absurdity be removed, and each party placed upon the basis of just and equal principle.”

“It is very right,” said Hickman, “to educate the people, but who is to educate the landlords?”