xvi HOW TO NATIONALIZE THE LAND 295 



quite true. The principles laid down are of universal 

 application, but the time and the mode of applying such 

 principles are matters of expediency. The land-question 

 in Ireland is a burning one. It is a source of chronic 

 discontent and disaffection, and is likely to be so in spite 

 of all the patchwork remedies that may be applied to it. 

 More than anything else it maintains the antagonism of 

 the Irish representatives in the British Parliament, an 

 antagonism which has unhappily too much justification, 

 and which, so long as it exists, will be a drag on the wheels 

 of the legislative machine, and thus be directly injurious 

 to every British subject. The solution of the Irish land- 

 question is, therefore, urgent. It is of importance to every 

 one that it should be settled on a sound and permanent 

 basis, and this can never be the case unless the true 

 principles of land-tenure are discovered and acted upon. 

 The present scheme is, therefore, proposed to be applied, 

 in the first instance, to Ireland alone. It is claimed that 

 its very gradual operation which to some will appear an 

 objection renders it far safer and more likely to be 

 effective than more heroic measures, while its discussion 

 need not interfere with any remedial legislation which 

 successive Parliaments are willing to enact. It is further 

 claimed that it is founded on principles of abstract justice, 

 and that, while respecting all existing rights and 

 possessions, it will ultimately abolish that system of 

 unlimited property in land which was founded originally 

 by conquest, oppression, or rapine, and which, although 

 perhaps useful in a transition stage of civilization, is 

 incompatible with our national well-being, or with the 

 general happiness and advancement of the community. 



To the independent Liberals of Great Britain and to 

 the long-suffering Irish nation I now submit my pro- 

 posals, asking only for a careful perusal, an unprejudiced 

 consideration, and a searching criticism. 



