TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS, 191 
ment on many points connected with it. I believe that it has already been of signal 
advantage, and will yield far greater benefits hereafter. But I refer to it now only 
that I may say a word of its purchase clauses, which—and the best mode of giving 
them vitality and effect—are worthy of the attention of all who care for the pros- 
perity of Ireland. As to those clauses, there was no controversy in Parliament; 
they passed with universal approval through both the Houses. They recognized, 
with all the authority involved in so rare a unanimity of acceptance, the value of 
diffused proprietorship of land amongst our agricultural classes. It is impossible 
to overestimate their importance to the progress of this country in industry and 
order, Yet they have a very inadequate operation, and remain almost a dead letter 
onthe Statute Book. I learn, from a report of the Commissioners of Public Works, 
that, since the passing of the Act, 338 tenant farmers have purehased their hold- 
ings, comprising an acreage of 22,116 acres, of which the annual rent amounted to 
£13,141, at a gross cost of £319,522, including advances from the Commissioners of 
£192,066, The report informs us, further, that the applications of tenant farmers 
for loans under the Statute have diminished indigon of increasing, and that the 
urchases of one year have been 206, whilst only 106 were made in that which 
ollowed, These facts are disappointing in a high degree ; and I call attention to 
them in this place that, if possible, the causes of the disappointment may be 
ascertained and done away, and free and fruitful action given to legislative provi- 
sions amongst the very best which have ever been vouchsafed to us. Of course I 
cannot here discuss so large a question; but I may indicate my own opinion that, 
in order to the effective working of those provisions, it will be necessary to facili- 
tate still further the transfer of land in small proportions, by cheapening con- 
_.veyances'and validating titles at a small expense; and that for this purpose it will 
be essential to extend the operations of ie Record of Title Office beyond the 
narrow sphere within which Parliamentary opinion confined it when it was origi- 
nally designed, and to make it effective—as it has never been, though years have 
elapsed since it was opened—by the application of the principle of compulsion, 
without the aid of which old habits, ignorant dislike of innovation, and powerful 
class interests will continue to nullify its influence. The purpose of the Legis- 
lature, to secure a complete and permanent register of all dealings with property 
in the soil, is of high policy and plain necessity, and must not be baulked by the 
supineness or the obstinacy of individuals whose own best interest will be pro- 
moted when they are forced to aid in carrying out that purpose. In addition, it 
will be necessary to reconsider the fiscal arrangements of the Office as well as of 
the Landed Estates Court to which it is attached, and to localize their action by 
the establishment of District Registries of easy access for small transactions and 
with fees too moderate to bar approach to them. These seem to me the outlines 
of a reform long desirable, but heretofore difficult from the vis mertie of some 
and the active antagonism of others, which should promptly be undertaken by 
Parliament, and has already in principle received its sanction by its general 
approval of the Bills introduced by Lord Cairns during the past Session, It is 
essential to Ireland, if we would have the action of a beneficial law no longer 
‘paralyzed, and the passionate eagerness with which the [ish people covet the 
possession of the soil indulged legitimately and within the limits of the law; so 
that, instead of finding it often identified with agrarian crime, we shall see it 
become subordinate and ancillary to the equitable settlement of the country and 
the lasting contentment of its people, by prompting them to obtain, through 
honourable industry and manly effort, that position of secure and independent 
proprietorship, which, according to all our experience of human nature, will lead 
them to identify their individual interests and objects with their duty to the State, 
and make them loyal and law-abiding citizens. 
There are other topics on which I could Neca address you, but must re- 
member my promise and conclude—only observing that I should more strongly 
feel the difficulty of adequately discharging the duties of a position which has been 
held by Lord Derby, Lord Littleton, the late Archbishop Whately, the present 
Chancellor of the Exchequer, and other very eminent persons, were I not sustained 
by so many men of high capacity and established reputation, with whose aid I 
trust that our meetings may be made agreeable, instructive, and of some public 
utility. > 
