26 
Condition of the Agricultural Labourer, with 
These two circumstances operate as a counterpoise to competi-r 
tion as respects the labourer, and on these are mainly grounded 
the suggestions herein offered for improving his condition. In a 
modified shape, they are acted upon by every landlord in dealing 
with his tenantry ; for although the price of land, like other prices, 
is governed essentially by competition, the judicious landlord will 
never exact from his tenant the utmost amount of rent which un- 
limited competition would give him, nor such a rent as would 
reduce the capital or lower the condition of his tenant, well 
knowing that his so doing would lead to his own eventual loss. 
He therefore has a regard for his tenant's interest as well as for 
his own, it being necessary that the tenant's position should be 
maintained, in order to secure the best return from the land. In 
like manner the comfortable position of the labouring class must 
be maintained, for the security of property and the general well- 
being of the community ; and in both cases the duty of maintenance 
devolves mainly upon the landlord, as a condition annexed to the 
possession of property. 
The ownership of land imparts very important privileges, but it 
likewise imposes very important duties, not one of the least of 
which is that of providing for the comfort and welfare of those by 
whose labour the land is rendered productive. If it be objected 
that the labourer is now a free agent, bound to provide for his own 
wants by his own exertions — that he is no longer a serf or slave 
looking to his master for protection and support, but stands upon 
an equality with his employer in all civil rights, giving his labour 
in exchange for wages with as much freedom as the employer gives 
wages in exchange for labour — if this be objected, we must admit 
the fact ; but it does not follow that the relations between the par- 
ties have necessarily become antagonistic, for there is still much 
to bind them together in the bonds of a common interest, much 
to make the welfare of the one dependent on, if not actually 
identified with, the welfare of the other. The labourer must 
have employment, in order to obtain the means of living. The 
employer must have the best description of labour, in order to 
obtain the best return on his capital. To secure the best descrip- 
tion of labour, the labourer must be trained and taught, his intel- 
lectual as well as his physical qualities must be cultivated, and he 
must be sustained in the position best calculated for their deve- 
lopment. This is necessary for the interest of the employer, 
without reference to that of the labourer. But, irrespective of 
these considerations, there is, as above stated, a duty imposed on 
the possessor of property, involving the very condition on which 
its secure enjoyment and free transmission arc guaranteed, and 
that is, to watch over and promote the general well-being of 
those subordinate to or in any way dependent upon him. 
Instances have been referred to in which each of the foregoing 
