difficulties in which these persons are involved, are justly merited by the majority of them; inasmuch as it was their speculations, for extensive occupancy, which occasioned those high Prices, both of rents and provisions, in connexion with circumstances that fayored the issue. To place the subject, in reference to themselves, in a clear point of view, it should be thus stated. "That by rendering the land less fruit ful in provisions, and agricultural productions, the money value, or price received for the produce became con25 siderably enhanced," a necessary consequence, in connexion with a proportionate demand for the various productions. That this is a substantial part, or a ne cessary consequence, of the improved system of large farms, and unlimited occupancy is obvious. That it is the keystone upon which the whole system hinges, is incontrovertible. participated in the fall of the price of animal food (the consequence of the failure of government contracts) in the London markets (which I must conclude very unfair, though I hold the middle man in equal respect and worthy of efficient profits) yet it is notorious that it has generally taken place to a very great extent, and that the lease occupiers of large farms,whether men of property or not, are at their wits' end, both from the fall in value of their stock, and the unconditional obligation of their leases. Now, Sir, are not the persons thus ruined or likely to be so, entitled to assistance? and would it not be politic in the country to grant it in behalf of agriculture. If the statement before you is a correct one, it would be most impolitic and most unjust in the government to require it. But should not the landlords be compelled, or rather ought they not voluntarily to lower their reats? The latter is for their With proprietors and monopolizing far- private consideration, but were I a landmers, the contest of the system for large Ford thus situated, I should not choose to or for small farms, is simply, does the comply with any suggestion to that fatter, or the former, produce the most effect, unless in such peculiar case where money, not the greatest quantum of com- it became my interest to do so, or unless modity. Thus, does the produce of any I could be assured that land-holders given quantity of land, in 60 small farms, throughout the country would do so in fruit, vegetables, poultry, pork, butter, nerally. But, Sir, I completely deny that cheese, corn, and pasture, sell for as much government have any right to interfere with a limited or equivalent demand, a's Letween the parties in this case, altho' I the produce of the same land, divided am prepared to allow that they have preonly into thrée farms. The value in cedent in interfering to regulate and requantity and price, of the two last men- strict the importation of corn, or rather tioned branches of agriculture, being in the present instance in intending and equal in both instances, and it being pos attempting to do so, and as has been forsible for the three farms to supply the cibly shewn, a very bad precedent, yet I demand for the former commodities, do not think that government can interthough not to raise the quantities of the fere even in an indirect way. It has 60 farms; it is therefore pretty obvious, however been surmised by some essayists That the large farm system has well paid on the subject, that by taxing those landthose who succeeded in jostling their lord's estates which are let at a high rent, feighbours out of house, home, and em- and by relieving the occupying tenant, ployment; and that the large land-holders' paying such rent of his taxes, that somepurses have been filled thereby; and that thing might be done, But I do not they both would continue to prosper think that the body of land holders, with While the two principle departments of all their preachings to the populace on agriculture remained as lucrative' as be the subject of passiveness, would be" fore, or unless some other controlable brought to submit ; and I also think that Circumstances should proscribe the sys-if they could, it would even at present, tem. Such an occurrence may probably Be a natural effect of a continuation of peace; but independently of any sitch fufure event great deductions have already faken place in the prices and profits of the other leading department of agriculfire, aut altho' we have not properly ge and assuredly hereafter, be found totally inadequate. It appears to me, that the situation of these distressed and alwor thy persons is irretrievable, and that more of them with betomé bankrupts, to the affliction of their creditors both just and isurionis, of to the parting wille their accumulations faster than they heaped them together, setting one more example to monopolizers and speculators or rather as these classes are incorrigible, furnishing one more argument to some future legislature for interfering to prohibit all such practices as are likely to become either self or publicly injurious. The practical and public economy of large farms has however made some noise in the world, and a dozen farms have frequently during the late war been made into one, for no better apparent reason than to save a little horse keep; but whoever has been persuaded by such an argument, has certainly swallowed a bait. Our ancestors ate as good beef and mution as their children; the intermixture of foreign breeds of sheep may possibly have improved the wools of the country, and the case would have been similar if the small farms had not been broken up; but large faims in the posession of opulent persons, enable them to withold the supplies, and raise the markets, and with needy tenants are unproductive. Therefore small farmers are the best economists on behalf of the public, and ensure the most prompt sepples. port of this argument, my Lords, in the hands of the little farmers, an immense increase of food is brought to the public, from as it were the lap of the farmer's wife. In a little farm, where there is a dairy, the produce is not only the calves, but an immensity of butter and cheese; the refuse of a dairy will support a piggery; that kind of animal food is reared in a very short time in immense quantities. Again, when a little farmer and his family will raise from the little produce of his small farm, a dairy, the refuse of which supports a piggery, then comes the poultry. Where there is a cowyard and a piggery, vast quantities of poultry indeed are produced with very little care, reared almost in the lap of the farmer's wife, nourished in her kitchen corner; I am not speaking theoretically now; mentioning only one parish will serve as a strong instance for the whole kingdom; among all these different farmers, every labourer had a comfortable master, and every tradesman comfortable employ: now, hundreds or thousands in a parish are pauperised, wherever there is a family of children; the milk-pails, which were principally the nutriment of families, are done away." If any one should think that the fore- Mark reader the desolating conse going strictures on the large farm system quences and progress of this execrable are too severe, I would refer bin to the system, Loth upon town and country following extract from "The Lord's Re-markets, and upon the small farmer and port of evidence," for which I am in- the labourer, and the fiend-like proceeddebted to the letter of a valuable corres-ings connected therewith; "the milk-pails pondent of "The Times" paper, in which it appeared on Monday the Gth inst. It is taken from the evidence of Mr. Phillips, land surveyer, and civil engineer, who has been much employed in the southern part of the kingdoin. 66 Restrictions on the Corn Laws must have this effect; it will at once render permanent the most terrible system of monopolising the occupancy of lands, I now beg to give evidence upon the effects it has upon society generally. In many places where I have been surveying, where there were 30 or 60 farmers in a parish, it has been reduced to the small number of four or five, and some parishes occupied by one man; large districts of country in the occupancy of the possessor; where there were formerly a great many farm-hotises, there is probably only a bailift. The horror this system creates among mankind generally, mid ir pariskes, is inconceivable. In sup-| which were principally the nutriment of THE INQUISITION. Since my last remarks upon Spanish affairs, I have read in the Morning Chronicle the subjoined extraordinary article.-I have inserted it at full length; there certainly is not a man living that would believe, without such evidence, that, in the nineteenth century, such reiched ideotism could have been suf agricultural), it would appear to me that | Government should interpose in this instance to adjust the system as far as the convenience of the population and the interest of the public require. It might be done by a tax per acre, upon owners and tenants of estates, beyond a given size, when let beyond a certain price, increasing also upon larger estates, when let high. A temporary measure of this kind thus modified, would lead rich land-ferred to have occurred. I wish King hollers to divide their large estates Ferdinand had been allowed to remain where these high rents prevail. Such a quietly where he was, amusing himself measure should certainly not extend to with embroidery, rather than exercising, those less populous parts of the country as he has done, despotical power against where rents are comparatively low, as it the poor people who had restored him. might occasion a too rapid increase of It is indeed a melancholy reflection, the people. To ensure utility, Govern- that there should exist in civilized Eument should also make it illegal for any rope a human being capable of such man to farm more than one estate, which extreme folly. The priests, it seems are would for ever crush the monopoly of about to marry the beloved Ferdinand „the terantry, and benefit the proprietor to one of the Infanta's, as they are called, more than any other measure of insuring of Portugal, Are we to suppose that a an adequate number of practical farmers, wife was rendered necessary for his and eventually a facility in obtaining health, from the recollections of "the tenants, or a certain though limited certain signs" which these holy men saw source of competition for the taking of to arise, on the indecent exposure of farms. Landlords probably also, in ad- the persons of Buonaparte's harlots?-A dition to this irregular competition for correspondent will have it, that this is unlimited occupancy, which raised rents done in imitation of a certain King of in consequence of its pernicious effects, Jewish celebrity, who was unquestionhave been led to neglect their perma-ably of an extremely amorous tempernent interests, in upholding the farmature, and indulged very freely in the houses, and preserving that previous carnal lusts of the flesh, or, as Ferdidivision of their estates which had nand's confessor terms it, "the seventh marked the progress of society and com- deadly sin." I shall not give any opinion fort, by the inducements of large inter- on this; nor do I pretend to understand ests and certain income for their savings in what way this ghostly father "admoin the funds; but although this source of nished his royal pupil; but admonish artificial accumulation in reference to so-him he did, and it seems to have had the ciety is like the gates of the broad way that leadeth to destruction, to remain of widened entrance, the immediate and permanent interest of landholders appears now in this respect completely ob vious. salutary effect, for a season at least, of quenching the flame. The king, however, had become so extremely sensual, that he occupied himself solely in arranging the wardrobe of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he presented an entire new suit of clothes, from the chemise outwards, having first paid particular attention to the "fringing of her robe." After so much trouble, such pious care, and so extraordinary devotion, it would have been extremely ungrateful in the There remains now to consider the last division of persons in whose behalf protecting corn prices are sought. But I have, I fear, already trespassed too far upon the valuable columns of your impartial Register. I shall defer this part of my subject to a second communica-lady, if she had not rewarded him accortion; and now beg to remain, ding to his deserts. The priests did not with a visit from the "immaculate mother of God", who, after turning her self round and round, and shewing her finery in all the vain glory of a newly decorated King's place Priestess "sighed" amorously; and the poor priest, not knowing how to act, ran and called the King's confessor, who told him that "the Holy Virgin bad already said as "much to the King himself!!!" The meaning of this cannot be misunderstood. It is too plain; and the inference is too abominable to be dwelt on. I trust, however, that such absurdities as these will at length open the eyes of the people, and that this contemptible fanatic may soon meet with the reward which his ignorance, his ingratitude, and his perfidy so richly merits. 66 OCCUPATIONS AND MIRACLES OF KING FERDINAND VII. 46 The occupations of King Ferdinand during his captivity in France were alluded to by Mr. Whitbread in Parliament, We have been, through the favour of a valuable correspondent, put in possession of the authentic document, setting forth the holy and miraculous works performed; by Ferdinand,and we have been prevented only by the overflow of temporary matter from making an extract for the improvement of our readers. The document is a Sermon preached by Don Biaz de Ostoloza, Captain Major of his Catholic Majesty, and his Confessor. The following is an Extract. The Confessor begins by giving a picture of the life of the King, at Valency! The King, says he, rose at eight o'clock, heard Brass, breakfasted, made afterwards a party at billiards, entered his closet to read his letters, or some portion of holy writ, embroidered at the Tambour till two o'clock, at which time he took a short airing in a carriage--he dined on his return-made a short prayer, received his brothers, or those who were admitted to pay their court to him, supped, and before going to bed recited with all his Household the Litanies, which he toned himself." "An Agent of Napoleon, whose impious presence he was forced to endure, employed all means of eduction to draw the Infant from his holy occupations. He brought a troop of female dancers from Paris, and even his own wife, to endeavour to charm the King; but I perceived by certain signs (adds the Confessor, whose words we translate literally), that the breasts of these women, indecently exposed, were beginning to have a dangerous effect on the Prince, who was ready to fall into the seventh deadly sin. I admonished him in time, and like the slave of Potiphar, Don Ferdinand escaped these new siens." "The King was above all things incensed at the poverty of the chief altar of the parish of Valency; and at there being in the Chateau a play - house, while there was neither a chapel nor an oratory-while the people were luxurious in their furniture and feasts, and miserable in the decoration of their temples. The King embroidered himself a beautiful robe of white silk, with gold pallets and gold fringe, for the Virgin. He had raised a superb altar, gilt, and he sometimes served himself the Mass at the feet of the Queen of the Angels. The Queen of the Angels was most sensible of these royal attentions, and manifested to him her content by many signs. It happened in particular, that one night an Ecclesiastic of the district being overcome with sleep in the church, the Virgin appeared to him as coming out of the altar-she advanced towards the Ecclesiastic, made several turns round him, to display the elegance of her toilette, and said to him, sighing that her son received the vows of the King in recompence of the fine robe that he had given her; that the Spanish Princes would not remain long without being delivered; and that they must form an Order of the Holy Sacrament, with which all the Chevaliers should be armed for his defence. The Priest much touched by this speech, awakened, and came to me to reveal the miraculous vision; but I answered by assuring him that the Holy Virgin had already said as much to the King himself---who in thanking her had promised, that on his return to Spain he would make her worship flourish over all the provinces subject to his dominion.” UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. SIR,--I have heard it said by certain persons in this place, who are displeased with the letters* which have appeared at *For the preceding Letters, see Vol. XXV. No. 9, 14, 15. Vol. XXVI, No. 24, 26, 27. Vol. XXVII. No. 6, 9. such a proceeding, I am inclined to think that commitments by a magistrate under such a circumstance (and the supposition is reasonable, though I am not positive of the fact would be contrary to law. The mode of paying the marshal able. As the office, though merely ministerial, is of an unpleasant nature, his salary should be ample; and his emoluments should not depend on gratuities or fees paid by the University on the apprehension or commitment of persons into his custody. This, Sir, is perhaps the last letter you will receive from me relative to this business, as before long I shall most probably leave the University. I trust, however, that if any abuse should occur, that some other person resident here will think it his duty to lay it before the public. It is, indeed, to be regretted that in doing this, any concealment should be necessary: but to many persons, in places where there is much public and private patronage, and frequent elections to offices, concealment, however repugnant to their feelings, becomes, in a prudential point of view, a matter of necessity; for it cannot be supposed that they who have so little feeling as to abuse their official power, or even not to exert their influence and authority to prevent its being abused by others, would have the liberality to forgive the person who states the fact to the world. different tines in your REGISTER relative to the proctors, that the publication of them was intended to subvert the discipline of the University. This accusation from men incapable of controverting the statements and observations in them, is not worthy of much notice; as, Is, for obvious reasons, very objectionhope, I have already sufficiently proved that the conduct pursued by certain persons in office, has been much more calculated to produce this effect, than any thing that cau be said in reprobation of such conduct. Had they acted with the least degree of temper and moderation in the execution of their office, no public notice would be taken of their proceedings, which have had the effect of doing the very thing, that, had they any judgment or prudence, we should naturally suppose, they would wish to leave undone; I mean, the bringing their privileges into question before the public; and making it a matter of discussion and inquiry, whether persons of their profession who have generally shewn an inclination to make an improper use of their power here, are fit to fill offices of authority in other places. But this is a topic which I touch lightly, as it is my wish to allay rather than excite irritation; for I solemnly declare that every thing I have written on the subject, has been written from no other motives than those of justice and humanity; and if I have occasionally shewn any warmth, it is merely that which I always feel when I hear or think of crucity and oppression. To this cause, must be attributed the I will take this opportunity of observing, the whispering, or air of mystery, on that I have lately heard the different subjects which in other places would Vice-chancellors and heads of houses make the very stones cry out. The man defended for not interfering when the whose wish it is to effect the reform of proctors have abused their power, on the any abuse in public bodies, should idea that the proctors, were any restraint know, that, unfortunately for them, the laid upon them, might refuse to act only advice that will be heard, must be at all in matters of discipline. But a proc- conveyed in the public execration of tor, who could behave in this manner, their misconduct; for to any thing must be so ill-conditioned as to be evi- less than this, experience tells us, there dently and confessedly unfit for his will be little attention paid. Should any office; and in that case, it would cer- of the abuses, or the injustice and tainly be much better that he should do cruelty, enumerated in the preceding nothing, than that he should be permit- letters be repeated, or any others be ted to disgrace the University by the committed; which, for the credit of the commission of violent or illegal acts, governors in this place, I hope will arising from his ill-temper or want of never happen; my prayer is, that they judgment. It has been said too, that may raise a manly, but temperate, inpersons have been committed by adiation in the University against the Vice-chancellor without being allowed to speak a word in their own defence. To this I can give little credit; for, not to insist on the extreme harshness of authors of theia, and be recorded, and submitted to the public, by a more able pen than that of your much obliged, Oxford, March 6th 1815, Y. Z. |