Such a position as this to the
unhappy class we speak of, is only another name for ruin. The bailiff,
who always lives upon the property, seeing their condition, and knowing
that they are not able to meet the coming gale, reports accordingly
to the agent, who, now cognizant that there is only one look-up for the
rent, seizes the poor man's corn and cattle, leaving himself and
his family within cold walls, and at an extinguished hearth. In this
condition were a vast number in the neighborhood of the locality laid in
our narrative. The extraordinary, but natural anxiety for holding land,
and the equally ardent spirit of competition which prevails in the
country, are always ready arguments in the mouth of the landlord and
agent, when they wish to raise the rent or eject the tenant. "If you
won't pay me such a rent, there are plenty that will. I have been
offered more than you pay, and more than I ask, and you know I must look
to my own interests!" In this case it is very likely that the landlord
speaks nothing but the truth; and as he is pressed on by his necessities
on the one hand, and the tenant on the other, the state of a country so
circumstanced with respect to landed property and its condition may be
easily conceived.
In addition, however, to all we have already detailed, as affecting
the neighborhood of Ahadarra, we have to inform our readers that the
tenantry upon the surrounding property were soon about to enjoy the
luxury of a contested election.
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