FL7302890

[Page 550]

desirable to retain – By greatly reducing the extent
we should render the residue less obnoxious to the ruling
democratic elements, enlist in the same interest with
us a numerous body of freeholders, who could not fail
to have weight, and thus impart greater security,
not only to what is ours, but to the incomes secured
upon the Estate. In a Legislative Assembly
fully furnished with "Sharp practice" Lawyers, it
can hardly be expected that any description of
income belonging to non residents, particularly if
secured upon freehold property, would escape traction.
And whether that traction is to be heavy, or
comparatively light, would depend, I imagine, upon
the influence it can bring for its protection into
the Legislature, rather than upon any principles
of sound policy or right – If legal impediments
beyond our control impede the reduction of the
area of our freehold to within safer limits, we
must only submit to the consequences – and if the
case seems urgent we must get what we can
for the land with its imperfect title. I for one
am not disposed to continue a [indecipherable] for the roil
passions of every sinister agent an ignorant
and reckless democracy may hoist into power.
(The remainder has no reference to business)