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Observer, Volume 2, Issue 37, 28 May 1881, Page 400

There are two modes in which the evil has been successfully met, and either of these two would, we believe, meet Avith little opposition if a Government were now to take it in hand. The first is the German system, introduced into Prussia early in the present century. It repeals all laws which give the right to encumber land with life interests, with settlements, or with long' leases that prevent the absolute control over it by the person in possession. No trusts arc allowed except for management during the minority of the successor. Under the operation of this system, great estates in Prussia and in the other German States which have adopted it, have been subdivided and re-sold "wherever the proprietor found it more profitable and more congenial to do so. The country is now lilled with millions of comfortable and prosperous jicasants where formerly the feudal system of great proprietors and their hired labourers alone prevailed. In other cases, where the proprietor preferred to work a large area, he has done so, and such large estates, held intelligently and worked prolitably, have proved a great beneiit to the smaller proprietors around them. Family pride iiuds other vents than in the English fashion of great landed estates. There is greater equality and independence, and the people are devotedly attached to the new system. They have felt its good effects for 70 years, and have defeated all attempts on the part of different Ministries to interfere with it. Land is accessible to all • — to the peasant, to the large fanner, and to the weary townsman anxious to have a country place to Avhich he may retire in the evening of his days. Great estates are the exception, and smaller, well-cultivated properties are the rule. Nature is not interfered with by arbitrary laws, and free trade in land is a great fact, of which the fruits may be seen in the ardent attachment of every German to his fatherhmd.