168 HISTORY or PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

being irrevocably determined. The measure, though one of absolute necessity,—so far as the local government and the interest of the tenants are concerned,—must be regarded as the most unconstitutional act that ever received imperial sanction. It may be safely attirmed, that its parallel is not: to be found in the British Statute Book. In its principle, it is antagonistic to the fundamental rights of' property, as universally recognized in civilized states. The act, as a. precedent, will, doubtless, be cast in the teeth of the owners of' British property by our modern communists, the tendency of whose Views finds the solemn sanction of law in this measure. It is unjust to the landlord, inas- much as it compels him to sell his land even when he deems it his interest to retain it ; and it is unjust to the tenant, as it necessitates his paying, if he be desirous of securing the fee-simple of the land, a comparatively high price. But it; is an act of governmental necessity, as further delay would greatly enhance the value of landed property, and thus render the prospects of the tenant still more unsatisfactory. Far better, however, that millions of pounds sterling were devoted by Great Britain to the compensation of the land- lords and enants of Prince Edward Island. than that so pernicious an act should disgrace the British Colonial Statute Book.