PREFACE ΤΟ THIRD EDITION. THE two former editions of this little Work were published during the progress of the various Bills which have, in the course of the last few years, been introduced into both Houses of Parliament; having for their object the conversion of copyholds and lands of customary tenure into freehold. It was for a long time proposed that this conversion should be effected in a compulsory manner,―rendering it absolute on lords and copyholders to enfranchise voluntarily (if it can be so termed) by a certain day; after which, the compulsory part of the measure was to take effect. The feeling of the country generally was, however, naturally opposed to so direct an attack upon private rights,—no general advantage to the community being offered as an equivalent; and, in consequence, after passing through the ordeal of several years' occasional discussion, this portion of the Bill was abandoned; for which, thanks are due (among others) to the Lord Redesdale and Sir Edward Sugden. The present Act may be divided into three parts;—the first of which proffers terms for a general commutation of all the lands in a manor subject to manorial rights; and it is so far compulsory, that the lord and three-fourths in number of the tenants of a manor (the interest of the lord and the interest of the tenants in the manor and lands respectively not being less than three-fourths of the interest in the value thereof respectively) may bind the remaining tenants of the manor. The second part provides for a voluntary commutation, to be effected between the lord and any one or more of the tenants of the manor. The third part provides for voluntary enfranchisements. With regard to commutations, which are to be corn-rent-charges, on the principle of the tithe commutation, the present discussions on the corn-laws will probably, for a season, operate as lords of manors check a upon friendly to the principle of commutation. |