Connecticut western news., 1881-02-09
THE LAND AGENT,
A Man who Manages to make a Liv-
 ing in Ireland.

n OOOh OA AAOA"ASA SANoS us UQ6 IO1' lowing picture of land agent who fig ures for himself: "Mr. Casey's system is not simple. He sternly sets his face against any increase of rent, and from his seat at the board of guardians in- weighs bitterly against eviction for what ever cause: I am the agent for several properties, and I humbly thank the Almighty that have never yet sent family houseless on the world No, gentlemen; in Europe there could not be found people more anxious to pay their rent; and I have always found that with little kindness and patient indulgence the tenants of this coun- try will always pay to the last farthing,' Speeches like this are of frequent oo- currence, and Mir. Casey is accepted as the tenants friend. He is most indul- gent to the tenants in many ways, yet if they could count up the items it would startle them to see the amount of money over and above the rents that has found it's way to the office. So far as fences are concerned, they may man. age their own affairs as pleases them best, and if provision is to be made for second son by subdivision of the farm, MT. Casey is always ready to oblige a tenant-for consideration.
 "The fine old customs are kept up on these properties. In the old leases were specified the number of 'duty fowl that is fat turkeys or fat hens and chickens that were to be annually sup | piled to the great house. and Mrs. Casey has no hesitation in accepting fat fowl from the tenants. Then it is only a mark of esteem that the tenants should send their carts and horses, and SOW and gather the crops of an agent who speaks so beautifully about the people. If any one has declined, some- how he thinks better of it next year, and all goes on swimmingly. Mrs. Casey has another valuable perquisite, which in the good old times was always due to the landlords wife. Seal money meant the present given by the tenant on the completion and sealing of his lease. With Mrs. Casey it is inter preted very freely as the price of her favor; and the tenants know that the only chance of getting that agreement signed or having share of that vacant farm is to obtain her interest. The pair of gloves with the fingers stuffed with bright golden sovereigns was only delicate compliment paid by William Rooney for her kindness in speaking for him when he proposed for the farm at Tubbernacreega.
 "With the exception of some few uu- pleasant incidents MT. Casey has had on the whole successful time as an agent MT. Melville's property is let much below its value, and the difficulty of his life is to conceal that fact from the owner. Low letting means large margin for the indirect taxation that an Irish tenant is always ready to pay; and if a man can afford to give fifty pounds to Mir. Casey and two hundred pounds to the outgoing yearly tenant for suc- cession to farm of twenty acres at the rent of 920 year, it is manifestly more comfortable for the agent and the out going tenant than if the rent of the farm were raised to e25 and smaller margin left for 'tenant-right.'
 "James Freney has never been for given for his treaehcry with reference to the farm of Lougdnakerriga. Mrs. Casey had given her interest to Michae Hession, who had proposed for it at twenty five shillines an acre; but Fre- ney had some of that energy so hateful to MT. Casey. Knowing how the wind blew, he went straight over to France and saw MT. Melville; produced de- posit receipt for e5O0; offered thirty shillings an acre for the farm, and re- turned home with letter to MT. Casey saying it was MT. Melville's wish that Freney's offer be accepted.
 "Freney has lived to rue the day. Rumors have been set on foot that his high offer has led MT. Melville to the conclusion that the property has been underlet, and a revaluation may be looked for. Freney has been denounced from the altar insulted in the market place; abused by the Tenants Defence Association, and treated generally as g traitor to the tenants and his country
 His rent must be paid to the day, and for the trespasses committed by the cattle of adjoining tenants he has nc redress. As well might Turkish Christian appeal to the authorities against Mussulman as Freney attempt to summon one of his neighbors. The amount of little injuries done to him is extraordinary, and he wishes heartily that he had left the farm to Hession and taken his chance for another in the usual course.
 "Many threatening letters in connec ton with that farm have been forwarded by Mr. Casey to Mir. Melville. Of thes, letters the police have never been told
 nor has any hint been given to others o
 their receipt. They form part of I series transmitted to MT. Melville iron 1 time to time, effectually staying off tha
 promised or threatened visit to his Iris @ property. To Mr. Casey MT. Melvill feels that he owes debt of gratitutl f for having retained an agency fraugl
 with danger, and that gentleman has n Il idea of allowing so satisfactory feelin e to subside. *
 o "Mr. Casey has hopes that in du J. time MT. Melville will sell the Ball,
 botherem property, when he is prepare