The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-20
LANDL0RDISM In AMERICA.
William Scully's Western Lands and the
Methods by Which Tenants Are Fleeced.

CHICAGO March 19.-About six weeks ago the
Tribune published an article on alien landlord
ism, showing that an Irishman named William
Scully, now residing in London, England, is the
proprietor of between 75, 900 and go 600 acres of
the best farming lands in Illinois. The writer
of the article, on visiting the Sculy estate,
claimed that the lands were titled by wretched
class of tenants, from whom are exacted enor-
nous rentals Almost the entire proceeds from
the sale of their crops went to pay rent The
article attracted much attention and numerous
communications on the subject have been re-
ceved from various parts of the country. Among
others, prominent citizen Of Kansas strongly
deprecated alien landlordism and called atten-
ton to his discovery that large tracts of land in
his own State were owned by Scully. Follow
ing suggestion derived from this letter, an in
vestigation was instituted the result of which
is published this morning. The article says
IA tour of Kansas and certain portions of Ne
braska developed the rather startling iEforma-
ton that the title to more than hundred thou
sand acres of the choicest prairie lands In the
sister States of Kansas and Nebraska is vested
in the name of William Scully All OF these
vast tracts have been added to his landed estates
within the last five years, and although only
small portion is under cultivation. the same sys-
tenn of farm renting that exists in Illinois Is rap
idly being introduced in these States Between
sixty and seventy families have bound them
selves to Scully, aud so long as they remain on
his land they cannot throw off the yoke He
holds them in slavery. Before obtaining lease
they must agree to waive all rights of exemp-
ton, and until their rent is paid everything
they possess. including the growing crops, be-
i longs to scully; As rule. they are are
spect, in the country. and very few Of
them can obtain credit from the
merchants The lease that binds them to Soul
ly is virtually chattel mortgage, and all other
claims against the tenants are shut out until
Scully gets his rents Each tenant is obliged
to sign lease for period of five years. On un-
cultivated lands the tenant pays only the taxes
the first two years, the third year he pays taxes
and one dollar an acre, and the fourth and fifth
years he pays the taxes and one dollar and a half
an acre. No provision is made for renewal of
the lease. AT its expiration the tenant must
either move of or submit to whatever rent the
landlord chooses to exact. In leasing an unim-
proved farm. the tenant gets nothing but the
land. All improvements must be at his own ex-
pense, the landlord furnishing absolutely moth
ing, consequently Scully farms do not present
an attractive appearance as rule. The tenants
having aspirations beyond the mere task
Of keeping body and soul together, are shiftless,
and make no effort to improve their condition,
all ambition seeming to be exhausted in provid-
ing the shanties their families live in and shelter
for their stock. Having no money to start on,
most of the tenants are compelled to hire out to
their prosperous neighbors during the first two
years of the struggle, and they are satisfied il.
during the first two years they succeed in break
ing the prairie lands and raising enough sod
corn to feed their stock. The three remaining
years they can raise from thirty to fifty bushels
of corn to the acre. and by close economy, quit
the place. when their lease expires, as well off
as when they began"
Much space is devoted to an explanation OF
the careful and systematic manner in which
Scully secured the land through the guidance of
bis agents. who experienced and perfectly
familiar with the country. The price is said to
range from S. to SO per acre, and it is claimed
that much of the land is now worth at least $50
per acre.