This essay had its origin in the study of the case
for Tenancy Legislation, a subject at almost every
point bound up with the theory of rent, and with the
public right to share that value. The very mention of
such legislation conjures up in many minds only the
idea that rents will be restricted and fixed with
'moderation,' and removed from the sphere of
competition. It became therefore necessary to examine
and state carefully the eternal justice of the obligation
that lies upon every user of land to pay rent or revenue,
an obligation of which he cannot be relieved without
destroying the foundations of society and civilisation.