in other places. No scheme of
policy has, in any country, yet brought the rich and poor on equal terms
into courts of judicature. Perhaps experience, improving on experience,
may in time effect it.

Those who have long enjoyed dignity and power, ought not to lose it
without some equivalent. There was paid to the Chiefs by the publick, in
exchange for their privileges, perhaps a sum greater than most of them
had ever possessed, which excited a thirst for riches, of which it shewed
them the use. When the power of birth and station ceases, no hope
remains but from the prevalence of money. Power and wealth supply the
place of each other. Power confers the ability of gratifying our desire
without the consent of others. Wealth enables us to obtain the consent
of others to our gratification. Power, simply considered, whatever it
confers on one, must take from another. Wealth enables its owner to give
to others, by taking only from himself. Power pleases the violent and
proud: wealth delights the placid and the timorous. Youth therefore
flies at power, and age grovels after riches.

The Chiefs, divested of their prerogatives, necessarily turned their
thoughts to the improvement of their revenues, and expect more rent, as
they have less homage. The tenant, who is far from perceiving that his
condition is made better in the same proportion, as that of his landlord
is made worse, does not immediately see why his industry is to be taxed
more heavily than before. He refuses to pay the demand, and is ejected;
the ground is then let to a stranger, who perhaps brings a larger stock,
but who, taking the land at its full price, treats with the Laird upon
equal terms, and considers him not as a Chief, but as a trafficker in
land. Thus the estate perhaps is improved, but the clan is broken.

It seems to be the general opinion, that the rents have been raised with
too much eagerness. Some regard must be paid to prejudice. Those who
have hitherto paid but little, will not suddenly be persuaded to pay
much, though they can afford it. As ground is gradually improved, and
the value of money decreases, the rent may be raised without any
diminution of the farmer's profits: yet it is necessary in these
countries, where the ejection of a tenant is a greater evil, than in more
populous places, to consider not merely what the land will produce, but
with what ability the inhabitant can cultivate it. A certain stock can
allow but a