If I turn to the agrarian changes effected in Germany I find the same grand saving principle of universal ownership acknowledged and carried out and the cultivating tenant the owner of his farm. No other system, it would appear, could thrive in these countries, and none other would be tolerated by these peoples.
In Prussia the statesmanlike policy of Stein and Hardenberg carried out in the most complete, full and satisfactory manner an agrarian reform of the most important character. The ruling idea of the legislation associated with those illustrious names was to enfranchise the land as well as the owner of it from all restrictions to its free exchange and his sole possession. But the proprietorial rights were handed over to the tenantry at a fair compensatory value. The great historic distinction between 'demesne land' and 'tenant land,' between the 'manor' and the 'allodium,' the 'community,' and the 'immunity' was fought out with varying fortunes, but ultimately, and by the quiet force of the necessity of the situation, to the advantage of the State and that of all parties concerned. The 'Edicts' regulating these reforms were masterly productions charters of agrarian rights and the exposition of admitted economic principles. As comprehensive in their range as determinate in their application, they accomplished their purpose in a clear, defined and impartial spirit. From effecting the separation of the conflicting rights of landlord and tenant to the establishment of Land Banks the most perfect and adequate provision for every contingency was made with a foresight remarkable for its keen, intelligent appreciation of the character and stability of the social
