WCP7135

Pen-y-Bryn, St. Peters Road, Croyden

Feb^y. 27^th. 1881

Dear Mr. Mongredien

I have got Brodrick's book.¹ It is most excellent & full of information, — & most impartial, — but as I think he fails to see the logical outcomes of his facts and reasonings. Some Radical friends, thinking I have hit on a practical scheme of "Nationalisation of the Land", have determined to form a Society for the purpose of agitation. I have drawn up a Prospectus, or Programme of which I enclose you a proof,² & shall esteem it a favour if you will favour ^oblige me with any remarks or criticisms that occur to you, & also let me know whether you are prepared to give your [2] aid in the cause. The new ^and essential feature of my scheme is the separation of Land into inherent value and increased value or tenant-right, the former only to belong to the State.

By this device the enormous and insuperable evils of State Management (patronage, jobbery, reckless expenditure &c &c &c.) which decided J. S. Mill³ against Nationalisation, & which to this day form the great objection ^{to it} by all radical thinkers, — are entirely done away with.

I am preparing a small book to show the cruel and extensive nature of the evil of Landlordism, — and the [3] endless advantages that would result from its abolition, — but this will perhaps not be ready for some months. Will you tell me on what terms "Cassell" published your "Free-Trade" little book⁴ — or did the Cobden Club, do that?⁵ Also whether, writing under the sanction of the C[obden].C[lub]. did they exercise any right of revision, or were you ^left perfectly free? I ask because our "Society" may wish my book to be published by them.

Trusting we may have the advantage of your energy & talent in the great Crusade for really "free land" — and that travesty of it which would be brought about by "free-trade in land" — which would [4] simply be "power of unlimited monopoly of land by the rich"—

I remain | Your very faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace