If we investigate feudalism in its social aspects, in the words of the late chief justice of Ceylon, " we shall find ample cause for the inextinguishable hatred with which, as Guizot truly states iu History of Civilization in Europe, it lias ever been regarded by the common people. But this ought not to make us blind to its brighter features. There was much in feudalism, especially as developed in the institutions of chivalry, that was pure and graceful and generous. It ever acknowledged the high social position of woman, it zealously protected her honour. It favoured the growth of domestic attachments, and the influence of family associations. It fostered literature and science. It kept up a feeling of independence, and a spirit of adventurous energy. Above all, it paid homage to the virtues of Courage and Truth in man, and of Affection and Constancy in woman." ^

Such was the feudal system in reality, its origin and principles. As a system of land tenure, or of government, it not only never existed in the Province of New York, but it was absolutely the opposite of the systems of both which were there established. No lord paramount, either as Duke of York, or as a Lord of a Manor, was ever known within this State while an English Province. The former was a Propiietor only, as William Peun and Lord Baltimore were, in Pennsylvania and in Maryland. The latter was an owner in fee with no powers, rights or privileges, but those appurtenant to, and consistent with, the freest allodial tenure. Moreover, it not only never existed, but it could not possibly have existed in New York. For it was prohibited by the statute law wiihin the realm of England four years before New York became an integral part of the dominions of that realm.