It is difficult to discover what is meant by the landed interest, if it does not mean a combination of aristocratical landholders, opposing their own pecuniary interest to that of the farmer, and every branch of trade, commerce, and manufacture.
Paine defines the "landed interest" as a self-serving combination of aristocratic landholders whose financial interests conflict with the broader economy.
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It has nothing to dread from attacks; truth has given it an establishment, and time will record it with a name as lasting as his own.
To account for this sudden transition, it is proper to observe that there are two distinct species of popularity; the one excited by merit, and the other by resentment.
The animosity of the English nation, it is very well remembered, ran high; and, had the true principles of Liberty been as well understood then as they now promise to be, it is probable the Nation would not have patiently submitted to so…