The Sun.
London, England, 1870-05-20 00:00:00

THE IRISH LAND BILL.

The House went into committee on this bill, and pro-
ceeded to consider the new clauses of the measure.
Sir JOHN GRAY moved the insertion of a number
of clauses, one of the principal objects of which
was to retain to a good landlord—one who
was well-disposed to his tenants —the power
which he now enjoyed, namely, that of entering
into an amicable arrangement with his tenant, and except-
ing such a landlord from the clauses which prevented him
making such an arrangement. The land question was
seventy-eight years old, and had during that time been
the great evil and trouble of Ireland. Now that the
Government were going to effect a general settlement of
the question ; he was anxious to produce reconciliation
between the landlords and tenants by their own act and
deed. The main featitres of the clauses were as follows:
—The tenant should have a perpetual right to the hold-
ing, the disturbance of a tenancy only being permitted
for non-payment of rent, sub-letting or dividing without
consent, or for wilful waste, the rent to be adjusted at the
end of 14 years, the tenant forfeiting all claim to com-
pensation if he should voluntarily surrender his holding.
Mr. FORTESCUE said the Government had given the
greatest consideration to the proposaL The tenant right
proposed to be created optionally was not a tenant right.
It was in fact perpetuity of tenure qualified with certain
conditions. He believed it would be absolutely impos-
sible to enforce any of the conditions of forfeiture, except
for the non-payment of rent. The Government had come
to the conclusion that it would neither be safe nor
wise to recommend the plan proposed by the
hon. baionet for adoption by the committee.
Parliament had already nearly accomplished a measure
which they thought was sufficient for the protection of the
Irish tenant, and if they were to sanction the clauses now
proposed it would injure the prospects of settling the
land question.
Mr. C. S. READ pointed out that one effect of the pro-
posal of the member for Kilkenny would be to alienate the
landlord for the soil He would become merely a rent
charger, and probably an absentee. If the clauses were
passed the object of the other clauses would be defeated.

Mr. W. H. GREGORY characterised the clauses as
neither more nor less than an alternative tenant right
bill.

The proposition gave rise to a very protracted, but un-
interesting debate. Indeed, the proceedings failed to
excite any perceptible excitement, until Mr. Gladstone,
towards the end of the debate, succeeded in imparting
some vitality and interest in the discussion by his vigor-
ous attack on, and keen analysis of, the plan proposed by
the member for Kilkenny. Dr. Ball, in the course of the
night, recommended the committee to be content with
the Government bill, because, with all its faults, it pos-
sessed elements of finality. He strongly urged the Go-
vernment not to make further concessions to the Irish
members, and to put an end to popular agitation on the
land question by a vigorous and firm hand. This
remark drew from Mr. M`Mahon the retort that the
Opposition had been paid more deference in urging their
views upon the Government land scheme. Mr. Glad-
stone in his address exposed the deceptiveness of the
proposals of Sir John Gray, and remarked on the
paucity of these parties in favour of the system
he would establish. At half-past eleven the com-
mittee divided, and the clauses were rejected by an
overwhelming majority, namely, 317 to 29. Mr. Morrison,
who had a series of clauses to propose, recognising the
significance of the division, and its probable influence
upon his propositions, withdrew them. By this time the
committee had become excessively impatient of
further discussion, and unmistakeably wearied of its
long sitting. There was a disposition to report progress,
and Mr. Gladstone, on the motion to that effect, pointed
out that it was necessary and usual that towards the close
of the proceedings in connection with great measures,
which had produced protracted discussion, special efforts
should be made to conclude. He hoped, if progress were
now reported, a marked effort would be made on Friday
night to dispose of the remaining clauses which had to be con-
sidered. On the understanding that every facility should
be afforded the Government to complete the bill pro-
gress was reported, and the House resumed at twenty
minutes past twelve.
ARMY ENLISTMENT BILL

On the order for going into committee on this bill,
Colonel BARTTELOT expressed a hope that at that hour
the House would not go into committee. They had not
had an opportunity of considering the provisions of the
bill.

Mr. CARDWELL admitted that the bill was an important
one, but said the principle generally was agreed to.
Major DICKSON caused considerable amusement by
moving that the Speaker leave the chair that day six
months.

The House went into committee, but progress was im-
mediately reported.

WAR-OFFICE BILL.
The amendments made by the Lords in this bill were
brought up.
Mr. CARDWZLL moved that they be agreed to.
TRAMWAYS BILL.

On the third reading of this bill it was recommitted,
for the purpose of making several amendments.
GAS AND WATER FACILITIES BILL.

This bill, as amended, was considered.
METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS LOANS
(STAMP DITTY).
This bill passed through committee.
WINE AND BEERHOUSE ACT (1867) AMEND-