The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-05-15

the agricultural interests, which decidedly
require more attention than the Irish problem,
have suffered that kind of neglect which inva-
riably produces danger. This most extraordi-
nary state of affairs now exists throughout
England and Scotland, that while farmers and
farm laborers are suffering from uncommonly
hard times nearly every form of labor is en-
joying degree of prosperity nearly unpreee-
dented There has not been for at least eight
years such demand for all other forms OF
labor as there is now The building trade il
marvelously prosperous, and railway con-
strGcton seems to be almost foyerishly
active. Public works are starting up appa-
rently every where. Capital seems to be anx-
lous 10 get out of government securities
with low interest and into ship-build-
ing and marine engineering schemes, which
are being pushed forward with unwonted
bTisllness in all the northern ports Even the
Golfers are kept busy, and the iron trade is
well supplied with orders It has seldom been
the case during the past eight years that con-
dition has existed in which miners, @navvies, -
puddlers, and laborers have all had their serv-
ices in equal demand with those of skilled arti-
sans, shIp-builders, and engineers Such a
state of things exists in England to-day and
the wages OF labor are good. Food Is cheap
because of the great amount imported. j
But the very reverse of all this is the CON
;dition of the farmers. Their homo market
has been ruined by foreign, largely American
competition. They have had several bad sea
SONS. They have had to pay high rents and
they have been growing poor for four years.
They are dscontented and are rising The
discomfort is national. and almost all the ten
ant farmers in England, Scotland, and Wales
now belong to societies, all working for the
one purpose OF securing Legislation that will
at least remove the heavier burdens of land
lordam.
sir. Gladstone is known to have said that
there could be nothing more serious for Eng
land 10 meet than an uprising of English farm
ers, and that the political effect of such an up
rising upon the Institutions of the country
would simply be mcalculabIe He now says
that ii the tenant farmers bill introduced by
the government is defeated, the gov
ernmeht will ask for the dissolution OF
parliament and will appeal to the country.
The threat is remarkable and will no
doubt be Carried out 1t Is evident
that force is being organized ,
that will defeat the. bill. The extreme Radicals
and the Conservatives have formed alliance
to oppose the measure, and the alliance is COM
plete and the members have already adopted
a programme
The ParnelI party at meeting has decided
to act with the Radicals and Conservatives,
without joining them in voting against the bin.
They do not hesitate to say that the sole motive
OF their opposition will be to defeat
the government and secure new cleo
tom which, they say will increase their repre-
sontation The irish party is well organized
now to throw It's entire vote with any faction, |
and their determination to act with the Tories |
on the present government mea sure shows the |
faith they have in their prospects in - new |
election. With them henceforth the motto will |
be- Anything TO beat the government" Tie |
dissolution OF the present parliament after two |
wears existence would not only cauBe tn |
campaign and force the land ques- |
ton to the front, but wonld show remark |
able contrast with the Disraei parliament |
which came within week of being the long
est on record and near filling the constitutional |