New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-02-23
passed on quietly. The state Of siege that was de-
clared some time ago has been raised and there is
now no further danger Of a revolution.
FOR AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS.
OUTLINE OF Mr.. CHApLIN's BILL INTRODUCED
IN TIE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

London. Feb. o2.-ln the House Of Commons today
Henry Chaplin. president of the Board OF Agriculture
introduced az observation-disclosures bill. lie admitted
that the measure was of tentative character. 20
English legislation. 1t aimed at a wider distrbu-
ton Of lard among the people to or augment
the yeoman class which had been dwindhng for many
years The Government also hoped to check the
migration Of rural residents to the towns by Offering
such increased advantages would cOuntcIact urban
attractions. The Allotmens Act had already pro-
vided small plots for thousands Of aborers IN England
The holders OF these allotmcnts were anxous to eX-
change their holdings for which neither capital nor
building was required. for regular farm holdings. In
view OF the admirable cultivation Of the aotments
there was every reason to hope that economic success
would attend the extension Of the principle as pro
posed in the bill.
The scheme, in outline, is that public works loan
commission representing the State be empowered TO
lend money at Is per cent to local authorities. who
could borrow from the commission elsewhere money
acquire land in order provide small holdings for
persons resident In the county in which the land IS
acquired. The amount borrowed Is not to exceed a sum
involving charge upon the rates Of over penny In
the pound for any year The county councils, those
popularity elected bodies chosen, will have authority
to secure land. penny In the pound in the county
rates In England and scotland excluding the borOugS,
will realize ten million pounds sterling The councils
would appoint committees put the act in operation
Concerning the question whether the land ought TO bc
obtained by hire purchase. everything showed that
ownership preferable TO tenancy. The Govern
ment had therefore decided that the land must he
acquired by purchase at price not exceeding what
the local authorities expected TO receive for il when
portiOned into small holdings. Purchasers from
the local authorities would be qui ed 10 pay one fourth
OF the purchase money down and to leave one fourth
secured by a perpetual rent charge. paving the ne
naming half by inStaments tcrmnabc annuiticS.
The whole amount could br paid of at any time. The
holdings ought not to exceed ten acres. only one
dwelling house could be erected on holding and II
cOuld be subet or subdvdcd without the assent Of
the authorities Finally. the Government had decided
against granting the authorities compulsory powers to
acquire land.
Sir william Vernon Harcourt cOmplmentcd Mr..
Chaplin on the ability OF his statement lie said he
would give the Government credit for good intentions
in initiating the Lberal lie reminded the House that
previous acts dealing with allomcnts ''"arc inop-
eIative through the absence Of the compulsory 1clpe.
and lie declared that until the compulsory principle
adopted the question wJull reycr De set led. Re
garding the machinery OF the measure. j" coubtri
whether the county councils the right bodies to
work the provisions.
Jesse Ceilings, Liberal Cnonlst. approved the meas
ure
Mr.. Haldane Gla1sonlan. declared that tie OppO,i-
tiOn would view The measure Win friendship, a. 10
promised after amendment. TO become really bcnc-
fetal.
Mr.. Chspllns bill passed the first reading.