The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-08-07
House of Lords Proves a
Stumbling Block.
Ultimate Defeat Of Irish Land
Bill Predicted.
Now Lies With Commons to Make a
Fight FOR II.

London. Aug. 1.-THE debate on the
Irish land bill last night soon developed
into defeat OF the government on Wis
count Templeton's amendment asking
that the several classes of each holding
should be ascertained, and that the fair
rent should be based on the assumption
that all the improvements were made
or acquired by the landlord.
The Marquis of Lansdowne, secretary
of state for war, said that the govern
ment could not accept the amendment,
rs IL would overburden the land COM
missioners with minute details and in
volve great expense.
The Marquis of Londonderry, the Earl
of Mayo, the Earl of Winchelsea, the
Duke of Abercorn and others supported
the amendment. which was finally
adopted by a vote of 127 to 81, amid
cheers. Lord Rosebery. Earl Spencer,
Baron Herschell and the opposition
peers supported the government. Sew
eral verbal amendments were then car
ried.
Baron Inchiquin. Conservative, moved
that no deduction be made in fair rent,
by reason OF the mere right of occupation
OF the vested tenant. The Marquis Of
Lansdowne opposed this motion. on the
ground that il was unnecessary, but
nevertheless II was adopted without a
division.
The defeat of the government spread
dismay among the ministerial members
OF the house of commons, who were
listening TO the debate. and they rushed
back TO the lower house, in order TO an
nounce the defeat, thus creating quite a
sensation.
The Earl OF Dunraven moved a new
clause to the Irish land bill, to facilitate
landlord purchase of tenants improve
ments.
The Marquis OF Lansdowne said that
II was a novel proposal, and was foreign
10 the scope OF the bill. The Earl of Dun
raven thereupon consented 10 withdraw
his motion.
A long discussion followed, on Baron
Cloncurry's amendment TO clause 4,
TO exclude from the operation of the
bill holdings to the value OF ESQ yearly,
instead OF sl00. The Marquis of Lans-
downe and the Duke of Devonshire de-
clared that the government could not
accept this amendment, as II would be a
denial OF justice 10 that class.
Baron Cloncurry's amendment was
carried Dy vote OF lUf 10 oV, IN spite or
the governments opposition.
Baron MacNaghlen then moved the
omission of clause g. relating to town
parks The Marquis OF Lansdowne and
Baron Ashbourne contended that this
clause was non-contentious, but, never
theless. the clause was omitted, by vote
OF 80 to II.
The house of lords finally adjourned
ut midnight. Ii Is understood that when
the Irish land bill returns TO the house
OF commons. the government will there
move to disagree TO the various peers
amendments which were carried against
the government. Should the lords then
Persist in maintaining their amend
ments, there will be no alternative for
the government but 10 drop the bill.
Timothy Healy a d John Dillon already
regard the bill as dead, unless the gov
eminent shall make a strong effort TO
undo the mischief done by the house OF
lords last night.
Gerald Balfour, chief secretary for
Ireland, was gravely disappointed at the
nction Of the lords, but he thinks that
the bill can be saved IL the house of COM
mons will emphasize it's disagreement
TO the lords amendments.
The Daily News (Lib.) says II Is
stated that Gerald Balfour will resign
If the lords Insist upon the amendments
TO the Irish land bill. which they adopted
last night.