THE IRISH LAND BILL.
cm THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] Sui,—Mr. Gladstone's refusal to give any assurance that the .Irish Laud Bill should. be introduced before Easter is, I think, enuch to be regretted, especially as Mr. Parnell's question im- plied a illiaposition on his part to abstain—as oven those who supported him on the Coercion Bills 'desire—from obstruction on Supply. Neither can I concur in the wisdom of the reason offered by the Primo Minister, that it was not in the public interest that the Land Bill should be introduced, and allowed to remain for a long time without any definite decision of the House on its principle. The importance and difficulty of the subject demand for it careful reflection and full discussion, without as well as within the House of Commons. To shrink from this ordeal is a sign of weakness, and will not fortify the Ministry. The question is not one between the party in power and a section of the Irish people or their representa- tives. It is one between the Government and the country. In Ireland, a large proportion both of tenants and landlords are anxiously looking for an announcement of the policy of the Government, as the indispensable condition for a return to the normal state. Some, no doubt, of the proprietors will press their tenants for an immediate settlement, but there is good reason for believing that a large number are averse to legal proceedings, which must excite ill-will, even when justifiaM."?. The longer coercion is allowed undivided sway and divorced from reform, the worse will it be for landlords and tenants, for the country, and ?or the Ministry.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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