The Land-purchase Bill passed through Committee in the Lords on
Thursday, with only one important amendment. This was moved by Lord Londonderry, who proposed that if the sum allocated to any county should not be applied for by the small tenants within the year, the balance should be applicable for both large tenants and small tenants, without consideration of the extent of their holdings. This amendment was accepted by Lord Cadogan on behalf of the Government, and may be found difficult to pilot through the Commons. The time granted is a little too short to allow the small tenants, with their large numbers, to make up their very various minds. We suppose, however, that if they are in earnest they can do it, unless the officials throw obstacles in their way, which, under Mr. Balfour at least, will not happen. An amendment by the Duke of Argyll abolishing dual proprietorship on enfranchised estates was wisely withdrawn. The little free- holders will settle that matter by-and-by very satisfactorily.
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