The accident to Mr. Gladstone has impeded the proposed oxplanation
as to the condition of public business; but a rumour, more or less authoritative, is afloat that the Govern- ment, in their anxiety to state their remedial measures, will postpone the Arms Bill, and bring forward their Land. Bill without delay, probably next week. It is also rumoured that the latter Bill will satisfy even those who, like ourselves, hold that the change in Irish tenure must be radical, and that if the Land League had fought the sound part of their case constitution- ally, and sharply put down outrages, there would have been no argument for coercion at all. We heartily desire that both these rumours may be true, and should regard their fulfilment s evidence of great magnanimity in the Liberal party. They a
have been deserted, defied, and obstructed by the defenders of tenant-right, and to grant what they have demanded without recollection of their conduct is a course which, even to trained statesmen, must be most difficult. If it is taken, there will be one more chance for Ireland, where the agrarian grievance has always been the greatest, the best founded, and the one most inherently difficult to cure. All efforts may be vain, for hope in Irish affairs always flatters ; but at least the effort will have been made, and made with thorough sincerity and self- suppression.
