Parliament reassembled on Thursday, and Mr. Fowler pro- posed the
second reading of the Bill establishing District Councils and Parish Councils in a most conciliatory speech. The Government evidently intend to avoid conflict with the Church, there being Churchmen among their own followers who might rebel, and the fight, so far as there is any, will be round the grouping of the parishes, which Mr. Fowler leaves to the sense of the House, and the clauses levelling all votes for guardians of the poor. The grouping excites much local animus, and it is most difficult to see how it can be either carried out or avoided, except possibly by a permissive veto; and the levelling' of votes creates the danger that the lowest class in villages may vote themselves out - door relief, leaving the landlords and farmers to pay for it. It is suggested that this great change, which is partly political, may be left. to a separate Bill, and it is not unlikely that the Lords will carry that amendment. It must not be forgotten that as regards taxes those without property pay their share in the duties on alcohol, tobacco, and tea ; but as regards rates, the very poor in the villages pay nothing. The landlords could, if rates were abolished, increase rents in proportion.
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