On Thursday Mr. T. W. Russell reopened the debate on
the Irish Land Bill in a speech of great good sense and moderation. He pointed out, just as we have pointed out elsewhere, the necessity for treating the feelings and the fears of the landlords with tenderness and consideration. Again he insisted, as we have insisted, on the necessity for adding words to the contentions clauses of the Bill which will make it absolutely clear that they contain no covert attack on the landlords. In most essentials, however, Mr. T. W. Russell defended the principles underlying the Bill, though, as before, he would not agree to the tenant being given the increased letting-value due to the inherent capacity of the soil, on the ground that the tenant does not take that when he takes a farm. What, then, does he take ? Mr. Russell would answer, Only the agricultural status quo at the time when the fair rent is fixed.' That is too metaphysical for us. Besides, we want to see the tenant encouraged to develop the inherent capacity of the soil. If he is not, this inherent capacity will be locked up for ever,—held in a sort of mortmain. But this is contrary to public policy. Colonel Saunderson condemned the Bill as robbery ; Mr. Redmond did not think it went fax enough, and Mr. Smith-Barry in effect said it was not even prairie-value.
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