The Mines Regulation Bill is advancing amid fierce opposition `from
the "interests." A strong attempt by Mr. Elliott on Tues- day to spoil the Bill, by introducing the words "under ordinary -circumstances" after the provisions for ventilation was, however, defeated by Mr. Bruce, who, in a speech of unusual fire, carried 'the House with him, and secured the crushing majority of 298 to 20. Mr. Bruce, however, was obliged to add the words as " far as reasonably practicable," which will give managers and owners an effective method of defence. An attempt was also made by Mr. Hussey Vivian to reduce the penalties on owners for carelessness to mere fines, while the men still remain liable to imprisonment, but this was withdrawn in deference to Mr. Bruce's -strong opposition. The Home Secretary maintained that an owner had only to publish and enforce the rules to be acquitted, and that imprisonment for three months was not too heavy a penalty for criminal negligence. At all events, he could not mete out two measures to the men and the masters.
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