The Farmers are declaring everywhere against the Tenant-right Bill, which
they say is worse than useless. In Cheshire, Lancashire, Devonshire, Leicestershire, Gloucestershire, and several other counties they have resolved that the clauses which maintain freedom of contract, and therefore destroy the Bill, must be struck out, and that any Bill which affects the present system must confer a new and a general security. In Cheshire the scene was a striking one, as the Duke of Westminster himself presided at the meeting, and the room was full of Leighs, Egertons, Tollemaches, and members of other old county families. They endeavoured at first to support the Bill, and then to prevent a division, but it was all of no use. The farmers were thoroughly roused, insisted on a division, and led by Mr. Latham, a Liberal landowner, thoroughly defeated their own landlords. It is a regular revolt, and it is quite possible, as we have pointed out elsewhere, that the Tenant- right Bill, if it comes down from the Lords, may prove the most important measure of the Session. The omission of the Con- tract clauses is sure to be proposed, and the County Members may be driven to the alternative of walking out of the House or losing their seats at the next election. In either ease, their con- fidence in Mr. Disraeli is likely to be reduced to a measurable quantity.
