The teaching of the National League spreads fast. On Monday
a body of crofters in Lewis, about a thousand strong, marched to drive the sheep from a farm belonging to a Mr. Newall. The rioters were resisted by the police and a small body of soldiers ; but they fought hard, and though many of them were arrested, they drove the sheep to a point on the coast, drowning and killing many. Several of the poor beasts were left on the farm with their legs broken or other wounds, and the crofters loudly proclaimed their intention of leaving no sheep on the island. They have absolutely no quarrel with Mr. Newall, who is even popular ; but they hate the sheep. faring, which absorb the hill-pastures that they think ought to be divided among them. The attack is really directed against the Matheson family, the owners of the island, who have expended immense sums in the effort to raise the con. dition of the people, but in so doing have interfered with High- land ways. As regards rents, the crofters have a case ; and it is possible that the use of the pastures in common would be for their advantage, though they are too thick upon the ground; but as against the sheep-farmers their conduct has not even an apparent excuse. They are simply marauders, and there is nothing to do except protect the law by the unhesitating employment of force.
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