The Small Holdings Bill passed on Monday through Com- mittee,
much discussed, but substantially not resisted. The only important change proposed was by Mr. Haldane, who moved that in the event of intestacy, a small holding should be distributed as personalty, and not as realty. Mr. Chaplin at first resisted this innovation, because if a small holding reverted to the original holder, he might hold his estate under two titles; but the motion being supported from both sides of the House, the Minister of Agriculture, who is earning un- expected credit as a manager of opponents, gave way, and promised to bring up a modified clause in the Report stage. The objection to Mr. Haldane's proposal seems to us to be that it favours subdivision; but as England is not Ireland, we think this danger may be left to the common-sense of the tenants, who in this country will not spend their lives on scraps of land. The feeling of the House in favour of the proposal was very marked, and points to an ultimate abolition of the difference in the descent of fixed and moveable property. It is hoped that the Bill will pass before Whitsuntide, and as it will not be gravely resisted in the Lords, it may be considered safe. It is highly approved by agricultural labc-rrers ; but it must be remembered that in politics it is expectation, not gratitude, which influences voters.
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