. On the subject of Parochial Councils, Mr. Matthews pro-
fessed his absolute inability to become enthusiastic. Mr.
Gladstone maintains that one of the especial functions of these Parish Councils will be to defend rights-of-way and protect commons ; while Sir William Harcourt anticipates that these Parochial Councils will make the life of the agricultural labourer wiser and happier. "I find it difficult," said Mr. Henry Matthews, "to treat this seriously. I cannot imagine happiness consisting in frequent evening meetings and long discussions about stiles and footpaths." "There are hints. that these Parish Councils are to manage the charities. I cannot help suspecting that that may mean that the funds of the charities are to be diverted from the founder's intentions,. and devoted to some popular use or other." That might,. indeed, be a much more interesting evening occupation than discussing stiles and the proper boundaries of commons. A policy of confiscation of some of the people's property by other- people will always have a flavour of sensationalism about it.
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