The application on Thursday of the new rule respecting a
motion for adjournment, intended to bring forward a discussion on a "definite matter of urgent public importance," was• effected in a highly satisfactory manner, Mr. Parnell securing the support of more than 100 Members who rose in their places on his behalf. Mr. Parnell, accordingly, pointed out the- great danger that the time provided for the purpose of taking advantage of the Arrears Act had been too short, and that. both the Land Act and Arrears Act might prove to be failures, in consequence of that too strictly limited period. Mr. Tre- vejyan replied that notice bringing the tenants within the- operation of the Acts would be allowed till December 31st,— still five weeks off. As long ago as October 21st, the Land Commissioners had prophesied that the great bulk of the notices would come in at the eleventh hour ; and so he believed it would be. The forms of notice on very large estates were only just being filled up now, and the Commissioners had the power to extend the time for notice till April 30th, if they pleased. Mr. Trevelyan showed that the evictions were diminishing rapidly, and he did not anticipate at all the same amount of distress this winter in Ireland which was anticipated by Mr. Parnell. With active measures, however, to deal with such, distress as there may be, the Government were well prepared.
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