The chief speakers on the other side were Mr. Gibson,
Solicitor-General for Ireland, Mr. Matthews, Lord Harlington, and Sir Michael Hicks-Beach. Mr. Gibson pointed out that the Bill prejudged the ordered inquiry into rents, that no such stay of action was granted against any creditor but the landlord—a really important argument too little considered—and that no eviction could take place for less than twelve months' rent. Mr. Matthews maintained the high doctrine that the Land Act gave the owners a pledge that their rents should continue for fifteen years, which is hardly maintainable unless the rents can be shown to be "fair," and answered with great effect in the House Mr. Gladstoue's pro- position. Finally, Sir M. Hicks-Beach wound up the debate with a speech asserting that the Bill was only intended to embarrass, maintaining that the number of evictions was no proof of inability to pay, and declaring that the Bill upset the arrangement of 1881. He made no concession whatever, but rather threatened that if in the winter the rent-war went on in Ireland, Parliament would be called together before its time to supply Government with the necessary powers. The division showed a majority of 95 against the Bill, the numbers being 297 to 202.
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