27 NOVEMBER 1886, Page 3

Rumours are circulating in London of an intention on the

part of Government to "put down" the new anti-rent agitation in Ireland, to use military force in support of evictions, and to arrest the ringleaders. It is possible that the Government has -considered the recent incitements to the tenantry to decide for -themselves how much they will keep of their contracts ; but the steps foreshadowed are improbable. The Government could not take them without calling Parliament together, and there has hitherto been no evidence that they intend to adopt this plan. 'Their object has rather been to induce the landlords to make reductions, and so keep everything quiet till February.