In the discussion of the Bill, it soon became obvious
that a great many of the strictest Tories really disapproved the central pro- vision against which Mr. Forster's amendment was directed. Mr. Wheelhouse, for instance (Conservative M.P. for Leeds), opposed strongly the clause absolutely imposing slaughter, and leaving the Privy Council no discretion. Sir W. Barttelot, a Conserva- tive of the Conservatives, and a county Member, did the same. Mr. Pell, though carefully praising the Bill as a whole, also suggested disembowelling it of its main provision ; so that it was not left to the Liberals to make the Government feel on what delicate ground they were treading. But the Liberals made most effective attacks on it too. Mr. Rathbone's speech was hardly less weighty than Mr. Forster's, and Mr. Arthur Peel's onslaught on it was full of point and knowledge. The Government were going to deprive themselves of a discretion which they had used, on the whole, well and wisely, with no prospect of a resulting advan- tage, except to those who would profit by a rise in the price of meat. The most important support which the Government obtained was Mr. C. S. Read's, who spoke warmly on Thursday in favour of the Bill.
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