The Tithes Bill, though it has not made quite as
much pro- gress as was anticipated, was nearly passed. this week, and Monday is definitely fixed as the last day in Committee. The most important of the questions debated was raised on Thursday. The Government propose that when the tithe ex- ceeds t wo-thirds of the value of the land, the amount in excess shall be remitted. Mr. Gray desired to make the limit one- half, and was supported by several Conservatives and Liberal Unionists. Mr. Picton urged, however, in the interests of the nation—" tho ultimate reversioner of the tithe "—that the vent-charge should be kept at as Ligh a level as possible. Ultimately, the amendment was lost,-187 votes being given against, and 124 for Mr. Gray's proposal. Further debate on the clause was adjourned till Monday. At first sight, the Government's proposal may seem unfair to the tithe-owner ; but it must be remembered that it is not to his interest that the land should go out of cultivation. But unless a possible margin of profit is left, this is only too likely to happen.
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