Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/482

 468 History of the Radical Party in Parliament. [1865- complete the business. Mr. Bright and Mill, whilst not opposing the bill, spoke in the strongest terms about the necessity of some legislation to remove the grievances which had been the cause of the disturbance. Parliament, however, was in no such great haste as to remedies, and although a Tenant Right Bill was introduced by the Government and read a second time, the ministerial crisis prevented its adoption. On the motion for second reading, Mill impressed upon the House in a most striking manner that difference in the customs and traditions on the land question between England and Ireland, without a recognition of which no just legislation for the latter country could be carried, and no permanent tranquillity and prosperity insured. There were not wanting signs that Parliament would be called upon, and would be ready, to consider many of those social questions on which the Radicals were desirous of making progress. On the I2th of February the Government introduced a bill for improving the dwellings of the labouring classes through the instrumentality of local authorities. On the 1 3th Mr. Fawcett opened the question of education in manufacturing towns ; and on the 7th of March the Church Rates Abolition Bill was, on the motion of Mr. Hardcastle, read a second time. Attention to all other subjects was, however, rendered feeble and distracted by the thought of what was to be done on the great question of reform. A sort of preliminary experiment was made by Mr. Clay, who, on the 2Oth of February, introduced a bill for the creation of a new franchise as a result of an educational examination. The real business began a little later. On the 1st of March Mr. Gladstone gave notice that on the I2th he would move for leave to bring in a Reform Bill. On the day named he rose to explain the Government proposals. These were very simple, and dealt with the franchise only, redistribution being left for a special bill to be submitted in the following year. The county franchise was to be extended to occupiers of property of 14 rental, which was supposed to be equal to about 12 ratal. Adult male depositors in savings-