PEASANT REVOLTS 183 



greater betrayal than this of the interests of a de- 

 serving and long-suffering class of men.^ 



In 1886 the Allotments and Small Holdings Bill 

 was again introduced, when it was discussed and 

 "talked out." In 1887 the "Allotments" part of the 

 Bill, with some modifications, was embodied in a 

 measure brought in by Lord Salisbury's Government. 

 The Bill was subjected to lengthy discussions, and 

 its passing was endangered by dilatory amendments 

 moved by the Opposition. The Government, how- 

 ever, persevered, and the Bill became law towards 

 the end of the session. The principle of compulsion 

 was retained, which was a great advance in the 

 question." 



Much has been said in depreciation of this Act 

 from the fact that the compulsory clauses have only 

 to a small extent been put into operation. But the 

 compulsory clauses were only intended to be used as 

 a last resort ; and the local authorities, to whom the 

 administration of the Act was entrusted, were directed 

 to secure land, whenever possible, by voluntary arrange- 

 ment. There is no doubt that this Act has been very 

 successful in securing allotments for the men wherever 

 a demand existed. It is difficult to gauge exactly the 

 measure of its success, but by comparing the number 

 of allotments given in the Government return for 

 1886 with that given in a similar return for 1890, we 

 find that the number had enormously increased during 



^ The terms of the Amendment as drafted by the present writer were 

 as follows : " But this House humbly expresses its regret that no measures 

 are announced by Her Majesty for the present relief of these classes, 

 and especially for affording facilities to agricultural labourers and others 

 in the rural districts, to obtain allotments and small holdings on equitable 

 terms as to rent and security of tenure." 



2 For the drafting of the original Bill the present writer was indebted 

 to Sir Robert Reid, m.p. for the Dumfries burghs. 



