CHAPTER XXXII.

THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (_continued_).

Law-making in 1870--The Queen's Speech--The Irish Land Problem--Diversities of Opinions--The Agrarian Agitation--Mr. Gladstone's Land Bill introduced--Its Five Parts--Grievances of the Irish Tenant--Free Contract--The Ulster Custom--Compensation for Eviction--The Landlord's Safeguards--The Irish Labourer--Mr Gladstone's Peroration--Direct and Indirect Opposition--The Second Reading carried--Agrarian Outrages--Mr. Fortescue's Coercion Bill--Mr. Disraeli's Amendment to the Land Bill--A Clever Speech--Mr. Lowe's Reply--Progress of the Debate--The Bill becomes Law 518