IRISH AFFAIRS.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 147, 24 June 1887, Page 5

IRISH AFFAIRS.

The last of the " Times' " second series of articles on " Parnellism and Crime," which appeared on June Ist, concludes with the statement that the New York Council of the -b enian Brotherhood has funds for a display in honour of the Queen's jubilee—in other words, a series of dynamite and incendiary outrages is intended. Whether the schemes will succeed the near future will disclose. It adds : " What knowledge the Parnellites possess of the character and projects of the men who hold such close relations to them, we shall not here discuss. Parnell has but to raise a finger to obtain fuller information upon every point that our partial and limited opportunities have rendered impossible."

Failiesr Keller Released

The Court of Appeals rendered a decision in the case of Father Keller, a priest of Youghall, imprisoned in the Kilmainham Gaol for refusing to testify regarding his connection with the plan of campaign. The court holds the warrant for his arrest to be illegal and reverses tho decision of the Court of the Queen's Bench. Father Keller was released from prison at 8 o'clock in the evening. He drove to the Imperial Hotel in the Lord Mayor's carriage in company with Archbishop Walsh and Hon. William Harrington, member of Parliament, followed by large crowds of citizens. At the hotel he was received by Sheehy and Crilly, members of Parliament, and numerous priests. Judge Boyd has ordered the release of Father Ryan- and Father Slattery, imprisoned for refusing to testify relative to the "plan of campaign." The release is due to the decision of the Court of Appeals in the case of Father Keller.

Tenants Intrenched.

Evictions are being carried on at Bodyke, and are attended by exciting scenes. Today a fight occurred. The police charged the people with batons. The sheriff:' in command Avas seized with epilepsy, and a truce was had at once, and was used by the people to strengthen their defences. The persons to be evicted barricaded their homes, and have plenty of friends, who are assisting bo resist the police. Active work began again on June 2nd. The sheriff was protected by 600 policemen and troops. At one house, in which the inmates were barricaded, the officers made holes through the Avails with crowbars, and removed the furniture. There was great excitement in the district,

The editor of "Vanity Fair" says: I met an Irish friend the other day who had been on a flying visit to his distressed fatherland. In reply to my inquiry as to how he found things going on over there, he said : " Men are standing about towns and villages all day long with their hands in their pockets and their backs against the wall, discussing the Coercion Bill and waiting for bloodshed to begin."

An Irish land agent informed me the other day that he made an extended tour for the purpose of collecting rents long overdue. In his travels he journeyed some 700 miles to collect some £700. Now, no one can travel under 2 shillings per mile ; so that when 5 per cent, for collection is superadded and 30 or 40 per cent, is allowed for reduction, it will be seen that an Irish estate is nearly as profitable as a suit in Chancery.