PROTEST AGAINST COERCION.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XV, Issue 5, 27 May 1887, Page 9

PROTEST AGAINST COERCION.

(The Pilot March 26.)

As the Pilot goes to press, the new Coercion Act for Ireland is before Parliament. The new English Secretary for Ireland, an inexperienced and incapable young aristocrat, has began a deliberately planned policy of lawless outrage on the Irish people. In his first week he approves the brutal murder of a poor man by a police bayonet : the murderer continues on duty in the little towc of Youghal in face of the protests of the inhabitants. Nest follows the arrest of a beloved priest, who is imprisoned because he refuses to betray confidential disclosures. Following these ominous instances comes the new Bill to legalise murder and all other atrocities which this savage and proud governor or his tools may commit in Ireland. It is time for America to protest. In every city indignation meetings should be held, at which the leading men of America will be glad to speak, New York has already begun. In the Cooper Union on Monday night last a great meeting was held, at which Editor Dana, of the N. Y. Sun presided, and which was addresed by ex-Governor Abbott^ iof New Jersey, Judge Davis, and other eminent men. To Mr. Glad* stone the following message was sent : " The citizens of New York, in mass meeting assembled, protest - ing against coercion, heartily endorse your noble policy and wish you God-speed in your undertaking." (Bigned) " Chables A. Dana." These words, with the strong resolutions against coercion also passed, to be sent to Lord Salisbury and Mr. Gladstone, will have their full weight in England. Up to this time the Home Rule and anti-landlord fight has been kept up by public opinion, and largely by that of America. Let the wave of indignation pass over this continent once more. It will break on the shores of Ireland and England, and it will be listened to. Faneuil Hall ought to be filled next week. And then from every city and town in America the voice of humanity ought to go up against the wicked oppression of a robbed and alien-governed nation.