Irish News.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 34, 25 December 1896, Page 21

Irish News.

(From Contemporaries.)

ANTRIM.— The Irish Language Movement in the North.— The Belfast Branch of the Gaelic League has certainly effected a marvellous conjunction of forces in support of the Irish language movement in the North. Dr. St. Clair Boyd is president of the branch, and among the patrons are the Catholic and the Protestant Bishops of Down and Connor, Dr. Buick, the ex-Moderator of the General Assembly ; Rev. R. R. Kane and Father O'Laverty, M.R.I.A. Sixty students of Irish are attending the classes of the League. The members recently "organised the most important liish concert held in Belfast for a century." During the summer months delegates visited the Irish-speaking districts of Antrim, Louth, Derry, Donegal, and even Kerry, to stir up local opinion in favour of the movement. When a society, patronised by Rev. R. R. Kane, sends a delegation to Kerry to confirm the pride of the Gaels in their sweet old tongue, what reconciliation may we not hope for in the field of national culture. CARLOW.— An exorbitant Demand.— The worm will turn, and even a Tory Privy Councillor, and he the Right Honourable Henry Bruen, one time Member for the County Carlow, has at last risen to protest against the extortion of the British Treasury. The gombeen men of Treasury Chambers, in reply to the appeal of the Carlow Board of Guardians against the levy of 17."> per cent, penal interest on the payment of a cheque delayed for ten days by the illness of the clerk, declare that they stand by their bond. '• The responsibility of dealing with their business in any emergency rests with the guardians," runs the reply. " Accordingly, my Lords are unable to remit the fine incurred by them." Mr. Bruen appeals to the Press to take note of it ; but what is the use of exposure while gentlemen like Mr. Bruen and his class uphold the claim of these men to control the financial resources of Ireland .' CLARE— Mr. William O'Brien in West Clare.— since his advent to West Clare Mr. William O'Brien has been the recipient of the most cordial welcomes all round. During the hon. gentleman's stay he has been the guest of the Rev. Anthony Clancy, the revered and patriotic parish priest of the united parishes of Killimer and Knockerra. On the evening of his arrival he was met by vast throngs of the farmers of the place and surrounding districts, and was greeted in the most enthusiastic manner. A significant fact in connection with the general jubilation was that the most prominent Parnellites in Knockerra were in the forepart to do honour to one of Ireland's noblest soldiers, for, although differing with him in some minor questions in the past, yet they gave proof that they vrere not unmindful of the services he had rendered his country, and the sufferings he had endured for the old cause. Mr. William O Brien left by the steamer Shannon for home, and was conveyed to Cappa pier by a large number of the townspeople, headed by the St. Patrick's Band. He was accompanied in the steamboat by the Rev. A. Clancy, P.P.. and the attendance included several local prominent Nationalists. CORK.— Christian Brothers' Schools.— The annual distribution of prizes amongst the students of the Christian Brothers' schools successful in the intermediate examinations took place recently in the North Monastery schools under the presidency of his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan. The Rev. Brother Burke, superior, said that, though they had not succeeded in getting the first prize in Ireland that year, which was secured by their schools in Richmond street, Dublin, they had done what was next best, and that was getting second place. He was not going to dep ive the Dublin schools of their great achievement, but a mistake had occurred whereby the Cork school had not tied with them. He then referred to the examination of the middle grade papers in English, and said that as a result of the teachers' protest the papers were to be re-examined. The Bishop in his address to the boys, said their success was a great consolation to him as Bishop of Cork. He thanked the Brothers in a very special manner, saying that people did not reflect sufficiently upon their sacrifices and work. Mr. J. C. Flynn, in proposing a vote of thanks to his Lordship, said the people of Ireland would never be content with any settlement of this question which did not include a substantial recognition of the labours of the Christian Brothers' Order (applause). Mr. Davitt and Mr. Dillon. — Mr. Davitt, in an interview with a representative of the New Age contradicts the Cork Herald invention as to his " search for anew leader." " That organ," observed Mr. Davitt, is "not likely to be well-informed as to plans or puposes of mine. The only foundation for the statement is the fact of my having published one or two letters in National papers on my return from Australia in January last, in which I urged a union of sections under a neutral leader, who should be taken from the rank and file of the Irish representation, and elected chairman of a reunited Parliamentary Party, ami to remain in that poet until factional feeling should subside and a lcadt-r bu elected who would be best qualified to hold all sections together, and to fulfil the duties of leadership to the general satisfaction." No result followed from the suggestion ; " but I am bound in justice to Mr. Dillon to say," added Mr. Davitt, "that no objection to such a settlement of the Irish split came from him. Anyhow, the matter went no further, and the subject has been revived now with the sole object of trying to make it appear that I am unfriendly to Mr. Dillon's leadership." There is, of course, Mr. Davitt adds, no ground whatever for such an imputation. DUBLIN.— A Week's Dull Markets.— The Dublin markets this week (says the Dublin Freeman, October 31) have certainly been cheerless experiences for our agriculturists. On Thursday half the cattle in the market remained unsold, and the demand for sheep, which has been falling away during the past few weeks,

showed a further decline. Yesterday corn growers had an even worse experience on the corn market. The barley market is completely glutted. Only the very finest quality of grain — a quality the existence of which after a harvest like that just past must be altogether an accident — could be sold. The oat market, too, was in anything but a satisfactory condition. Rarely has the Irish farmer faced a winter and the rackrenters with gloomier prospects. DERRY.— A Corporation Job.— The Corporation of Derry comes under a new franchise in a few weeks, but it appears that the present members of that body are determined to mark the conclusion of the present regime by the perpetration of a disgraceful job. The corporate finances have for some time been in a notoriously bad condition, and the corporation have applied for two Local Government loans — one for £5,750 for the purchase of certain lands, known as the Bishop's Garden, and a second for £5,194 to pay for various improvements in the municipality. The proposal is being resisted strenuously on the ground that this sum is sought to be raised against the wishes of the new electors, who, however, will have no voting power until next month. The objectors also point out that the intention to buy the Bishop's Garden to be used as a horse mart is not only an afterthought, but that it is calculated to become a nuisance to the adjoining College of St. Columb, which has cost the ratepayers of Derry £20,000. On these grounds, and on the actual insolvency of the corporation, as shown by their inability to clear off the arrears of the existing loans, Mr. John E. O'Doherty applied to the Local Government Inspector to postpone the inquiry, and allow it to be dealt with by the new corporation. That official stated that he had no option but to proceed with the inquiry, and lay the evidence before the Local Government Board. Consequently the matter now rests with the latter body, which, if it should accede to the application for the new loan, will have lent itself to a most scandalous and unwarranted job. DONEGAL.— The Worst Harvest for Years.— At a meeting of farmers at Aughnacloy, in the Malm district of Innishowen f on October 6, the speakers referred to the deplorable state of the crops, owing to the continuance of the heavy rains, and it was on all hands agreed that this is the worst harvest for years. It is lament* able to see the state of the grain that has not been garnered. The fields in many places are covered with stooks of corn threshed by the wind, and the straw is blackened by wet and exposure. GAL WAY. — Hard Times at Ballygar. — The tenant farmers on the Aughrane property at Ballygar have had a lively time of it lately. Some of them had their crops seized for the Suck Drainage Tax, which was not paid until a sale of the crops was effected by the sheriff's representative — the purchaser being an imported emergency-man. The unfortunate people were not clear of the first difficulty when a second one appeared in the shape of a process-server, who showered ejections wholesale for the Bagot Trustees on the tenants, some of whom owe but one-half year's rent and the running half gale. KING'S COUNTY.— Serious fire in Tullamore.— A fire of a serious nature broke out recently in Mr. Daniel E. Williams's extensive malting concern in Tullamore, resulting in great damage. The premises are situated in proximity to Messrs Bernard Daly and Co's distillery, and shortly after eleven o'clock the outbreak was observed by one of the night staff, whose attention was attracted by the appearance of a volume of smoke issuing from the first floor loft near one of the kilns. The alarm was at once jriven, and the proprietor, Mr. Williams, was promptly on the scene, as well as Head-constable O'Neill and the Constabulary from Tullamore Barracks. The fire was speedily located in a large loft above the kiln furnace, where over 1200 barrels of barley were going through the process of malting. A shaft leads from the furnace to a hot air chamber overhead, and it was discovered that the conflagration had its origin in the bricks which formed a partition becoming overheated, causing the boards at the other side to ignite. A line of hose was then brought to bear on the burning woodwork, and in a short time the tire was completely extinguished. It was found that the timber had been greatly burned while :the 1200 barrels of malt were rendered perfectly useless. The damage, which is roughly estimated at £2000 was covered by insurance, but the actual loss caused by the destruction of such a large quantity of malt, and the consequent delay to business and inconvenience is put down at a much higher figure. The work of coping with the outbreak was entirely confined to Mr. Williams's own men and the police. LOUTH.— Seventy Persons left Homeless.— At the weekly meeting of the Dundalk Board of Guardians a memorial was read from fifteen persons, heads of families at Gyles quay, stating that the recent storm and high tides had completly destroyed their house*, which are situate on the sea shore, and left their families, comprising seventy-one persons, homeless. They appealed to the guardians for assistance. Rev. P. Clarke. P.P.. and Dr. Finegan attended in support of the memorial ; and it was stated that these people were about to be ejected from their homes for non-payment of rent when the elements forestalled the evictor. The chairman said all the guardians could do would be to offer the hospitality of the workhouse to these poor people, who could not obtain other relief under the poor law. A strong representation would be made to the Local Government Hoard, who would, perhaps, allow of a departure from the ordinary rules to meet this case. LElTßlM— Serious failure of Crops.— The conditions of the crops in North Leitrim is worse than it has been for many years. Indeed, it may be said it was not so bad since '7i>. The hay crop is almost a total loss, and much of what was saved is damaged in the cocks in the fields. It is feared that there will be a prevalence of cattle disease this winter from the quality of the fodder. To corn, the staple grain crop, the damage is much greater. The potato crop will not be nearly equal to that of last year. Turnips, mangels and other vegetables are an average crop. There is a plentiful supply of turf. When it is taken into account that the prices of cattle have

fallen very much, and that there are no industries or manufacturers in North Leitrim worth speaking of, if we except the Glenfarne flag quarries, the Arigna coalfields and the Dromahair mills, the outlook for the farmer and labourer during the corning winter is gloomy in the extreme. WEXFORD.— An Interesting Commission.— a specially appointed American commission closed its sittings on October 6 at Wexford, where it had been taking evidence relative to the claims of persons who allege that they are entitled to the sum of £ 400.000. at which the estate of an Irish-American judge named John Handley, formerly of County Wexford, is valued. A couple of years ago Judge Handley died a bachelor at Scranton, Pennsylvania, and by his will he gave some small bequests to servants and friends, but left nearly all his property to the cities of Winchester and Scranton. The heirs of next-of -kin are applying to the American courts to set aside bequests to Winchester and Scranton on the grounds of informality in the will or its execution. The claimants are sixteen in number, comprising the following claimants from Wexford : — Margaret Colburn, of Ballygarron, Kilmuckridge ; John Handley, of Ballyhubbock ; Bridget Handley and Anastasia Handley, of Enniscorthy ; Ellen Eliza Sinnott, of Ballygurtin ; Eliza Sanders, of Biskenhead. and John Handley, of Isle of Wight, also gent in claims. Besides these, the following claim to be first cousins of Judge Handley : — Thomas Murphy, ex-District Inspector, R.1.C., and now a resident of Dublin ; Margaret Murphy, of Dalkey ; Mary Murphy, of Gorey and George Murphy, of Ballygarron, Kilmuckridge. WATERFORD. — Landgrabbing at Narrabane.— The grabbing of Edward Quinn'e farm recently at Narrabane, by Joseph Harney, a well-to-do trader at Kilmacow, within, four miles of Water! ord, occasioned mingled surprise and indignation. An indignation meeting was called. Mr. John E. O'Mahony attended and addressed the meeting, which was held on Sunday at Kilmacow, quite close to Harney's residence. Numerous contingents were present from the surrounding districts, and the gathering was large and representative. The pastor, Father Kennedy, briefly introduced Mr. O'Mahony, who addressed the meeting at length, reminding them that withont organisation and combination they could do nothing. There was no law to compel anyone to speak or deal with a grabber. A strong resolution was adopted condemning Harney, with th» result that he has since, with a clergyman, called into the office of the Star with the following apology for publication :—": — " To the editor of the Wat erf ord Star. Sir, — I regret to have anything to do with the farm from which Edward Quinn, of Narrabane, was evicted, and I will have nothing to do with that farm or any other evicted farm for the rest of my life, and I sincerely regret the trouble, annoyance, and bad example I have given to my friends and neighbours and the public by my most imprudent and unpatriotic action in this matter. Joseph Harney." WESTMEATH.-Sad Fatality in the Football Field — An extremely cad fatality occurred recently at a football match held at Clonmellon between two local teams. It seems that a man named Moore, who was engaged in the game, saw the ball coming in his direction at one part of the play. He rushed to meet it just as another player on the opposite side was racing after it. The two men met over the ball simultaneously, and in the Bcrimmage that ensued Sheridan missed the ball, and his foot struck Moore with great force in the abdomen. The unfortunate man fell on the spot, and seeing that he did not rise Sheridan called to his comrades for assistance. It was then found that Moore had sustained such injuries as necessitated his immediate removal. He was conveyed at once to his own house, and in a few hours succumbed to the effects of the kick which he had received. Sheridan was arrested and brought before a magistrate, but inquiry showed that the occurrence was purely accidental, and he was immediately released on bail. GENERAL. The Home Office and Dynamitards. — An interesting article entitled "The Home Office and Dynamitards," by Mr. James O'Connor, M.P., appeared in a recent issue of Weekly Despatch. Mr. O'Connor refers to the visit of Mrs. Tyler to Dublin to organise a dynamite plot in 1883, and also to Red Jim M'Dermott's exploits, and to the visit to Dublin of another mysterious person whose name did not transpire. Referring to the "great plot" which has just been exploded, Mr. OConnor writes : — " Where and by whom was the plot hatched 1 Through the veil of mystery which envelopes it one view of the case is pretty clear — the liberated men were the dupes of some official operators. My belief is that the agents provocateurs were all along at the other side of the Atlantic. Both Scotland Yard and the Home Office are well represented in New York, Chicago, and other American cities. . . . It is impossible to get away from the suspicion that hangs around the arrests at Boulogne and Rotterdam. The suspicion is in no way diminished by the officially circulated report that the life of the Czar was aimed at. nor by the ridiculous assurance that Irish Fenians had formed an alliance with Russian Anarchists. The Czar himself scouted the absurdity, and the Continental Press laughed at it. Although the plot has ended in a ludicrous fiasco it has its serious aspect, and for the English people as well as for the individuals of the Home Office it is essential that an impartial and searching inquiry should be ordered by Parliament." If such an inquiry is held, Mr. O'Connor undertakes to produce several respectable witnesses to prove that the allegations made in regard to Mrs. Tyler's attempt to organise a dynamite conspiracy in Dublin are based upon facts. The Dcyxitr/i. editorially commenting on Mr. O'Connor's article, says : — •■ Mr. O'Connor emphatically declares he is ready to vindicate the truth of his statements before a committee of the House. The charges are serious enough indeed to make his demand for a Parliamentary inquiry reasonable and just."

The New Land Sub-Commission.— The disposition and practice of the constituents of the Chief Land Commission have been wittily epitomised in a now famous triplet :—: — One could not hear, One would not hear. The third's never here. Doubtless an epigram descriptive of the new Sub-commissioners will not be wanting. We (Dublin Freeman) are informed that the Lord Lieutenant has appointed, or rather re-appointed, a batch of Sub-comr lissioners to act in the fixing of fair rents under the provisions of the Land Law (Ireland) Act of 1896. It appears that all these gentlemen, or nearly all, are men who were formerly appointed, and acted under the former Land Acts, and no doubt acted in a way thoroughly pleasing to the landlord supporters of the present Government. It was fondly imagined by the tenantry of Ireland that having regard to the provisions of the said Act and schedules required to be filled up by the Sub-commissioners, men would be appointed who knew something about the proper measuring, mapping, and valuing of land, and who, by their personal experience in the cultivation of the soil, could form some idea of its capacity and of the labour and expense necessary to make it productive. Instead of that, men have been re-appointed whom their past works have condemned. We understand that many of them also are verging on the age when their services would be dispensed with under the tin Rule, and know very little of the duties required of them under the new Act. It is to be feared that the effect of the provisions of the late Act will be very much minimised, and the confidence of the tenants in its fair administration very much weakened, if such appointments as these are continued. Those who were formerly appointed had no claim to re-appointment. They shou Id not be appointed unless they were qualified by practice to do the things required of them by the First Schedule of the new Act. We would also respectfully suggest that it is not wise that all those appointed should be members of one political party. Unless persons are appointed in whom the tenants can have some confidence it is probable— nay, almost certain — that an agitation against the decisions of the new commissioners will shortly arise which will compel the passing of a Land Act containing far more far-reaching and searching provisions.