Irish News.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 24, 15 October 1897, Page 9

Irish Ne ws.

(From contemporaries.) DERRY.— The Cultivation of Tobacco in Ireland.— At the .Magherafelt Board of Guardians. Mr. Campbell Gaussen, B.L , J P., presiding, and thirty others being present, Mr. Henry M'Erlane |noved the following resolutions :: — '• That we, the guardians of the Magherafelt Union, ask the English Government to withdraw all restrictions on the growth and cultivation of tobacco in Ireland, and give the Irish farmers the free use of their land for growing any cr >ps that the land will produce ; nnd we would respectfully ask ail other representatives of the people in Ireland to lend thfir assistance in obtaining liberty for so great an industry." Mr. Murdoch seconded the resolution, which was unanimously adopted.

DUBLIN.— A Protestant Clergyman and Amnesty.— There is at present on view at the establishment of Messrs. Moran a-id LaDg, South Anne street, a beautifully engrossed and illuminated resolution, intend< d for presentation to the Rev. Mr. Kennedy, vicar of Plumpton, by the Irish National Amnesty Association, 41 York street. The rev. gentleman has been a strong and persistent advocate of the cause of Amnesty, and the ass. ciation by their astion intend to mark their sense of his conduct in this respect On the top there is a harp and shamrock, and underneath a miuiat ire reproduction of the well-known Amnesty card issued by the association. It is the work of Messrs. Moran and Lang and reflects great credit on Irish workmanship. In the body of the resolution the eminent services of the Rev. Mr. Kennedy in the cause of Amnesty are gratefully recognised, and the association, in the name of the Irish people, thank him for his courageous advocacy of the principles of Christianity. They appeal to him to continue his good work for the liberation of the political prisoners.

The Irish Textile Exhibition.— The forthcoming Irish Textile Exhibition, under the care of Countess Cadogan, is already assured of success, so far at least as exhibitions are concerned. The list of exhibitors is published, and it indicates a very wide interest in the proposed exhibition. The representation of Irish textile industries, both small and large, will indeed be very complete, and the exhibition cannot fail to create new interest in the very fine but neglected products of this kind which Ireland can furnish"

A Bishop from Dominica in Dublin.— The Right Rev. Dr. Naughten, Bishop of Roseau, Dominica, is at present in Dublin, and he will visit his native town of Mullingar in the course of a few days. His lordship ha 3 come to Europa from his distant diocese in the British West Indies on business ot pressing importance and of great moment to his people. For some time past a vast etodus has taken pl.ice from Dominica owing to the land 9ys<em and the excessive taxation affecting land, water, and river tr.iffic. The population of the island is 25,0U0, of whuh 20,000 are Catholics. On Wednesday last his lord-hip was granted the favour of an interview with the Colonial Secretary, who accorded him a most attentive hearing. In the amicable discussion which took place between Mr. Chamberlain and the Bishop his lordship suggested a scheme of peasant proprietary as the only possible .solution of the present evil, and as the only means of inducing the people to remain on the island. Dr. Xaughten has been a militant champion of the rights of his people, and his present undertaking is of the deepest concern to them and himself. His lordship, who is in the enjoyment of excellent health, was consecrated by the Most Rev. Dr. Xulty in ISSO, the assisting prelates on the occasion being the Most Rev. Dr. Woodrock and the Most Rev. Dr. O'ileilly. the late Bishop of Liverpool.

GALWAY.— Nuns as Nurses at Portumna.— At a meeting of the l'ortuinna Guardians, Colonel Cheevers in the chair, the following important communication was received from the Local Government Board in reply to the refusal of the Guardians to issue advertisements and proceed through all the formalities of a new election on the occasion of one nun being substituted for another as iufiruia'-y nurses : •• I am directed by the Loo.il Government Board for Ireland to acknowledge the receipt of the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Guardians of Portumna union on the 28th ult, containing an entry of the receipt of a letter from the Superiore-B of the Convent of Mn-oy, Ballinasloe. r.huive to the employment of Sisters of Mercy as nurses in the workhouse ; and, with reference to the resolution on the subject, I am to state that it is to be open to the guard ans to agree to the arrangement proposed by the Superioress (avoiding the formalities of new elections) if the Sisters intend to give their services to the sick gratuitously, but if it is proposed to pay them salaries from the rates oil the Union they must be duly appointed as Union officers in the mariner prescribed by the general regulations. Unle-s this is done the payment of their salaries would be illegal, and the auditor would have no option but to surcharge the guardians with the amount paid to them. There appears lo be some misapprehension with regard to the arrangements in the South Dublin Union. The nuns who are nurses in the hospital in that building were appointed in the prescribed manner. I am, sir, your obedient servant, Thomas A. Mooxey, Sectary." On the suggestion of the Earl of We^tmeaih it wos decided to communicate with the Superioress ot the Order at llallina«loe, and ascertain her views on the attitude taken by the L K-al Government Board.

ArchiepißJOpal Visitation.— Says the Freeman of August 7, his Grace the Most. Rev. Dr. M'Evilly, Archbishop of Tuam, who is upon an extended ConOrmation and visitation tour through his vast diocese, spent the past week in Clifden on visitation, being the gue&t of the Very Rev. IJ.1 J . Canon Lynskcy. P.P., V.F. On Wednesday, at the Consent of Mercy, his Grace received the vows of two ladies, being assisted at the imposing ceremonies by the Very Rev. Canon Lynskey, P. P., V.F. and the Rev. M. J. M'Hugh, Adm, Tuam. The names of the professed ladies were Miss Donellan. of Dunmore,

County Galway, and Mi« 9 Shanahnn. of Limerick, in religion Sister Mary Clare and Sister Mary Gabriel respectively. At Carna and Rounds tone his Grace administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to upwards of 500 children in each parish who showed remarkable profioiency in the Christian doctrine. Hi 9 Grace, who appears in excellent, health, left Clifden on Friday for Weetport, accompanied by the Mo-fc R«*v. Dr. MacCorniack, Bishop of Galway, and the Rev. M. M'Hugh, Adm., Tuam.

KERRY.— Profession and Reception at Ballonagle.— At the C invent of Mercy, Ballona.il". County Kerry, on Tuesday, August H>th, two ladies were professed, and one received into the Order. The la-lies who were professea were Miss M'Sweeuey (in religion Sister Alphoiisus), daughter of Mr. G-. M'Sweeney, ex-clerk of Union, Killamey ; and Miss O'Kane (in religion Sister Patrick), daughter ot the late Dr. O'Kane, Annisiaul ; while the lady who took the white veil was) Miss Coilins, of Askeaton, County Limerick. The ceremonies were performed by hi* Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Coff. y. Lord Bishop of Kerry, assisted by Rev J. Counihan, P.P., Castle inaine ; Rev. F. M'Carthy, P.P., Ballyheigue ; Rev H. ORiordan. P.P., Lennard ; Rev. T. O'Sulliva-j, P.P., Rath more ; Rev. M. MC. O'Connor, CC, Boherbee ; Rev. C. Scannell, CC, Annaseanl; Rev. F. M'Carthy, Ballaratt ; Rev. J. Brick, C.C., Listowell ; Rev. J. Crowh-y, St. John's, Tralee ; Rev. W. Ke.ine, do. ; Rev. D. Murphy, do. ; Rev. T. Griffin, do. ; and Rev. M. Wilson, do. Aft'-r the ceremonies the clergy and friends were entertained at dejeuner.

KERRY.— Eviction Near Killarney — A Killamey oorreepondent writes : — Patrick Coffee, a tenant on the Ventry estate, was, with his wife and children, father-in-law and mother-in-law, evicted on Wednesday, August 11, from his holding at Bar ley mount, about four miles from Killarney. There was a .force of police present, but there was no opposition or dis turbance of any kind.

LIMERICK.— Cases of Sunstroke.— A most respectable young man named Michael Toomey, aged about twenty-five years, son of Mrs. Toomey, Donoman, a large farmer in that townland, was attacked by sunstroke a short time ago. It appears that the young man, with his younger brother, was engaged in mowing a field of hay on their own farm on the day in question, which was extremely and oppressively hot. At six o'clock p.m. they adjourned their labours to partake of some refreshment. On resuming work the young farmer, Mr. Toomey, was attacked, and on examination by Dr. Henry G. Moloney, Ballingarry dispensary medical officer, that gentleman pronounced it to be a case of sunstroke. The younjr man is progressing favourably. A little boy named Michael McCormack, aged live years, whose parents reside at Marlinbtown, near Mullingar, died from the effects of sunstroke.

LOUTH.— An Impudent Imposture. — Ab usual (saya a contemporary) the reports of the Irish Circuit Court Assizea for the ara<on bring us proof in the shape of white gloves, presented to the judge, of the pe *cef ul and law-abid-ing chatacter of the Inyh people. In the great County of Louth, the Lord Chief Justice, when he took his seat on the bench the otl er day to dispose of the business of the summer assizes, lound that t ere we«.-e no cases to try. There had been absolutely do crime in that country since the previous assizes, last autumn or winter, and so the judge got a pair of white gloves — tha emblem of a '• maiden assize," " the testimony," as the Lord Chief Justice remarked. l> that peace and order prevail and that there is absolute immunity from crime in the County of Louth." Nevertheless — notwithstanding this immunity from crime which is thus almost constantly reported by the judges — there is an army of :SO,UOU soldiers and 12,000 armed police in Ireland, and there are numerous coe-cion acts which the Lord Lieutenant may put into operation at any moment he pleaw s. And all this we are told "to put down criu.e." What an impudent imposture British rule in Ireland is, to be sure !

MAY0 .— Mr. "William O'Brien and the Westport '98 Centenary Association. — The following correspondence has pas.cd between the secretary of " The Westport 'US Centenary Asso. ciation " and Mr. William O'Brien :—": — " Westport, August 3. Sir, I am directed by the committee of the Westport '98 Centenary Aeso* ciation to invite you to attend their next meeting to be held at Miss Casey's, James street, Westport, on Wednesday, August i, at eight o'clock p.m. Should you be unable to attend, the committee would be very glad if you would kindly allow them to put your name on their committee. If you are good enough to allow them to use your name, I would inform jou that the minimum subscrip. tion to entitle a member to be on tbe committee is 2s 6d. Awaiting the lavour of your reply,— Yours tmly, David KILKELLY. hou. neoretary. William O'Brien. Esq., Mallow Cottage." "Mallow Cott'ge, August 4th. Sir,— l received only this morning an invitation to attend a meeting in Westport this evening. lam obliged to the gentlemen composing your Association for their courteey in offering me membership of their body (of whose establishment or constitution this is the first notice I have received), and regret to be under the necessity of saying that, for reasons already stated iii a public 1. tter. I cannot connect myself with any celebration of '98 thu.t will not on the broadest and most democratic lines represent the Irish people.— Yours faithfully. W. O'Buien. Day.d Kilkelly. Esq."

TYRONE.— A Sign of Good Feeling.— The re-election of Dr. Todd as chairman ot the Omagh Town Commissioners reflects much credit o i the spirit of liberality, and of the superiority over mere partizau prejudice, which animates that body. Dr. Todd, who is one of the best known and ablest practitioners in the North of Ireland, is a Catholic and a staunch Nationalist, but notwithstanding these facts he has been unanimously elected chairman of the local municipal bo<iy, which embraces a majority of Unionists within its ranks. Dr. Todd well deserves this compliment to his personal popularity, but Iribhruen everywhere will note with grati-

fication the testimony which it afford* to the growth of good feeling amongst Catholics and Protc-tants in Ui-ter.

WATURFOHD.— Purchase of a Railway.— The question of tin WaterforJ, Dunjarvan an-1 Lismore Rulway is at last s 'ttle 1. The offers of the Gre it Western Railway of England an 1 the Great Southern and Western railway have been aocpti-d, and subject to an arrangement with the Duke of Devonshire for a transfer .of the Lismore and Ferutwy Ra lway the whole system will now •piss into the hands of tho combine 1 c^nipmios. At the last im input Mr. H anbury seems to hive considered the interests of tie Treasury before those of the ratepayers. Tho frevury o- >ts wjll out of the transaction, getting the full su-n of £ ( .H.<)f>i_>. Tho rit '-payers, however, will get, relict to thee-cto.it of C>.(> »0 a year, and though they might have got Cl.iD i more if the Tiva-iuy had bjen more generous, they, we suppoie. must bo grateful for small lmrcies. The great question now is what the uomp.xnius will do for the development of the district. U.ider tho sa'e the Governm3it have tak^n power for the Irish Board of Wo.-ks to control tne arrangements for the working of the line to a considerable evtout. and to interfere in the nutter of frir^s, through service's, and so forth. If this power is cxeroisel with discretion we have no doubt the new arrangement will bo of v.i-t benefit to the district. The Great Western Company have in<li>j'l every injent.ive to the development of traffic over the line, and its directors will probably njed no stimulus to do all they can to make the new hue a saico.ss. not merely for local purposes, but as portion of a through route cut Watcrford to the English centres served by their system.

GENERAL.

The Irish Style "in Literature.— The work of endeavouring to obtain for Ireland some share of the credit to which she is entitled for her contributions to English literature has for long been a very '• uphill light." It will he a long time before all that is our due is fully conceded. In reference to this subject a- writer in the St. Jiiiiirx Gnzittf says: "We have sometimes ventured to point out the contrast between the windy chatter about 'the Celtic note" in literature, md ilged in by certain journalists and young literary persons, and 'the steady and fruitful progress of Celtic scholarship in recent years. Dr. Sigorson once observed, in an address to the Irish Society, that he was taken with dismay when he found some

of his patriotic young friends dciiilinn what was and whit was not the Irish style m prose ami the Irish not.' in pietry. * c all know, said he. what is meant : but it is scare -ly too much to say that you nny search throu»h all the Gaeho literature of the nation and find many styles, tnit nut ihn. And Dr. Douelas Hyde has expressed very much the same opinion. It vas common of late, he said, to hear of English author-, who had 'caught the Irish style,' of a poem or ballad being 'quite in the Irish style.' and so on; whereas the truth was" that there were dozens of different literary movements in Irish literature, each characterised by a style of its own. Irish Lteraturc is voluminous and widely diveiaili -d."