New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-10-12
DIVISIONS IN IREL1ND.

A crisis in the fortunes of the Irish party is
approaching. The island has had brief sea-
son of repose during which the leaders have
been preparing for renewal of agitation on
fresh lines. Apparently, they cannot agree
among themselves upon q coherent programme.
Michael Davitt the founder of the Land
League, has proposed the formation OF a Ma
tional organization with branches in every
parish, electoral district and county, and with
provincial aud central executive councils. The
general object of this intric1te but orderly
network of associations would be the improve
ment OF the social and political condition Of
the Irish people; and among the specific re-
forms to be advocated would be the abolition of
the present land system, the prosperity of
agricultural labOrers, improSe dwellings for
tenants, the revival of industries and fisheries,
the promotion of scientific farming public
education and National literature, the estab-
lishment of cooperative loan societies,
the abolition of the grand jury system,
county government, municipal reform, and,
pending the repeal of the Union, the
payment of National representatives and the
extension OF the franchise. 1t would he natural
to suppose that a plan so comprehensive in its
scope would satisfy all the agtators. Indeed
four of the most practical leaders, Eean.
Dillon, Brennan and Kettle, are captivated by
this scheme of classification and by the details
of organization which are wonderfully well
worked out. But Mr. Parnell and his closest
adhereuts are unwilling to sanction it. They
affirm that the leaders would he arrested under
the Coercion Act if the organization were to be
founded. They prefer cunnngly devised
catch to con jure with in Ireland, and pro-
pose to make Westminster the basis of their
operations. When reminded that it was outside
Parliament that O'COnncll won his greatest
triumph by scheme OF National organization
far more defective than that recommended by
Michael Davitt, they reply that until Ireland
has a Parliament of its own, agitation for
constitutional changes must be maintained in
the same halls where the great advocate
pleaded for repeal In this way sharp lines of
division have already opened in the Irish party
At the same time the necessity for action is
apparent. The population is eviDcing unms-
taxable signs of cOntentment. The Govern
ment's concessions have been positive gains for
the tenants the Land Commissions are equi-
tably conducted; and there is an increasing
distrust of agitation, a wholesome dread of
not been brought under the full restraint of
law; it is still very imperfecty governed and
society is disorganzed but it is gradually
settling into what the Nationalist press regards
with alarm as n state of political quetism."
Something must he done to revive the period
of agitation and excitement The population
must not be allowed to remain qlliescent long
enough to acquire a permanent desire for
rest. Tue leaders have accordingly summoned
a conference to be held on the 18th of this
month, and, meanwhile, are making strenuous
efforts to secure unanimity of action. Bnt be-
stir themselves as they will. radical differences
of opinion cannot be concealed. Old riyaires
have been revived. fractional bitterness has
broken out airesh. The Parnelltes look upon
Mr.. Dillon as an extremist who imperils the
cause by glaring indiscretions and ill-timcd
enthusiasm. They advocate q moderate and
safe policy in Ireland, and are prepared by
means of systematic obstruction to oppose
tho new rules while they can, and to break