The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-01-18
Letter from Ireland.
BELFAST, Dec. %,

terested in the social and religious condi-
tion of Ireland and may not be unwilling
to let your readers know something OF
our goings on at present. Many of us
were hoping that the new land act passed
after tremendous struggle, during the
session of Parliament, would inaugurate
the reign of peace. That hope has not
been realized. In point of fact, we never
have been, within living memory, in a
state of greater anarchy than at this mo-
ment In many parts of the country the
quiet and well-disposed are under reign
of terror. Let me explain how this is.
The new land act was conceived in the
interest of the tenants, who for a century
have complained of the tyranny and ex-
action of the owners of the soil. The
new measure was designed to secure for
them something like fixture of tenure
and fair rent, so as to make life posi-
bic in the old country. For these pur-
poses the Land League was ostensibly
organized. But some of its leaders had
ulterior objects-even the dismember-
ment of the Empire. The idea of any
remedial measure that would tend to
make the people contented was abhor-
rent to these men, and so they became in
Parliament It's bitter opponents, and when
they saw that it was certain to pass they
announced their determination to make
it futile. This they tried to accomplish
by using their influence with the tenants
not to take advantage of the measures OF
the new act, but to hold off and pay no
rent at all. The Government was exas-
perated by what they considered ingrati-
tude and determined that their benefcent
intentions for the Irish people should not
be defeated, and seized these agitators
cited tie indignation of their I0Iiu,.-7-l ~" "a
and they retaliated by murder rapine
and threatening all sorts of pains and
penalties on any who should either pay
rent or go into the land courts for re-
duction. This is the explanation of the
present disturbed state of the country.
The self-appointed leaders of the people
were defeated in the House of Commons
and are again defeated by the strong arm
Of the law. Their friends and followers
display sympathy for them by such deeds
as | have Just described.
At the same time the farmers are ap-
pealing to the new courts which are en-
trusted with the administration of the
land act in great numbers Not less
than 10000 of them have petitioned for
reduction of rent. So far as decisions
have yet been given, substantial reduc-
tions have been awarded-on the average
amounting to one-tgth. This easement
will soon tell even upon those who held
out most doggedly. The course of events
points in the direction of the whole, or
mostly the whole of the tenants, placing
themselves under the shelter of this
most benefcent measure.
But this wholesale lowering of the
rents is telling powerfully in another di-
rectlon. 1t is alarming the landlords,
who cannot be expected to look with
complacency on the loss Of one-ffth OF
their incomes. The more kind-hearted
among them acquiesce without audible
grumble, whatever they may privately
think of the injustice. Others are seized
with alarm and indignation, and
speak of the great measure as downright
sPoliation and are getting up the cry for
imperial compensation. Many of them
have lived up to their income and beyond
~ UiiN' OAiS ASSo VI Olt6 ulJu VI bu6 rental
is absolute ruin. The counter cry of the
relieved tenants is that their exactine
landlords shall disgorge a portion of the
back rents squeezed from the helpless
farmers for so many years. The land
lords are organizing for great struggle.
They feei bitterly the disendowment of
their Church, still more bitterly the cur
failing Of their incomes, and when the
grand jury laws, which invested them
with immense territorial powers, are
reformed their humiliation will be com
plete. 1t is not to be supposed that even
while they had almost irresponsible
power that they were all hard and ex-
acting. On the other hand las was the
case with your great planters) many Of
them were most considerate and took a
paternal interest in their dependents.
We are undoubtedly in the midst of a
great social revolution, the issues Of which
1t IS impossible to predict. 1t would be
a srievous mistake to suppose that this
land act or any act Of Parliament can
heal all the wounds Of Ireland and lift
up the people. to comparative comfort
and independence. Many of the farms