The Portland daily press., 1882-01-31

The Irish Land League held large ana en-
tbusiastic meeting last evening, The hall was
crowded to repletion Prof. j. E. Chandler,
of Biddeford, delivered the following address.
He was frequently interrupted by applause.
The speaker began by referring to the lmpor-
tance of the subject, and the present duty OF
native-born American citizens. He SAID the
Irish question is that of humanity, and IN
volved the doctrine of the Declaration OF In
dependence. He referred to Ireland,s ioca-
ton, latitude, character, soil, area, physical
features, &c. Its early history was next men,
toned, and the progress of learning and reilg-
ion from the fifth to the twelfth century was
noted. During the middle ages ireland was as
beacon to the world. He said that Irish pa
triotism aided the barons in obtaining from
King John the Magma Charta at Runnymede
in the 18th century. Hence are we not TO some
extent indebted to these patriots for our genius
of constitutional rights? He then proceeded
to consider Ireland's present unhappy condl-
tion at considerable length. lie SAID tnas more
than three-fourths of tn farms were tenancies at
will The different kinds of tenantry ooth IN
this county and there, were considerable, ana
q tenant at will was shown to be IN most an-
iect state, the tenure of his humble home be-
ing every hour at the mercy ana caprlce OF
some possible heartless and rapaclous landlord
or agent. A thrilling picture OF the process OF
the many wicked evictions was drawn, ana
their responsiveness to free Americans SHOWN.
Such men as our excellent Ex-Gov. Dingiey
are willing and trusty eye witnesses OF the OUT
rageous injustice which the poor Irish peasant
suffers. The inadequacy of the new land Dill
was next considered, and even though us oper-
ations were Just, its present rate OF relief
would require more than century for consum-
nation throughout the whole island. VI the
10000 cases already presented only 2O0 had re-
ceived final adjudication, though ooo decisions
had been rendered in the lower courts. The
speaker next continued to condemn in scath-
ing terms the tyranny of British coercion. lie
mentioned the severity of the penal code, the
incarceration of patriots, including women,
the arbitrary arrest of suspects, the suspension
of the habeas corpus, the iniquity of the
Arms Act" the quartering OF 10000 Eng
lish bayonets, the proclamation OF martial
law in many counties, the abridgement OF the
liberty of the press the recent seizure OF two
tons Of sThe United Irishman' at Folkstone,
these and many other acts of arbitrary usurpa-
ton are enough to kindle flame OF fiery in
dignation in the breast of every believer in
Plymouth Rock Mr.. Chandler continued
with forcible appeal to native Americans for
sympathy for their down-trodden country in
this her hour of trial, and spoke of the fidelity
and service of Erin's sons to the republic from
the beginning He then contraSted sEngland's
course showing that country's policy OF selfish
aggression even displayed towards u.s. The
colonial history, the revolution, the war of 1872
and its cause, the attempted and successful
wrestling of territory from us, the defiance of
our Monroe doctrine, the fishery question, the
granting of rebel belligerent rights, the aid
and comfort given the Confederates all through
the war, the British advantage in commerce,
the carrying by England If the United States
mails, all were considered and the English
aninus vividly illustrated. In conclusion, he
said to Americans:-"In every community let
there be aroused public sentiment and ma
tional voice go forth to the British Parliament
demanding redress and legal equity. Ii so, a
peaceful solution will be accomplished. If
not, we venture modern Spartacus will arise
and the red glare of war light Briton with sue
cessful revolution.