Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-05-31
4 LIBERAL LEADER.


The Part Taken in the Cause by sheri-
dan, WEIGH and lyman.
A gentleman of medium height, COM
pactly built and handsomely dressed in
customary suit of black, acknowledged
his identity to GLOBE reporter last even
ing, when addressed as Patrick Egan.
This distinguished Irish liberal arrived in
the city by the afternoon train from Mil
waukee Yesterday, and is guest at the
Metropolitan. His identity with the land
league and the cause of constitutional
liberty in Ireland has brought him promi-
nently before his countrymen at home, as
also in America. He is a prominent, in
fuential and wealthy resident of Dublin,
where he is engaged in milling, and came
to this country late last February on bust
ness and pleasure. He was one
of the most active promoters
of the Philadelphia convention,
and whatever of benefit shall hereafter re-
suit from the policy adopted at that con-
vocation, can be largely attributed to his
efforts in procuring its assemblage, organ
ization and policy. lie visits st. Paul to
| confer with leading citizens of his nation
| ality interested in the cause of home rule
in Ireland and for other purposes, and
while here, he may be called upon to ad-
dress the people on the condition of affairs
in that country. Speaking with reference
to the present status of the Irish people,
he represents them as suffering from the
evils it is now sought to remedy. They
| have not yet recovered from the effects of
a series of bad seasons, continuing from
1877 to 1880, followed by partialIfaiIure
of the crops last year. Politically
the tone there is radically differ
ent from what it was four years
| ago. This was largely owing to
the teachings of the land league, he says.
The people have been thoroughly educated
with regard to their rights, II may say in
consequence of the adoption of American
ideas on liberty and industry which
have been spreading very rapidly in Ire
land"
''What effect will the attempts at coer-
cion now being made by the English gov
eminent have upon the Irish people?"
mo coercion can crush the sprout of
liberty which has cropped out in late
years."
How are the convictions and executions
which have taken place lately regarded in
England and lreland"
There was no fixed opinion regarding
the innocence of the accused at the time
left, because the preliminary investigation
was going on. But know from letters re-
ceived since came to this country, the
opinion now exists that some of those
sentenced to death were innocent. In any
case none have been convicted by law, but
upon the ex-parte testimony of accom-
plices, and by the most fragrant packing
of juries."
''How was it permitted to pack the ju-
RESP
"That was very easily done. The panel
was selected by the sheriff, who is a crea-
ture of the crown, and their composition
was largely Tory. Another cause is to be
found in the fact that the crowns peremp-
tory challenges are unlimited, while those of
the prisoner are limited to twenty. But
these trials, and convictions and executions
will have no effect upon the cause. Why ?
Because everyone knows that the assassin
| atoms we're the work of small number
| of men in no way connected with the con-
stitutional agitation party. AS evidence that
the cause is being daily strengthened, the
land league is organizing steadily, though
| quietly, and has now over 400 branches in
Ireland, eighty of which are IN Ulster,
which is pro-English province"
$50 far as you have been able to ascer-
tain what seems to be the feeling in this
country toward the Irish cause"
"The feeling in this country is every
where extremely strong in its favor and all
shades and sections of Irishmen are de-
termined to Loyalty support Mr.. ParnelIs
platform and the national league at home.
This is not only true of the conservative
element, but among sections, the mem
bers of which prefer physical force, there
is decided desire to give the constitU-
tional movement fair trial"
''Have the effects of the Philadelphia
convention been such as were desired and
anticipated?'
Largely so; old party differences have
been obliterated and the Irish element has
become solicited. Another result has been
the attraction to its support of a very large
number of the wealthy class of Irishmen
who have hitherto kept aloof from Irish
matters. They are now joining the league.
In Ireland the result will be to give great
encouragement and stimulate more de-
termined action
'What do the leaders regard as the Ill
innate outcome of this agitation?"
"The obtainment of some measure of
home rule within reasonable time"
''How soon?'
very soon."
''Do the people of Ireland regard their
absolute independence as inseparable from
the results that will be attained?"
"The hope of the Irish people for the
present, within the constitution, is an in
dependent Irish parliament, and among
number of English leaders of public
opinion, the feeling in favor of such con-
cession is growing very rapidly"
"How is the Intervention of the pope in
Irish affairs regarded at home and in
American"
ut is looked upon as matter between
the pope and the clergy, and while we
would regret to see the clergy prevented
from taking part as citizens in the move
ment, their presence is not absolutely es-
sential to success. In former times, when
the masses of the Catholic people in Ire
land we're not educated as now, the priest,
by reason of his education and position,
was necessary as leader, more par:icu-
larry as most of the great questions of
those times were more or less of
religious character. Now, how
ever, the masses are thoroughly