Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-07-03
MR.. DAVITT TESTIFIES
THR ORGANIZER OF THB LAND LEAGUE
DEPENDS PARNBLL.
Le Carun's Story Dsnisd-L High Tribute to AsIan-
der Sullivan and Patrick Ford-Ths Pope
to Leave Roms-0thsr For
Hgn News

LONDON, July 2.-Mr. Michael Davitt
WAS examined before the Parnell Commis-
sion to-day. Mr.. Davitt declared that
there was no truth in the account given
by lie Csron before the Commission con-
cerning proposals CT John Dewey being
submitted 10 Mr.. Psrnell. Mr.. Parnell
had nothing to do with witness visit TO
America in 1878. Witness had intended
TO make another visit TO America, on a
lecturing tour, in order TO raise money
to help the sgrarian movement
Mr.. Davitt stated that while In America
he attended meetings of the Clan a-Gael,
at which be explained the objects OF the
Land 1 -ague. The Clan-Na-Gael, he
said. included some best lrishmen IN
America. It was no more murder club
than was the Carlton Club OF London.
There was no alliance between the Clan
Ma Gael and the League in Ireland Inc
Leagues movement in America won the
support of all the Irish in America TO Mr..
Parnell.
Mr.. Davitt said he never met better
man as philanthropist and a,Christan' thsn
Patrick Ford. He was very sorry that fos
a few months after the League was estab-
lished Mr.. Ford openly advocated the use
of dynamite. Witness wrote to MIN
espostulating against his endorsement
Of such a line of action and ultimate
ly Mr.. Ford returned to the
policy adopted by Mr.. PfrnelPs followers,
and now honesll advocates constitutional
agitation. Witness said he himself was
Cpl osed to the use of dynamite, because II
was an immoral and unmanly style OF
warfare, He was not opposed to physical
force if. in re orting thereto there w ,
reasonable chance of succe y. The League
did not provide for the circulsuon oi the
Irish World IN Ireland Mr.. Ford sent
copies over through the Spread oi the
Light Fund.- and witness PAID the post
AGE. The League did not circulate the
letter of John Dewey on "A Ne" DepsI-
ture, " extracts Of which were qno'eu ~
Attorney. General Webs r, connsel lot the
Tim g.
Mr.. Dayitt said he had known Alexan-
der Sullivan since 1878 and had the hign-
eat opinion Of his ability "a lawyer, ms
character as a citizen and his honor az
man. He believes outrages were due 10
the agitation Of local agrsrian bo lies, COM
posed chiefly Of sons of small tenant iarm-
ers.
In reference to the PtGnix Par * mur-
ders Mr. Dayitt said: "Mr. Pdrnell came
10 me on the Sunday following the day OF
the murders utterly broken down at the
news. He said: 'Dsvitt, | shall send my
resignation TO Cork to night ! refuse TO
stay in the movement when irresponsible
men of whom we know nothing can come
bshiud our backs and perpetrate sucn
deeds. II took all my intnerce,' r -id
Dayitt "to dissuads him from resigning.
We Immediately had circulated through
ont Ireland manifesto condemniog the
murders. There wa absolutely no gfounu
for the suggestion that or any OF my col
Leagues were in any way prlVy 10 tue
crimes" -..
Mr.. Davitt continued: Beyond stating
publicly in New York in July, 1852, that
[ had severed my connection with the
revolutionary body, l EXPIRE lsed no dissent
of the Feuians. did not attend any
meeting of the Clan-Na-Gael In lo-O. J
believe that murders were commit by
members Of the Clan-Na-Gsel, but the
perr TRAITORS certainly did not have the
sanction of the governing body, nor the
approval Of the lef iers.
Witness continuing said that in a le''er
which he wrote, he used the word pen,
meaning revolver. He declined to say TO
whom the letter wal addressed. He eX-
plained that the man to whom the letter
was written had conceived a hatred OF an
other member Of the League and wished 10
murder him. Witness wrote to him' ap'
pearing to sanction the act, bat really 70
gain time until he could write to two su-
1erior officers and ask them TO di@uade
The man from carrying out his purpose