Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-06-04
THE LEAGUE POsrPONEMENT.
President Fftzgerald's Circular and
What he Says About it.

LINCOLN. NEE, June 4-The circular OF
President Fitzgerald postponing the big con.
vention of the Irish National League to be held
In Philadelphia Is dated to-day. The full text
Of the interesting document is as follows:
To the officers and Members Of the Irish National
League Of America:
DEAR SIRs: The national convention called
for the 9Th and 10th of July at Philadelphia is
postponed until after the present session of the
British parliament, in compliance with the ca
bled advice OF Mr.. Parnell. For some time past
have been in correspondence with Mr.. Par
nell and other Irish leaders. urging that MIR.
Parneu and some of his ablest colleagues should
attend the Philadelphia convention ON the
dates named above, but the replies did not en-
courage the hope that we should have an Irish
delegation at the convention. Finally cabled
VIM. U Brien on the 9th of May, as follows:
Urge necessity of sending delegation to
Philadelphia convention 9Th July. Your pres
ence with Protestant nationalist would have
very beneficial effect. Answer
(Signed) JOHN FITZGERALD"
Mr.. PARSELL's DISPATCH.
On the morning of May Is received the fol-
lowing cable:
Jour telegram. / strongly advise postponing
convention until after session of parliament.
(Signed) PARNELL."
/ was at once convinced that Mr.. Parnell
must have had strong reasons for cabling the
above request, which by every loyal member of
the league should be accepted as a command.
In order to have the fullest expression of opin-
ion on the subject from the officers and MEM
bers OF the national executive committee of the
league. the national secretary sent the follow
ing telegram to each officer and member Of the
committee:
''Parnel cables strongly advising postpone
ment OF the convention until after the session
Of parliament. What do you advise? Answer
(Signed) JOHN p. SUTTON"
MOST OF THE DELEGATES FAVOR PosTPoNEMENT.
Thirty-three delegates, including the execu-
tive officers, favor compliance with Mr.. Par
nells wishes, three are opposed and three
could not be reached. very much regret the
Inconvenience caused to the Irishmen of Phil
adelphla on account of this postponement and
the expense caused thereby paid by the national
treasurer. l feel sure the patriotism of the
members of the league will recognize the wis
dom OF being governed by the advice of Mr..
Parnell and of avoiding any action that might
be construed as a revolt against his leader
ship.
"A postponement of a similar nature and for
exactly the same reason took place in January.
1856, at which time convention to be held In
Chicago was postponed at the cabled request of
Mr.. Parneu until after the close OF the British
parliament then about to assemble and did not
convene until August of the same year. The
statement that the postponement of the con-
Fention Is in any way connected with the abomi-
nable murder of DIR. Cronin is absolutely false:
the sole and all-suficient reason for MIR. Par
nells request is that opportunity may
be given the Irish leaders to attend
the convention without absenting themselves
from their parliamentary duties at the present
critical time. A little patience is all that is
asked from the Irishmen of Philadelphia. The
Irish National League of America was founded
to aid and not to thwart the recognized leader
OF the Irish people. Opposition to his plans at
the present time would be next to TREASON to
the Irish cause, and | am confident that no
matter at what sacrifice, the postponement of
the convention at Mr.. Parnells desire until
after the session of parliament will meet with
unqualified approval of every right thinking
friend OF Ireland.
(Signed) JOIN FITZGERALD,
President l. N L. A"