The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-09-11
DISTRESS IN IRELAND.
Mr.. Balfour Goes to Dublin to Super
wise the Measure for
Relief.
High Time the Secretary Should
Turn His Attention to
the Misery.
nj. s-h.rne to Relieve the Congested POr-
tions by Enigration-Ihe Com
pulsory Eight Hour Law.

LONDON, Sept. 1O.-Mr. Baifour is going
to Ireland to direct the executive IN some
measures designed to meet the dlstress
which prevails there on account OF the IAN
inc. He will also do something toward ex-
neditinp the construction of railway extern
sions toward the west, and he will organize
and put in working shape the improve
ments in drainage which are now gong on
narticularly in Dublin. Mr.. Balfour also
has new scheme in hand for the relief OF
the congested districts where the effects Of
famine are likely to be most felt. The idea
is to relieve the poor population, partly by
emigration to another part of Ireland, as
recommended by Mr.. Davitt. 1t is high
time that the secretary for Ireland
should turn his attention to the
terrible state OF affairs prevailing in
that country. Up to the present
time tho authorities at the Castle have done
absolutely nothing. and have paid no at
tention whatever to the reports of distress
which have been the common talk about
there. In the face of the brutal apathy OF
The people who ought to move first IN a
case like this, a number of local bodies are
taking action looking to the lettering OF
the condition Of the peasantry. On the
suggestion of Mr.. Davitt efforts are being
made to influence tho peasantry to SOW
some cabbage and turnips. as promising to
yield good crop, as substitute Tor the
potato crop. This would bring about a
small mitigation of the distress, but would
by no means suffice to rescue the poor peo-
pie from their dreadful outlook. The
apathy of tic Castle people whose activity
Of late years seems to have been con-
fined chiefly to balls and banquets
and scandals. has had the effect of
intensifying the aspirations of the better
class of Irishmen for the achievement
of home rule in Ireland. If Parnell and
Dnvitt had been in control OF the national
machinery and the national finances at this
trying time they would have accelerated the
necessary measures for the welfare OF the
waiting until its dread results drove them
to action. If there had been an Irish par
lament of any sort in existence at this
iuncture there would have been no recess
during the time that starvation is menaclnG
the people aud great disaster hanging over
the country. These plain facts are forclnp
themselves upon the consideration OF the
people, but even the conservatives in Eng
lnnd cannot fail to see the truth OF the
situation, and stronger feeling than evel
is cngendered in the ranks of Irish patriots
Ever tory laundering could scarcely dc
more.
The adoption by the labor congress of a
resolution insisting on compulsory eight
hour-lay for workingmen is coldly criticised
even by the radical press, which tries tc
support the labor demngogues in every.
thing and is ridiculed outside. The idea
that parliament should make 1t penal Of
tense to work beyond eight hours day Is
laughed at rather than discussed, no one
regarding SO silly n suggestion as worthy OF
serious consideration. The Importance OF
the decision at Liverpool on this point is
greatly overrated by the radical newspapers
The congress, does not represent more than
million and half of voters altogether, OF
supporters of the eight-hour idea, but
that statement would be misleading
to persons unacQuainted with
the composition of the congress.
A system of representation which
recognizes all unions on an equal basis
gives to Il number Of small trades a repre-.
sentation much in excess of their numerical
rights or their proper influence. At the
same time, the largest class OF labor in the
country, and one of the most important
the agricultural, was not represented at all
and certainly no one has less to say at the
polls than an English farmer. The temper
Of the majority of the men at the congress-
partly Quixotic and inspired with bravado
was shown in the closing resolutions
which were about as absurd as anythin6
which the mistaken have done. They de
cided that the town councils ought to estab
lish workshops and factories for the unem
ployed. and that parliament ought to en-
act compulsory municipal employment
law. They also resolved that law ough
to be passed which should prohibit EN-
p.oyes from making contracts for la
Dor outside the United Kingdom.
proposition which is absurd as applied t.
England and for which there is n
warrant here in the conditions Of labor Q
the dangers of contract immigration.
to-day's sessions of the trades unions cor
Rress twas resolved to boycott unfair mad
goods, and all railways, tramways. an
boats whose employees are under paid.
was also resolved to exclude the represen
atives of non-union papers from futul
congresses. Mr.. Birtwistle, the leader {
the cotton workers, resigned from the pm
liamentary committee, giving as his reaso
for his action that he was not in favor
the passage of compulsory eiRht-ho,
labor law. Mr.. Slater was appointed [
the position. Mr.. John Burns, the sociali
leader. was then appointed member of IL
committee in Mr.. Rirtwistle's stead. Tn
announcement was received with cheers Ill
groans. The congress then dissolved.