New-York tribune., 1891-10-08

Irish party cohesion ana renders certain tne ue
feat of the Conservatives at the coming general
election
SKETCH OF THE DEAD LEADERS CAREEH-
Charles Stewart Parnell was born at Avondale
County Wicklow Ireland He was the son of one
of those English landlords who for many genera
tions have formed hated aristocracy in Ireland
The English poet Parnell was one Of his ancestors
aud the family throughout was entirely English
and lived in Ireland only because its estates were
there. from the toiinG tenantry of which 1T col
leeted a large rent-roll. On his mothers side also
Mr.. Parnel was of English descent. by way OF
America. His mother was native of New-Jersey
and the daughter of Commodore Charles Stewart.
Of the American Navy. In accordance with the tra-
ditions of his family. young Parnell was educated
in aristocratic style at the University of Cam
bridge He displayed no extraordinary scholarship
and was apparently destined to spend his life as
typical Tory squire dull in intellect, fond of fox
hunting devoted to orthodox Conservative prlnci-
pies and looking upon all progress and Liberal re-
form as evil inventions.
At the age Of twenty-cight however he became
interested in public affairs. and was chosen to
succeed bis father as High Sheriff of Meath. At
this time much discomfort prevailed throughout
Ireland The country was in such condition as
After all other means of suppressing the religion
of Zoroaster had failed. the Alahometon conquer
ors capped an extinguisher over every altar to put
out the sacred fire. At first the device seemed to
succeed but presently the extinguishers them
selves caught fire. and the affairs famed more
brilliantly than ever. SO in Ireland. in 1874, the
official extnguishers placed over the people by
the British Government were themselves catching
the fire of patriotism None OF them did so much
sooner than Mr.. Parnell. His mother had already
identified herself with the Fenian movement by
giving aid and comfort to some of the consprators
This fact made the Nationalists regard the young
High Sheriff with favor. and in 1875 they per-
shaded him TO run for Parliament in Meath He
hesitated to do So knowing that he was orator
and fearing 10 appear in public. When he was
nominated he tried to make speech, but utterly
broke down and fed from the platform in con-
fusion But the chairman apologized for him, say
ing. lie is the son of the Mrs. Parnell who shell
tered the Fenian boys Thereupon the audience
shouted, Well elect him. And they did
That was in the spring Of 1875. Soon after
ward the young man made his first appearance in
the House Of Commons. No one knew anything
about him, save that he was supposed to be be-
lever in the Home Rule theories of Mr.. Butt,
which were generally regarded in England as en-
every session Mr.. Butt would rise in the House
and make stereotyped motion for Irish self.gov-
crnment. Perhaps or two of his handful of
followers would make speeches about it. Then
the whole matter would beSshelved by an over
whelming vote. This was far preferable to revo-
lutionary violence 1t seemed to please Ireland,
and it certainly did not hurt England Mr. Par
nell during his first session quiet observer
of this familiar comedy. Indeed, he watched all
the proceedings Of the House in silence, taking no
part excepting to follow Mr.. Butts lead in voting
But he was close student of everything that
went on, paying especial attention to the rules Of
the House, and to the rights of members to speak
and ask questions.
In the next session he began to practise what he
had learned He spoke several times on unimpor-
tant matters, and found that he could do so as
we'll as any one else. That is, he could stand up
and speak. He was not, and never became a
graceful or eloquent orator. But that did not
matter To stand like a craven image and talk
steadily in clear if rather mOnotOnous voice
served his purpose just as we'll the splendid
oratory of Gladstone or Bright would have done
Presently he began to bring the interests of Ire
land to the attention of the House. The House
received him at first with surprise and silent con-
tempt. Then il treated him TO sneers and gibes
To all this he was entirely Indifferent. 1t did not
matter TO MIN that he was the most unpopular
man in the House. lie had made up his mind
that the House should listen to what he had TO
say about Ireland, and that no other business
should be done until it had listened TO him. IL
was MI Biggar who, in 1877, invented the famous
policy of obstruction, but it Mr.. Parnel who
most successfully put it into practice and made
himself the leader Of the Party of Evaporation
OF course the House resented his conduct, and
whenever he rose to speak both Liberals and Con-
servativcs united to cry him down The moment
he arose bedlam broke loose. After five minutes
of pandemonium his voice would be heard, Mr.
Speaker" Then five minutes more of bcdlam.
Then lpl and again Mr.. Paruels voice, - Mr..
Speaker" For five minutes more 800
groans, cat-cals and Kisses. Then another lull,
broken by Mr. Parneh's cool, calm voice, " / rise
To-" And then again the war between babel
and bedlam In half an hour of this work Mr.:
Parnell was able to make himself heard four or
five times and TO utter audibly perhaps a dozen
words. That was not much speechmal1ing for
him. Neither was il much doing of business for
the House. Most men under such treatment would