The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-02-14
IRELAND, ITS CAUSE AND ITS ATTI-
TUDE.

IRELAND, ITS CAUSE AND ITS ATT
tube.
TheMessenger said the other day that
among England's perplexities there
was trouble brewing for it in Ireland.
Lord Salisbury. the premier. appeared
to have fears OF dangers threatening in
that direction. Recent news from Lon
don confirms the fears, and shows that
a large part of the Irish are very reso:v-
ed and united as to pushing agitation
and a satisfactory settlement of the
imposing. disturbing LAM question. 1t
is not assured that the Irish leaders
mean revolution, but 1t is clear that
they do not mean tame submission.
Mr.. Gladstone failed, great as he was
in trying to carry out his plan for Irish
home rule. The entrenched Tory party
backed by the crown was too much for
him. A recent dispatch from London
stated that in the city of Dublin, in
Ireland, there is a firmly rooted belief
that nothing short of revolution is
meant by the United Irish League and
the advocates of constitutional methods
are slowly but surely giving way to the
strong physical force section" That
looks warlike, but we incline to the
view that the able men in the lead
will not provoke hostilities. Engiand's
power would probably crush the at
attempt. and then it would in that
event be worse for Ireland. The Irish
leaders talk out in parliament and make
plain their desires and demands. The
Baltimore Sun reviewing the situation
says Of h intentions Of the leaders,
and it is very interesting: This has
been made plain in recent debates in
parliament by Irish leaders-notably
Mr.. John Redmond, the most brilliant
orator in the house Of On
on the other hand. the British govern
ment has revived the Coercion act and
Is dealing sternly with Irishmen who
have been prominent in the agitation.
Several Irish members of parliament
imprisonment, and the chief secretary
for Ireland is urged by the ministerial
press to enforce with the utmost rigor
the law against boycotting. The Lon
don Chronicle. which. while imoerialist
as regards Greater Britain. is still true
to the principles Of the Liberal party,
stated recently that the present agi.a-
ion Of h United Irish League, If 1t be
kept within legal bounds. nay force the
pace by confronting the government
with a practically united Ireland 1T
Is remarkable added The Chronic:r,
that on this question of compulsory
land purchase. as also on the question
OF Irish taxation. the barriers which
have divided nationalist Ireland fr-m
unionist Ireland are breaking down."
We would rejoice to see ireland free.
mo-. With her own La1liaIuent, lid
never again to feel the despoI's power.
united NAV eventuate T.. Ire ana
We desire most sincerely ~ see
the Irish leaders both united and ~!se.
A vigorous fight without appealing to |
arms is possibly safer and surer tina
q revolution to and invite a
repetition in beautiful Ireland OF the
and savageries in South Africa
16 dlIlSL IL DOcES. l<OIu OhilSpu|S -
evidently startled by unfolding vents.
The Sun says:
1.-The electors in a strong unIonist
constituency have chosen as their rep
in parliament a man who is
4 stalwart advocate of the compulsory
purchase of Irish lands for he benefit of
he IRISH peop- This IS a rude shock to
the anti-Irish element in the b itiSA
cabinet, for it seems to indicate, AZ the
Chronicle suggested. that the Cover n
nent may yet be confronted with a
united Ireland. Mr.. T. w.
Russell. who formerly held office under
the conservative government. and rem
a stanch Presbyterian constitu-
in parliament. Is making a vigor-
fight for the principle of compulsory
and purchase. With men who in the
past have differed as widely on the
land question as Mr.. Redmond and Mr.
Russell now advocating the same meas
.re of relief for Ireland. the Brit sh
has abundant to feel
concerned about the result Of the agi-
Mr.. Russell has recently published a
book on Ireland hat is we'll received.
has been English in his view in the
past, but now he is out for Ireland and
her rights. Salisbury declares that
will never receive home rule.
will not add to the glories of
rule or bring peace and content
ment to a wronged people. Rosebery
deserts Gladstone's policy now but very
able men like John Morley and Sir
Bannerman stand bravely
for it.