The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-07
IRISH LANDLORDS WAR
STRONG FACTION DECIDES TO
 TREAT WITH TENANTS.
Party Led by Lord Dunraven and , Backed by King Edward and the British Cabinet Revolts Against
 Leaders Who Refuse to Con-
 slider Any Terms. -
Special Cable to Chicago Tribune.)
 (By Guy Cramer.)

" tHS HiSuSst poHtiCdl Clfcles that the British Government is determined to set tie the Irish land question on liberal terms. For this reason the greatest atten- ton centered at he meting of the land owners convention yesterday and the greatest stress was laid in their rejecti on of the proposals of the conference com mttee representing the portion of the largest Irish landlords favoring a con- ference with the tenants relative to terms Of possible sale of land holdings as the best way out of the trouble.
 As result the landlords are now badly divided. Lord Dunraven heads the fac ton demanding conference with the tenants. The organization of landlords, headed by the Duke of Abercorn, Lord Barrymore and Lord Ardilaun, are op- posed to any settlement
 In the face of this situation the Dun raven faction decided to take immediate steps to confer with their own tenants, the latter to be represented by members of the Irish parliamentary party. '
 Landlords are Divided.
 This means a big split in the ranks of the landlords. The nationalists naturally are jubilant. They regard this weaken ing of the landlords power as an indi- cation pointing to a settlement which will bring prosperity to Ireland and make Great Britain really a united Kingdom. .
 Lord Dunraven's conference committee based its decision on voting papers sent to 4,0oO owners of over 800 acres each. The poll showed that 1.12S were in favor and 57s opposed to the conference The others did not vote.
 King Backs Dunraven.
 few weeks ago King Edward sum- moned the lord lieutenant of Ireland, Earl Dudley, and the new Irish undersccre- tary. Sir Anthony Mcdonnell. to luncheon at Buckingham palace. What passed Is unknown, but 1t is certain that immediately upon Earl Dudley's return to Ireland Lord Dunraven started on tour of the country. and is now making many addresses. asserting that as surely as the landlords and tenants select business representatives for a conference the settle ment of the Irish land problem will be effected, If both sides are reasonable.
 Points to a Settlement.
 It Is significant that Sir Anthony Mo- Donnell talks privately in the same strain. there being little difference in his views and those of Irishmen leading the fight for land settlement. His appointment was the most significant part of the gov ernment's plan He is a home ruler, Catholic a strong man who brooks no interference. He is still a member, of the India advisory board and Is merely can ed to Ireland. He settled the land trouble
 
 government does not intend to settle the Irish question, was he appointed? This is the question being asked on all sides. He Is in close sympathy with Irishmen and their hopes
 Basis of the Opposition.
 Undoubtedly Lord Dunraven is repre- sentng the government wishes The landlords opposing his committee are led by few of the big fellows who are not af all fha incOOaa from their Irish estates. Ford Ardilaun is great brewer, the Duke of Abercorn has disposed of most of his Irish land, but is the owner of big trades in England.
 It is the general belief here that the government intends to make these inde pendent landlords take their medicine if they continue to stubbornly oppose set clement.
 l am told on the highest governmental authority that Kind Edward earnestly oe sres a settlement of the land question. He wants the conditions such that he could go to Dublin, Cork. or anywhere in Ireland. and receive an enthusiastic welcome from the Irish people, as he does in England. He takes the same position as he did during the war in South Africa. He wants peace at any price. and he wants a united kingdom and desires to end the uproar in Ireland which has kept the people of the island in a ferment for centuries. am convinced by this trip to Ireland that land settlement Is the only remedy. There is no other way. In Ireland the | British government has to deal with 4o0.- | GOO tenants who now live in misery and privation on patches of land, which lo l rot yield cent. The rent must be raised | by Irish laborers in England and from money received from relatives in Amer | ica.
 Solved by Other Nations.
 The problem which England now faces | has been solved in other countries and l the solution has been attended by growth. l prosperity. and loyalty of the people | Russia did it in four years and 50,0O0,OOO serfs were made peasant proprietors at purchase prices equivalent to the rental | for sixteen years, and even part of this | price was remitted. The same acts dc- count for Germany's greatness. In Ma | poleon'S time. under Stein, the peasants of Prussia were made the owners of the | land France did the same.
 Coercion Part of the Plan. Consequently England may easily solve | the problem if it is determined to do so. | Because this Is the governments aim, 1t | is asserted in high quarters that the pres | ent policy of coercion has a useful pur- | rcse If there were no trouble the Eng fish people would pay no attention to Ire |
  del lorable conditions continue indefinite | ly The Fenian insurrection. however. | opened the eyes of Gia 1stone and used | his efforts In behalf of Ireland. Thus 1t l is believed that coercion and injustice | will arouse the English people and com pei them to assist and approve ithe gov ernment's ideas and demand a settlement | of the trouble once for all Men like Under Secretary Mcdonnell | say that crime in Ireland Is like the | snakes-there Is none. Consequently the | excuse for practcing coercion because of | existing crime Is invalid
 Dunraven Leads the Revolt.
 II is not doubted that Lord Dunraven Is hacked by the King and the government. | His committee was 'n session yesterday | ot the same time the landowners con | vention met The former forwarded a communication to the latter. asserting | in. result of the poll and asking the | Iand,ords' sanction for a conference with | the tenants. The landlords convention. headed by Earrvror,, and Lord Ardlaun. made m insoIent reply,. contending that the ten ants must first perfect business organ lection end state the terms they want. | rba failure of the landlords conference | -,og cbarged to the Dunraven faction. which it was declared. aimed to benefit those IandlorCs financially comfortable
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