The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-04-21

Dublin, April 16-By a unanimous
vote the Irish National convention
which met here today accepted in pEin-
cipIe the Irish land bill introduced in
the house of by Mr.. Wynd-
ham, chief secretary for Ireland, and
entrusted to John Redmond and his
party the task of securing in the house
of m that serious and in various
points of vital Importance which the
National congress may consider essen
tiaI. The convention tomorrow will
outline the shape the amendments
should take and on Saturday Lord Dun
raven, Lord Mayo, Captain Shave
Taylor, JOhn Redmond, William O'Brien
and T. w. Russell are likely to meet at
a round conference table to discuss the
landlords and tenants opinions on the
land bill and try to arrive at a COM
mon basis of parliamentary action.
Today's proceedings at the convention
revealed discomfort with various fea-
lures of the bill. but nothing so serious
as to indicate a danger of it's ultimate
rejection. Even Michael Davitt, who
had an opportunity of dividing the del
egates into two bitterly opposing camps,
and who amidst dramatic excitement
subOrdinated his own views, pledged
himself to abide by the verdict. John
Redmond and William O'Brien, tri-
umphed over all objections, indeed, the
DIRECTORS. save Michael Davitt. were
scarcely given a hearing by the dele
gates.
The National convention convened by
the United Irish League met today in
the historic round room of the Man
sion HOuse About two thousand del
egates assembled in the crowded rotun-
da, which was incapable of holding all
who had come from every part of Ire
land and to discuss the Irish land bill.
On the platform sat almost every ma
tiOnalist member of parliament with a
scattering of prelates- In the body Of
the rOtunda was a gathering seldom
eQualled in representative capacity.
Formers from Glare in top boots; labor
ers from Dublin county, landlords
from Cork and priests from all parts,
the 1atters's sombre clothing and tall
a contrasting pleasantly with the
AAoA opPOANA VI IN AOJO
ity. 1t was essentially a convention
of the soil. though a lighter touch was
given by the presence of the we'll dress
ed women who filled the galleries.
Lord Mayor Harrington and Michael
Davitt indicted JnO. Redmond into the
chair and the delegates rose to their
feet, cheering and waved their hats.
Mr.. Redmond opened the proceedings
with an impressive speech.
This convention" he declared, lis
the most solemn, the most momentOus
event in the history of living Irishmen,
with the exception of the Introduction
of the home rule bill. There are in the
lives of nations as there are in the lives
of individuals opportunities which once
lost can never be regained. Such an
occasion l believe the present to be-"
Mr.. Redmond begged his hearers to
remember their tremendous responsible
ity. If they reject the bill it was dead
forever, and the greatest prospect of
freedom since the Infamous act of
union was passed." would disappear.
Continuing he said:
Whatever defects Mr.. Wyndham's
bill has and I am inclined to minimize
them, its object is the complete and
final abolition of landlordism in all its
essentials. Ireland is united as she
never was before. Each man mus
we'll weigh his words and remember
that the whole future of his country
and the welfare of his children anC
that of unborn generations may depend
upon the conventions decision. I hope
without knowing what that reneWa
means-the definite delay OF industrial
and economic welfare n even of DO
Iitical freedom"
Mr.. Redmond deprecated carpins
criticism and advocated a friendly dis
cussion of the suggested amendments