The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-04-17
Accepted in Principle by the
Convention.
AND NO VOICEUTTERSN NAY
To John Redmond and His Party is Entrusted
the Task Of Securing 10 the House
of Commons Certain Amend
ments.
(By the Associated Press.)

Dublin, April 16.-By unanimous vote
the Irish National Convention convened
here today by the United Irish Land
League, accepted in principle the Irish
land bill introduced in the House of
Commons by Mr.. Wyndham chief secrc-
tary for Ireland and entrusted to John
Redmond and his party the task of secur-
ing in the House of Commons amend
ments on various points of vital import
ance," which the National Congress may
consider essential. The convention to-
morrow will outline the shape the amend
ments should take and on Saturday Lord
Dunraven, Lord Mayor, Captain Shaw
Taylor, John Redmond William O'Brien
and I. w. Russell are likely to meet at
round conference table to discuss the
landlords and the tenants opinions on
the land bill and try to arrive at COM
mon basis of parliamentary action.
Today's proceedings at the convention
revealed discomfort with various features
of the bill, but nothing so serious as to
Indicate a danger of its ultimate rejec-
tion. Even Michael Davitt. who had an
opportunity of dividing the delegates into
two bitterly opposing camps, and who,
amidst dramatic excitement subordinateu
his own views, pledged himself to abide
by the amendment. John Redmond and
William OBrien triumphed over all OBJ
jections. Indeed, the directors. save
Michael Davitt, were scarcely given a
hearing by the delegates.
About two thousand delegates assem-
bled In the crowded rotunda of the Man
sion House. which was Incapable of hold
ing all who had come from every part
or Ireland to discuss the Irish land bill.
On the platform sat almost every ma
tionalist member of Parliament with
scattering of prelates. In the body OF
the rotunda was a gathering seldom
equaled in representative capacity.
Farmers from Glare. in top boots: labor
ers from Dublin county, landlords from
Cork and priests from all parts. the lat
ter's sombre clothing and tall hats con-
trasting pleasantly with the bright home
spun apparel of the majority 1t was
essentially a convention of the soil.
though a lighter touch was given by
the presence OF the well dressed women
who filled the galleries.
Lord Mayor Har. icgton and Michael
Davitt induced John Redmond into the
chair and the delegates rose to their feet.
cheered and waved their hats.
Mr.. Redmond opened the procedures
with an impressive speech.
This convent ion," he declared sis
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 10 be-
Mr. Redmond begged his hearers to re-
member their tremendous responsibility.
II they rejected the bill it was dead for
ever, and the great prospect of freedom
since the Infamous act of union was
passed would disappear. Continuing he
said:
Whatever defects Mr.. Wyndham's
bill has, and l am inclined to minimize
them, its object is the final abolishing
of landlordism in all its essentials Ire
land is united as she never was before.
Each man must well weigh his words
and remember that the whole future of
his country and the welfare of his chill
dren and that of unborn generations may
depend upon the conventions decision. /
hope without knowing what that renewal
means-the indefinite delay OF industrial
and economic welfare and even of politi-
cal freedom
Mr. Redmond deprecated earping criti-
eism and advocated a friendly discussion
OF the suggested amendments He hoped
the convention would pass Mr.. OBrien's
motion welcoming the bill and amending
1t in various particulars and entrusting
the amendments to the decision of the
Irish Parliamentary party, and con-
cluded Mr.. Redmond, 'let US give the
world which is watching us. for our or
derliness, wisdom and restraint, proof
of our capacity for self-goyernment."
Lengthy agenda had been provided for
todays proceedings. Thes consisted OF
many proposed amendments TO the de-
tails OF Secretary Wyndhams proposals.
The chief movers were William O'Brien
and Michael Davitt. The former. while
congratulating Ireland on the fact that
the British ministry had introduced
Dill accepting in principle, after cen
turies or struggle. that the land should
be restored to the people OF Ireland. urged
the delegates to press amendments en-
larging the financial scope of the bill Mr.
O'Brien, however, asked the convention
to entrust to the Parliamentary party
the power and responsibility of event
ually dealing in committee stage with
the amendments
While begging the delegates to let their
parliamentary representatives settle the
matter, Mr.. oBrien attacked the land
lords. Irish judges and British rule with
the same virulence as has always marked
his speeches. to the intense delight of
the audience. which. swayed bv his elo-
quence, hissed and cheered alternately