The Minneapolis journal., 1905-11-26
IRISH TOWN LAND
ISSUE IS RAISED
Irish Land Act Termed a Miser-
able Failure on One I'M
portant Point.
BY Timothy J. O'connor.

BY Timothy J. o'connor.
journal Special Service. - .,,
Dublin, Nov. 25.-In one direction at
least has the land act moved swiftly
and smoothly forward without hitch
and the government has shown every
disposition to lubricate it's progress. 1t
has been quite successful in securing
extravagant prices, with the bonus
superadded, for the landlords of Ire
land. In this direction it's efficiency
has been greater and it's speed more
rapid than the most sanguine antici-
pations. The government cannot find
money fast enough for the numerous
landlord hands held out to grab it.
But on the other hand, in what were
regarded as its main -objects-the re-
instatement of the evicted tenants and
the redistribution of vacant grass lands
the act has miserably failed, in the
opinion of the Irish people themselves.
1t is claimed that Mr.. Wyndham IS
secret instructions tied the hands Of the
estates commissioners, who were anxious
to discharge the functions imposed upon
them by the legislature.
1t appears that there is yet another
department Of the land act in which
GHO oliCSSu pd1d1 hihS 1HhuChSC VI ChS
castle is felt Among the most valu-
. was the power to include town holdings
tenants.
Special Case for Board.
A special case for the exercise of
these powers was to be found among
the occupying tenants of the town of
llaghadereen, in County Mayo. The
estate has been purchased by the con-
gested districts road, which occupies the
position of ground landlord to the
town. The occupying tenants are
anxious to purchase their holdings
under the act. The delays and evasions
that have occurred in what would seem
simple matter enough were discussed
at recent meetings Of the Town Ten
ants association. The occupying ten
ants who declared their willingness to
buy were put off from day to day by the
board and meanwhile the middlemen
prepared to evict the occupying tenants
that they might themselves secure the
advantages of purchase. Then the Town
Tenants association took the matter ur
and set all of the facts before the
board, calling attention to the decision
of Judge Meredith that the land act
contemplated purchase by the occupying
tenants, and not by the middlemen Tt
this letter and other letters similar ir
import so far no further reply has beer
received than bare acknowledgement
of it's receipt.
Town Tenants Stand.
At the meeting of the Town Tenants
4ecoo;o+iop mi 1o@ta looI
ing with the entire subject with refer
John Dillon, M. P. Mr. Dillon gave
Ballaghadereen tenants to secure jus
tice. He himself, as member for the
division, headed a deputation to th
eongested districts board, but no def
mite action or answer has yet been Sc
cured. Mr.. Dillon is still hopeful o
e recognition by the congested distric
board of the unquestionable claim O
the occupying tenants. But he urge
on the Town Tenants association tn
necessity of vigorous agitation in secur
ing the town tenants rights in tn
case of properties yet to be sold whe
the estate includes village or smal
town.
Issue Is Important.
1t is not easy to exaggerate the in
portance of the issue here raised. Th
Issue, it is asserted, calls for an earl
and positive decision which will leav
Che way clear for the amendment Of tn
act to give effect to it's manifest il
tention. It is declared that the act
clearly in favor of the tenants. Judg
Meredith s decision of the tenants o
the Boyle estate governs the genera
Interpretation in favor of the occupy
Jug tenants. It is claimed that at leas
two of the members of the congeste
districts board enjoy the absolute col
fdence of the people of Ireland. 0
the other hand it is asserted that til
majority Of the members of the boar
are under the direct influence of tt
castle. Inasmuch as it is asserted ths
the decay and depopulation in Irelan
has fallen heavier on the small tow1
than on the rural regions remedies al
being sought in all directions and it
claimed that the remedy is to make tt
occupying tenant owner on reasonab
terms.
One thing that has caused conside
able disappointment in Ireland tn
year is the fact that the fairs have bee
exceedingly bad for prices for cattl
For instance at the fairs Of Balinloug
Crogham and Elphin just held farme
could not get what they paid in Ap,
and May for bullocks and heifers, al
in consequence many Of the farme
fear that they will not be able to me
their payments of rent. In fact we
it not for the little assistance the tie
ants are getting thru the sale Of pi
many would be in a sad plight