Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-31
DEATH OF MICHAEL DAV|T7.
Man Who Fought Early and Late for
 the Betterment of His County.

Michael Davitt, the uncompromis- ing Irish patriot, died at midnight at his home in Dublin. He was one of the most remarkable men of his race and has a history brimful of excitement from the time his family were evict- ed and thrown on the roadside when the future leader was but a mere boy. MT Davitt was born in Straide, County Mayo, in 1S46. After their experience with the Crowbar Brigade, some of the older members left for America, while the parents and the younger ones crossed over to Eng land and settled in Manchester. Michael went to work in one of the factories and it was while operating a machine in that town that he lost one of his arms. Later on he attend ed the Wesleyan school. from which he graduated with high honors and secured position as assistant clerk in the postoffice at Manchester. He first came to public notice during the anti-Catholic riots in England, when he organized band of young men and met the Murphy element at their own game. He was prominent in the Fenian movement and with John Wilson was arrested in connection
 with the alleged plans to attack Chester castle and was sentenced to imprisonment for fifteen years. He spent seven years and ten months of the time in Millbank, Dartmoor and Portsmouth prisons, when he was pa roled for the balance of the time. His Jail Journal, since published in book form, tells of frightful treat ment dealt out to Irish prisoners in British jails. On his release he was given a magnificent reception in Dub lin and from that time on he kept up constant agitation against British rule in Ireland. He took leading part in the land league movement, was arrested several times, and did time in Sligo, Kilmainham and other safe spots which the authorities over there have for people who be- lieve or doubt little more or little less than the government standard.
 In 1883 he was imprisoned for four months for a seditious speech. In 1882, while in prison, he had been elected member of parliament for Meath, but was disqualified on the grounds of his unexpired ticket of leave. Subsequently elected several times and disqualified or unseated, he was returned unopposed for Northeast Cork in 1893, but shortly afterward was compelled to vacate through bankruptcy. In 1895 he was returned unopposed for East Kerry and South Mayo, but resigned in 1899. In that year he was impli- cated in the 'Parnelism and Crime prosecution instigated by the London Times, and conducted his own de- fense in an effective speech which re- ceived the commendation of the pre- siding judge.
 He made few trips to the United States and made one of his stirring addresses in Waterbury before crowded house in City hall. In addi- tion to being forceful speaker he was a writer of considerable ability and is the author of some very valu- able ybooks,s his last work being en- titled .The Fall of Feudalism" in lreu land" which is practically story or the Land league movement. This in 1904, and is dedicated to the Celtic peasants and their kin dred beyond the sea. Dayitt was rather too aggressive to suit some or the Irish leaders and as a conse- ouence he had tit with them once in a while, but while all could not see things from his standpoint, none of them ever questioned his honesty of purpose. He was physical force man first. last and all the time, but worked with the men who preferred moral suasion. not because he liked that sort of thing. but on account or his desire to bring all elements to- gether for a common cause.
 loft in the lonely watches Of the night the clock in Westminster tower reminded me-" he writes in one of his charming compositions, "of the number of strokes l was doomed to listen to and of how slowly those minutes were creeping along The weird chant ever haunts my memory and I recall that period of my imprisonment when l first had to implore Divine Providence to pre- serve my reason and save me from madness which seemed inevitable, through mental and corporal tortures 
 He goes to his reward with his work as he saw it we'll done, but like those who have labored with him and have gone before. he closed his eyes on his own native Ireland with out the consolation of seeing the hopes and aspirations of his youth and manhood attained, and his coun- try holding a place among the na- ~f E.a nurth