Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-06-12
DANIEL O'CONNELl.
An Agitator For tho Recreation of
Irish Natonalism.

DANIEL OCONNElL.
An Aaitator For tho Re- Creation of
Irish Nationalism.
Ireland has produced many celebrat-
ed men, but it would be hard to find
one whose name is more deeply en-
graved on the minds of her people
than Daniel O'Connell. In the history
of his country he holds a unique
place. No politician ever possessed
greater influence, none ever used it
with greater moderation. And yet, de-
spite all this, the statute book contains
little evidence of his life's work. The
fact is O'Connell was an a.gitator not a
statesman, and as such, it is not too
much to say, he re-created Irish ma
tional feeling. He had many things in
his favor, not the least of which were
good looks, a well-proportioned figure,
and a charming voice. Then, too, he
was possessed of the most astonishing
energy and, what is of far greater i'm
pOrtance, his belief in the cause was
fanatical. Gifted with the most mar
vellous powers Of oratory, an mex
haustible fund of humor, and a thor
ough knowledge of the Irish people
and their ways, it is not surprising that
his power increased until he was more
Omnipotent than any viceroy. Yet, as
boy, he showed little signs of energy
or ability. At school, beyond being
able to claim the distinction of never
having been flogged, he appears to
have done little. TO his uncle Maurice
O'Connell, who adopted him. the great
Irishman owes his advance in life. Af-
ter completing his school education he
was sent to the English college Of St.
Omer, where he won golden opinions
from DR.. Stapleton, who predicted a
great future for him. Later on he
went to study at Douay. This was
during the time of the French revolu-
ton, a coincidence which, as he de-
clares, made him almost a Tory at
heart In 1894 he settled down at
Grays Inn with enthusiastic ambi-
tion,' as he says himself ito rise at
the bar" Two years later he return
ed to Ireland, and began to practise.
For the first year his fee book showed
an income of eco; the second it was
nearly f1,1OO; in 1928 his professional
emoluments were $4,000.
1t wss about the year 1900 that o.
Connell first took up politics seriously.
His first recorded speech at this time
was at Dublin, at a meeting convened
to protest against the act of Union.
O'Connell hated the Union and set
himself to work from this day forth,
by meetings, petitions and every other
device, to stir up feeling in Ireland
against it. In 1910 an important
movement was set on foot in Dublin
for repeal. O'Connell, whose enthusi-
asm was looked upon with disfavor by
many leading Catholics, now took the
lead; a meeting was convened and he
delivered a great speech, in which re-
peal, and nothing short Of repeal, was
set rolling gathered impetus as it
went. There was plenty of scope for
agitation, and O'Connell never missed
an opportunity of parading Irish grieV-
ances before the people. In 1928 he
was returned unopposed for County
Clare, though it was generally assum-
ed that, being a Roman Catholic, he
would be debarred from taking his
seat. Owing to his refusal to take the
oath Of supremacy his election was
annulled. Again he stood for Glare,
and again he was returned unOpposed.
The more the government frustrated
him, the more violently did he agitate.
Clubs were formed everywhere; meet
ings were held in the most remote viii
lagos. There was nothing for it but to
admit him to the house, for the coun-
try was seething with political revolu-
ton.
In the parliament of '35 Wings and
Tories were so evenly divided that o.
Connell and his followers held the bal
ance, and were thus in position to
discuss terms with the ministry. Up
till this date O'Connell had confined his
agitation to Ireland; now, however,
having been kindly received by the
Wings, he commenced operations in
England In many Of the great towns
he addressed enthusiastic audiences.
a orli ia
had been charged and found guilty "of
creating discomfort and disaffection
among the liege subjects of the queen
For this he was sentenced TO twelve
months Imprisonment in Eridewell,
fined $4,000, and ordered to keep the
peace for seven years. Three months
later the lords reversed the judgment
and he was released.
But short as had been his stay in
prison his health, ailing for some time,
had suffered. The death of devoted
grandchild shortly afterward increas-
ed his misery; the death of his wife a
little later well-nigh broke his heart.
Added to all this, money difficulties, as
he wrote to a friend, had for some
time been literally killing him. Still,
he fought on, but his influence in Ire
land was decreasing daily. On Feb.
8. 1S47 he appeared in the house for
the last time. A few days later he was
taken dangerously i'll. His doctor or
dered him change of air, and held out
hopes of recovery; he himself knew he
was dying. Still he started off abroad,
though only to reach Genoa, where he
died on May 15.-LOndOn Globe.
a Eap,oue Renirnent