The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-07-18
lsecond letter.

years ago the writer gave wide
publicity to the unhappy condi-
tions in ireland the prediction was
made that the government would be
compelled 20 take drastic action. This
forecast was verified Within year
the Wyndham land purchase act was
passed, increasing the powers OF bodies
engaged IN unooing the wrongs of cen
turtles, and for seven years these wise
reforms have been in operation. wha,
they have accomplished it is the pur-
pose OF the present investigation TO set
forth
To the student OF history-and, in
deed. 10 any one who has the fafntest
interest in human progress-the story
OF Ireland must be fascinating. Ameri-
cans particularly should find it attrac-
tive, not only because so large a pro-
portion OF them have Irish blood. but
because this country still suffers many
Of the disabilities against which
Americans revoIted $50 years ago. Ire
lands afaictions under misrule and the
still surviving system Of bad govern
ment viii be disguised later These
esrlier letters are to deal chiefly with
the reforms in the grotesque land sys-
tenn and the amazing changes for the
better which have been wrought in the
short period OF seven years.
The testimony in the main will be the
riter's personal observation, for he
viii visit the same places he inspected
seven years ago. But already there is
evidence from a competent witness
man whose inhexibIe opposition to the
English government during his whole
life must give weight to his declaration
today that Ireland has been lifted from
despair TO hope. This is John Dillon,
member of parliament, scholar. his
torian and agitator. one of the ablest
of the leaders during a stormy gen
GRAFTON.
Visit to John Dillon
Mr.. Dillon lives in one Of those tall,
grim, smoke blsckened houses which
give 70 Dublin's old streets an appear
snce OF ancient grandeur. More than
100 years ago the house was occupied
by member Of the Irish parliament.
the short lived but brilliant legislative
assembIage which proved the justice OF
home rule, but was extinguished by the
UNANIMOUSLY passed act of union in 1900
Many other houses in this street shell
tered members Of that body, and during
the sessions the neighborhood was bril-
liant Now the glory has departed and
the mansions have settled into a decor
Gus but dull appearing respectability.
There was. nothing to suggest the
sgitator. the bitter and ruthless foe of
British nisgovernment, in the figure
which greeted me in the dim Lit library
pf the old house. Nothing more unlike
2 militant campaigner could be imag
tined than the tall. thin. studious looking
man who rose UP among his books and
extended the courteous welcome of the
snce Of the man is one of scholarly re-
hnement He seems TO be infinitely
more at home in his deep armchair
than he would be in the heat OF politi-
cal strife; yet he is one of the most ef-
fective, as he has been one Of the most
fiery and Incorporating. of the Irish
orators and leaders. The book lined
walls and the tables, Uttered with odd
volumes and papers, make appropriate
surroundings for his studious, some
what weary looking figure. His words
are those of the scholar and suggest
nothing of his stormy career.
Enormous Progress Made
When I told him ] had come to Ire
land to learn what progress had been
made since my former visit ne ex-
pressed satisfaction
Il am very glad, indeed" he said
America has heard much Of Irish suf-
fering. and has given US such splendid
support that it is gratifying that YOU
can take back report Of much good
accomplished. and much more TO be
achieved presently. You could not
have come at a more significant time
The Improvement since you were here
last has been simply enormous car
say. in all seriousness. that Ireland has
made more progress in the last IL
years than during the previous 200
years"
That is strong statement" was
suggested.
But quite true answered Mr.. Dill