Year: 1874

His Intended Return 10 Irela nd-Vtews


the Irish Question.


The report published In yesterdays HERALD con-
cerning the intended return to Ireland OF Mr.. John
Mitchell the Irish exile, for the purpose OF fconiesting
the representation OF an Irish constituency on ad-
vanced national principles. has given rise to con-
siderable curiosity as to his motives in taking this
step and the course OF action ne intends to pur
sue on his arrival in Ireland. 1t is generally
known that Mr.. Mitchell escaped from the penal
colony OF Van Diemans Land when he had CON-
peteo but five years OF the fourteen to which he
sentenced, and that therefore, according TO
Brush law, he Is liable to be arrested II found In
the British dominions and imprisoned for the space
OF nine years. The government having the right
and the power TO throw him into prison 1t is
natural that people should leel some curiosity as
to whether it viii be deemed expedlent TO do SO
alter the lapse OF so many years.


A HERALD reporter was detailed to ascertain
correct and reliable Information these points,
and the following is the substance OF a statement
obtained from Mr.. Mitchell himself


Mr. Mitchell believes, to begin with, that no good
can come TO Ireland from the British Parliament
and that Ireland can never be prosperous or
happy till she has complete control OF her own
destnes and tae connection with England en-
trely severed. In this he will admit OF no com.
promise or hall measure. federal arrangement
between the two countries he repudiates and
repeal of the union, he believes, would not be
HGpeIe in tbe eroWn should M e be snanned
asunder He Is separatisu OF the
most absolute ana radical KIND. With regard to
the present home rule movement, he thinks it
does not represent the real hopes and aspirations
OF the people; that it is a sickly and nerveless
effort 10 patch up the national quarrel i'll In
complete and unsatisfactory manner. Their pro-
gramme Is not clear ana definite enough, or rather
they are without any well dehncd scheme OF
"A 4.
ment were adopted Ireland would stiii be at
the mercy OF England, as she must always
be SO long as she mas not the power TO keep her
own peace witnln her own borders and make her
own laws in free and independent Parliament.
friends OF his, for whose character and patriotism
he has the greatest respect, he yet does not share
whole movement mere milk and water KIND OF
national effort.


Mr.. MITCHEL's OBJECT


in going to Ireland this juncture is to seek the
sutfrages OF the people on the broad principle OF
lrelands right to complete independence. He
will not place himself IN antdgonlsm with the
home rule movement, but he intends to demon.
strate to England and to the world that there is
something stronger and more determined In Ire
land than home rule. He has firm conviction
that England ,osn WIZ n, never ,odd grant segov-
that TO All ae deusve M ercea ao 80
Ireland have been wrung from her by force
or the fear of it, He believes 1t is possible to in
fuse more life and vigor into the national govern
ment by the course or action he intends to pursue
II elected, as he is sure to be from ms well known
y,
by protesting against the right OF the British Par


lament maze laws Tor Ireland. From his well
known ability ana persistency OF character there
can be no doubt that his action VIII have very
great influence on the course OF events in Ireland
/ Tor some time To come.


His reason for not landing in Queenstown is to
avoid any demonstration that might give the
( police a pretext Tor proyoking riot. he will go
direct to Liverpool and thence to some northern
city in Ireland. One member OF Parliament who
mas mad some differences with his constituents has
promised to resign In his favor. He has belief
that the


BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL NOT ARREST HIM.
but should they do so he is willing to let them
have all the odlum attaching to such an ungracious
act and is prepared to take the consequences.


He sails to-day at three O'Clock by the steamer
Idaho, pier 40 North River.