CAPTAIN BOYCOTT.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3854, 23 November 1883, Page 4

CAPTAIN BOYCOTT.

It Avill bo surprising to everybody unacquainted Avith the Avhimsical peculiarities of tho Colls—at least those of them who inhabit Ireland—to be informed that Captain Boycott has returned to that island, and is now living at peace with his neighbours. The gentleman avlio has enriched the English dictionary Avith a new word signifying a form of persecution specially adapted for himself, is not only back among thoso who once threatened and cursed him, but is stated to be absolutely popular. Nor (remarks the Standard) is this such a marvel. The agitation, AA'hich may have been primarily enkindled to some extent by his determined opposition to the demands of the tenant farmers, and Avhich drove them out of the country, resulted in pecuniary advantages to them. By a process of deduction of their own thoy look upon the man they formerly hated as their unintentional benefactor. Besides, they cannot help respecting him for tho pluck he slioaa'ccl during the continuance of the bitter fight; and now that the struggle is oaxt and that enmities are appeased, their respect Avarms into admiration. On his return he refused proffered police protection, and this bold selfreliance must have aAvakened bettor qualities in the Avild peasantry, if a glimmer of such existed. In any case, Captain Boycott Avas hailed Avith cheers Avhen ho aa'oii a plate _at the recent Gal way races, himself in the pigskin. After all, his skill and courage as a cross-country rider may bo tho secret of the esteem in AA'hich he is'at present held by these countrymen of Charles Lever.