THE LAND LEAGUE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1140, 7 March 1884, Page 3

THE LAND LEAGUE.

Ho then* uncompromising defiance. de claros the Times was ev-r llnog in the fa e of a nation oi- a (roven.men than that ip which the chi-f of the'La-d League lias declar' d wav upon constitutional pr no'ples and tlie connection with England. It is impossible for public men in this country to pretend to regard this renewal of Irish warfare with indifference or cou'empt. Mr Parnell has come forward with a masterful and domineering air, to tell this countiy on what terms he will consent, for such time as it may suit him, to refrain from throwing Impel ial politics into confusion, degrading the House of Commons and crippling one party in the State after another. He boasts that he will command a holy of Parliament reoresentatives after the next general election, bound to his service, and prepared to vote at bis bidding against any an-1 every British Ministry. This, according to Mr Parnell’s reckoning, will make hhn the master and the arbiter of the English parties. The one comprehensive and cardinal purpose, avowed by Mr Parnell and his political associates, blazoned on the walls of his banqueting hall, and proclaimed in every speech delivered on that occasion, is “ national independence.’’ This is Mr Parnell’s answer to the Prime Minister’s incautious request that advocates of “Horae Rule” should “formulate their views” on the subject, and submit them for consideration to English public opinion. It is, at all events, satisfactory to have such overwhelming proof that projects of local *d'.goveinm nt, plans tog transfenirg Kadway Bills and Gas Bills to local tribun.da, and for setting up County Boards with large administrative arid fiscal authority. and the like, cannot he put forward as meeting any popular demand in Ireland. If it be shown, by firm persistence in what Parliament and the country approve as an honest, wise, an I courageous policy, that in no circumstances will Mr Parnell find a market for lbs votes on terras imperrilling the Union, the Irish masses will speedily fall away from him. The elements of a reasonable and settled loyalty, embracing men of all classes and creeds, are not wanting in Ireland, if only distracting influences were with Irawn.