THE “IRISH CONVENTION."

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1788, 13 November 1879, Page 2

THE “IRISH CONVENTION."

A Dublin correspondent writes i—An article in the “Weekly News” is taken as indicating tho general character of the Parnell plan in contemplation for tho holding of what is called a National Convention in Dublin. It is not only arranged for, so far, that it is to consist of 300 persons, but also that this number is chosen because it was that of the members in the old Irish House of Commons. Tho arrangement for tho representation of the counties and boroughs is that each town with over 100,000 inhabitants may be allowed four delegates, each town between 10,060 and lOG',OOO three, each town between 5000 and 10,000 two, and each town between 3000 and 5000 one. This would apportion about 140- delegates between eighty Irish towns, and there would remain a delegation of 160 for division between the counties. If the election wore by unions, os the number of unions in Ireland is 160, tho matter might bo simplified by allowing one delegate to each union; if by counties, a vast tract liks Cork would have over a deze-n delegates, and. a small place like Louth or Ca;l»w three or four. This is the scheme propounded by tho “ Weekly News,” which adds as to tho franchise,” that it must bcjby manhood suffrage ; and says finally, touching the method of election—“ It would bo by public meetings, duly notified, and directed by persons nominated for tho purpose. A centred body would have to guide tbn country and set everything in order for the assembly c£ tho Convention, by allotting to each const: tuency its proper number of delegates, by fixing times for the elections, appointing r* turning officers, receiving and verifying returns of delegates, and naming a date for the opening ofjttho session.” There can be no doubt (says tho correspondent) that this is a sketch foreshadowing tho project which is mmediately to be developed by the Parnell party.