Ireland Under the Land League; a Narrative of Personal Experience

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1892 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER X. IRISH DISORDER DUE TO WEAK ADMINISTRATION, NOT TO DEFECTS IN THE LAW--RESIGNATION OF LORD COWPER AND MR FORSTER--CRIMES ACT OF 1882--SERVICES OF RESIDENT MAGISTRATES--MODIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM--HABEAS CORPUS SUSPENSION ACT--GENERAL REFLECTIONS ON THE SITUATION--OBJECTS OF THE LAND LEAGUE--FARMERS HOLD ALOOF FROM THE LEAGUE--EXTENSION OF DISTRICT TO BRUFF--EXAMPLE OF DEFECTIVE SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION--CONFERENCE WITH CHIEF SECRETARY--MR FORSTER'S SCHEME--APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL RESIDENT MAGISTRATES--MEASURES ADOPTED BY SPECIAL MAGISTRATES--SYSTEM OF PROTECTION TO INDIVIDUALS--SYSTEM OF PATROL--EMPLOYMENT OF TROOPS ON PROTECTION DUTY--ENERGY OF THE LAND LEAGUE--ITS MERCILESS CRUELTY. I Have never entertained the least doubt that the ordinary law of the land is amplysufficient in its strength for the purpose of maintaining order even in Ireland, though I am not prepared to urge that under all conceivable conditions its provisions would suffice for the purpose of restoring order. My faith, how EFFICIENCY OF THE ORDINARY LAW. 197 ever, in the efficiency of the ordinary law is almost unbounded. It is not the imperfection of the law, but its spasmodic and weak administration that has produced the present condition of social anarchy in Ireland. Had the law been enforced from the beginning of 18 81, many a life would have been saved, and the British nation would have been spared one of the greatest blots that has stained its history. The opportunity was lost, and we are witnesses to the sequel. If Ireland were quieted to-morrow, we cannot expect that the triumphant maintenance of disorder over law for six years, the demoralising doctrines taught for so lengthened a period with impunity, and the shocking callousness with...