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ANTI-BOYCOTT LEAGUE.
I was very much struck with a letter which appeared in the Daily Express on the 9th September, headed "Defence League," and signed T. H. R. Every day I feel more convinced that it is absolutely necessary to make a firm stand against the tyranny of the Land League, and this can only be done by taking a leaf out of its book, and calling on all loyal Irish men and women to put their shoulders to the wheel, and combine to faithfully support each other in resisting and putting down the system of "boycotting," which is now inflicted on all who venture to oppose the Land League.
I give an extract from T. H. R.'s letter. His suggestions are good, and would be most useful to anyone trying to form a "Defence League." The great difficulty is to find energetic people to make a beginning; but, if this League were started in a few counties, where there are a sufficient number of respectable people, Protestants and Roman Catholics, willing and able to assist with money and example, hundreds who are now afraid of taking the first step, would only be too glad to join and assist in any movement that will put a stop to the fearful state of thraldom in which so many honest, well-disposed families are at present living.
If a "Defence League" is formed, I shall be delighted to give any help in my power. I am not a person of large means at any time, and I have my income greatly reduced by the action of the Land League, so I can at present only subscribe £5 towards the funds which will, of course, be required to work this League properly. Now is the time for exertion, not a day should be lost, and I entreat every man and woman who reads this letter, to consult with those who have the welfare of Ireland at heart, and take some decided step towards destroying the baneful power of that Hydra-headed Monster, "The Land League."
That step must be a united effort. Nothing else will succeed. As suggested in the St. James' Gazette, stores could easily be opened in different counties where boycotting prevails, at which the gentry and others could be supplied, and not be dependent on the local shopkeepers. These latter would soon tire of the Land League, when they found their best customers leaving them, and their business, in consequence, greatly diminished.
A. B. C.
Extract from Letter signed T. H. R.
"What is wanted is a little more pluck and personal courage both in the lower and upper classes, and in this matter the upper classes must set the example, and even force courage on the lower classes, and this, despite isolated acts of bravery occurring now and then, they will never do until they are united. I propose that a Defence League shall be formed in each county, with a Central Committee in Dublin, and that every orderly citizen in the country shall be invited, by personal solicitation, to join it.
"The Committee might consist of all the Justices of the Peace and other magnates in the county. The principles of the Association would, speaking roughly, be to support each other, and all persons oppressed by the Land League, steadfastly and honourably, whether in the case of boycotting or any other oppression; not to have any dealings with any shopkeeper, farmer, or other person who is an active member of the Land League (the Defence League giving information as to such persons); not to take back, employ, or deal with any servant, workman, or tradesman, who has quitted the service of, or refused to deal with anyone who is boycotted; and to indemnify from loss anyone who, whether as master or man, has suffered from resisting the Land League. All notices, threats, and outrages emanating from the Land League, must be at once communicated to the local Secretary. In each County some local magnate, such as Lord Fitzwilliam in Wicklow, or Mr. Kavanagh in Carlow, or the senior Justice of the Peace, should take steps to form this Defence League, by summoning a meeting of the magistrates and magnates of the County; and, if the plague is to be stopped, no time is to be lost. Those excellent Committees, the Property Defence and Emergency Committees, which have done so much for the country, might also lend a hand. I hear that the former have already nominally branches in each County, but although the head has life and is doing good service, the branches have never been quickened into life, and it is the all-pervading influence of local association which is really required to instil strength, and to combat the Land League. Your paper would be available as a central organ, and in each County papers holding similar views are to be found. I entreat the people of this country, both rich and poor, but especially the leaders in each County, not to be deaf to my appeal. At present I am confident that such an Association would soon put an end to the tyranny of the Land League—at all events, in such Counties as Carlow, Wexford, and
"I have only a reversionary interest in property in this country, and too little influence to start the League.
"T. H. R."
"HUNTINGTON CASTLE, CO. CARLOW,
"Sept. 7th, 1881."