It should be mentioned, in justice to the present Government
of Ireland, that n determined attempt is being made to check boycotting through the ordinary law. Long lists of prosecn- tions are published, showing, the- activity- of the Police in every infected county. The process seems to be to summon every person against whom evidence can be procured, and either com- mit him for trial or bind him in recognisances to keep the peace. The licences of all publicans who refuse supplies are taken away, —a step so feared, that the Leaguers have exempted publicans feem the obligation of' obedience—and in serious cases a still stronger instrument will be tried. The Government have discovered an old Whiteboy Act, which inflicts seven years' penal servitude for threatening, and intend to prosecute under its provisions. In spite of all these efforts, however, boycotting is not checked ; nor do we see that the law is put in motion against strong associations like that of the cattle-dealers. It is greatly to be regretted that there is no civil process which could be put in. force against boycotters. Their single object is to keep money.due to landlords in. other people's pockets, and any process which made. boycotting exceedingly expensive would be effectual. The. pettier crimes of an English country-side are not really stopped by-punishments, but by costs. Of course, out- rages cannot be dealt with in that way ; but the refusal to .observe tacit contracts to sell might.
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