THE POPULAR FEELING IN IRELAND. [To TRH EDITOR OF TRH
"SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I think Mr. Hayes' letter, in your issue of the 19th inst., is incorrect and misleading. The Land League meets sup- port in every part of Ireland, and embraces more or less all classes. The situation i5, for this reason, a very difficult and anxious ono, and will become more so, if the landlords MO the Coercion Act as a means of enforcing the payment of rents unjustly or harshly, or if the Government employ it. with a view to suppressing a reasonable liberty of speech or meeting. believe that the latter danger may be avoided, if the popular leaders act and speak with prudence, and counsel no violence or breach of the law. This, however, is, I fear, as doubtful as the action of the landed proprietors, who are, no doubt, exasperated.
It would be unjust to overlook the fact that rent has been dishonestly withheld, in cases the number of which it is diffi- cult to estimate. To suspend all evictions pending the passing of the Land Act would be virtually to declare that all tenants are honest, and all landlords uujust,—a proposition which does not accord with my experience and information. Let us, then, closely watch the conduct both of the popular leaders and the authorities charged with the tremendous and secret powers of the Coercion Bill; and let us press for the introduction and passing of a largo and thorough, but just measure of laud-law reform. —I am, Sir, &c.,
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