it is stated that the Government intend to proceed against
the chiefs of the Lan .1 League as they proceeded against Daniel O'Connell in 1843,—by indictment for exciting to resistance to the law. It appears that O'Connell, who always condemned assassination as a crime against Ireland, and who was in favour of fixity of tenure, declared that " a combination not to pay rent was an infringement of the law," and insisted on the expulsion of a Mr. Connor, who wished the Repeal Association to declare against rent. The mode of trial adopted will give every ad- vantage to the accused, who are sure to be brilliantly defended, and the trial will take much time ; but the belief is that during its progress the country will be quieter. The agitators will not be willing, by continuous crime, to make an acquittal im- possible. Mr. Dillon has recommended that the tenants should avenge the arrest of the Land-Leaguers by a fine of 20 per cent. upon the landlords, and their condemnation, by a refusal to pay any rent at all ; but the advice is not likely to be taken, or to overbear the Courts, if it is. Proceedings cannot com- mence till the beginning of November, and may last for some months.
