The Land-War In Ireland (1870)

The Land-War In Ireland (1870)

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Title: The Land-War In Ireland (1870) A History For The Times
Author: James Godkin
Release Date: January 2, 2005 [EBook #14562]
Language: English
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THE LAND-WAR IN IRELAND
A HISTORY FOR THE TIMES
BY JAMES GODKIN
AUTHOR OF 'IRELAND AND HER CHURCHES' LATE IRISH
CORRESPONDENT OF 'THE TIMES'
LONDON MACMILLAN AND CO. 1870
LONDON: PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO.,
NEW-STREET SQUARE AND PARLIAMENT STREET

PREFACE.

It would be difficult to name any subject so much discussed during the
last half century as 'the condition of Ireland.' There was an endless
diversity of opinion; but in one thing all writers and speakers agreed:
the condition was morbid. Ireland was always sick, always under
medical treatment, always subject to enquiries as to the nature of her
maladies, and the remedies likely to effect a cure. The royal
commissions and parliamentary committees that sat upon her case were
innumerable, and their reports would fill a library. Still the nature of the
disease, or the complication of diseases, was a mystery. Sundry 'boons'
were prescribed, by way of experiment; but, though recommended as
perfect cures, they did the patient no good. She was either very low and
weak, or so dangerously strong and violent that she had to be put under
restraint. Whenever this crisis arrived, she arrested the special attention
of the state doctors. Consultations were held, and it was solemnly
determined that something should be done. Another effort should be
made to discover the fons malorum, and dry it up if possible.
A diseased nation, subject to paroxysms of insanity, and requiring
30,000 keepers, was a dangerous neighbour, as well as a serious
financial burden. Yet many contended that all such attempts were
useless. It was like trying different kinds of soap to whiten the skin of a
negro. The patient was incurable. Her ailment was nothing but natural
perversity, aggravated by religious delusions; and the root of her
disorder could never be known till she was subjected to a post mortem
examination, for which it was hoped emigration, and the help of
improving landlords, would soon afford an opportunity. In the
meantime, the strait waistcoat must be put on, to keep the patient from
doing mischief.
But at length a great physician arose, who declared that this state of
things should not continue; the honour, if not the safety, of England
demanded that the treatment should be reversed. Mr. Gladstone
understands the case of Ireland, and he has courage to apply the proper
remedies. Yet the British public do not understand it so well; and he
will need all the force of public opinion to sustain him and his cabinet
in the work of national regeneration which they have undertaken. It is
not enough for a good physician to examine the symptoms of his
patient. He must have a full and faithful history of the case. He must
know how the disease originated, and how it was treated. If injuries

were inflicted, he must know under what circumstances, how they
affected the nervous system, and whether there may not be surrounding
influences which prevent the restoration of health, or some nuisance
that poisons the atmosphere.
Such a history of the case of Ireland the author has endeavoured to give
in the following pages. It it is no perfunctory service. He resolved to do
it years ago, when he finished his work on the Irish Church
Establishment, and it has been delayed only in consequence of illness
and other engagements. He does not boast of any extraordinary
qualifications for the work. But he claims the advantage of having
studied the subject long and earnestly, as one in which he has been
interested from his youth. He has written the history of the country
more or less fully three times. During his thirty years' connexion with
the press, it has been his duty to examine and discuss everything that
appeared before the public upon Irish questions, and it has always been
his habit to bring the light of history to bear upon the topics of the day.
Twenty years ago he was an active member of the Irish Tenant League,
which held great county meetings in most parts of the island; and was
enthusiastically supported by the tenant farmers, adopting resolutions
and petitions on