The Life Of Charles Stewart Parnell Vol - I

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CHAPTEE XIII
KILMAINHAM
THE League's answer to Parnell's arrest was a manifesto calling upon the tenants to pay no agrarian rents, under any circumstances, until the Government had restored the constitutional rights of the people.
This document was inspired by Ford and Egan, written by William O'Brien, and signed by Pamell, Kettle, Davitt, Brennan, Dillon, Sexton, and Egan.1 All the prominent Leaguers were not in favour of the policy of the No Eent manifesto. Mr. O'Kelly was opposed to it, and his views were shared by Mr. Dillon, who was sent back to Kilmainharn (for a second time) a few days after Parnell's arrest. Indeed, the very day that Mr. Dillon arrived the document was under consideration. As he entered the room the conspirators were sitting in council. Parnell exclaimed : ' Here is Dillon; let us see what he says about the manifesto/ The manifesto was handed to Mr. Dillon, who condemned it on the instant. (A strike against rent/ he said,
1 On the introduction of the Coercion Bill Egan retired to Paris, and there attended to the financial business of the League. On October 17 Ford wired to him : * Communicate with Parnell if possible, consult with your colleagues, then issue manifesto " No Eent." ' Egan replied : ^ Your suggestion is approved. Prompt measures are now in preparation to prepare a general strike against rent. The manifesto will be issued throughout the land. It is the only weapon in our hands.' Da\itt's name was signed by Brennan, Davitt being in Portland.