The Life Of Charles Stewart Parnell Vol - I

am CILVKLKS STEWART PAKNELL [1882
ask him point Wank if ho meant to 'slow down' the agitation. On receiving his Chief's answer, delivered with inexorable precision, and acting on the advice of his medical attendant, Mr. Dillon sailed for Colorado and troubled Jhirnell no more.
]>avitt/s opposition was a more serious affair. He wits a power. Ho had the * Irish World' at his hack. "He could easily have formed an anti-Parnellite party in America. Ho could not, of course, have driven Parnell from the position of Irish leader, for all Ireland was. now solid for the Chief—the Church, the fanners, and many of the rank and file of the Fenians, who^'had, contrary to the. direction of the supreme council, joined the Lund League —but ho could have made divisions in the ranks. The ' Irish World ' was only too ready to dethrone Parnell, whom Ford disliked for his moderation and his strength. Had Davitt only spoken the word there would probably have, been an internecine struggle full of peril to the national interests. Parnell knew this well. The one. thing ho detested was a quarrel with iiny net of Irishmen. But he felt that, at all costs, the Extremists should be taught that ho was master. lie would take money from his American allies. Ho would remain in alliance* with them. But the direction of the national movement should rest in Ins hands, and in his hiimlHalono. Ho had no notion of allowing his American auxiliaries to command the situation, and that they meant to command it ho had not a particle of doubt. America should help, but should not lead Ireland, That was the principle on which he acted.
Hin feelings towards Davitt were, friendly. Ho had always the warmest sympathies for a man who had suffered -BO much for Ireland. Ho always recognised the power and the usefulness of the political convict.