as
incurred the resentment of the popular party. It is noteworthy that
strict adherence to the "constitutional weapon" is mainly confined to
the cases of those whom it is unsafe to attack by more violent means.
His enemies dare not make an onslaught on Mr. Stacpoole himself, for
reasons well known and thoroughly appreciated; so they clip the ears
of wretched hinds who are neither strong nor courageous enough to
resist their violence, which is just now only employed against the
defenceless; but such outrages are apparently quite sufficient to make
the power of the _Jacquerie_ absolute.

I am weary of hearing from panic-stricken interviewers that the "real
Government of Ireland is that of the Land League;" but the facts
adduced can hardly be passed over in silence. For the present,
creditors have only two courses to pursue--to accept Griffith's
valuation where they can get it, or to do nothing, await the action of
Parliament, and go without money for their Christmas bills. "Weak
holders," as they are called in the commercial world, must take what
they can get, and stronger capitalists may wait for better times; for
it is impossible to put the existing laws for the recovery of debt
into effect. Evictions are out of the question. Neither Dublin writs
nor "civil bills" can be served, except in a large town or its
immediate neighbourhood, and seizure of goods for a common debt in
country places is quite out of the question. The principal
process-server in the town of Tipperary has retired from service, and
addressed himself to "J.J." for several days past. That matters are
going from bad to worse is proved by the calibre of the persons who
are amply capable of paying their rent, but are afraid to do so. More
than this, those who have paid before they received notices are
threatened with pains and penalties if they do not join, publicly
approve of, and subscribe to the popular combination.

Startling cases have just occurred in Tipperary. A farmer paying a
very large rent even by English measure is leaving the country because
he is threatened by vengeance if he do not immediately take back a
labourer whom he dismissed for misconduct. Another large farmer is
informed that all his labourers will be compelled to leave his
employment unless he instantly joins the League. His farm includes a
large percentage of tillage, and he must either undergo heavy
pecuniary loss or submit, as he probably will do. A smaller tenant,
who had b