The Sun

IRISH LEAGUE SHINDY.

Convention Howls Down O'Brien's Attack on Land Bill After Hot Melee.

Special Cable Despatch to The Sun.

DUBLIN, Feb. 9.-Two thousand delegates are in attendance upon the national convention of the Irish League, which opened at the Mansion House to-day, with John Redmond presiding.

In connection with the opening exercises a telegram was read from the Archbishop of Sydney, who said: "Australia is united with you and wishes the convention complete success."

A message from the National Irish League in America said that $25,000 was on the way in aid of the cause in Ireland and expressed the hope that the convention would be harmonious.

The chairman in his opening address remarked that Ireland's capacity for self-government would be judged by the conduct of the convention and that Ireland's good name was at stake. Therefore he hoped that every speaker would carefully weigh his words.

William O'Brien moved a resolution condemning Birrell's Irish land bill, but he did it under difficulties and was constantly interrupted in his speech. Eventually Eugene Crean, National Member of Parliament for Cork, rushed to the platform, intent upon assaulting the chairman. But he was hustled off. A melee followed that lasted some time.

It was stated afterward that Mr. Crean merely wished to speak to the chairman, but an extraordinary tumult followed upon his rush to the platform and members could be seen tugging at one another's collars while the delegates yelled.

O'Brien and his supporters tried for nearly two hours to get a hearing, but in vain. They were continuously howled down. Eventually the resolution was rejected by an overwhelming show of hands.

The convention then adjourned.