"He gets all he is entitled to, his ground rent, we built the houses
ourselves," was the answer.
These people are safe, having a secure title, not trusting to the Ulster
Custom or the landlords' sense of justice.
I have not been much among landlords. I did sit in the library of a
landlord, and his lady told me of the excessively picturesque poverty
prevailing in some parts, citing as an instance that a baby was nursed
on potatoes bruised in water, the mother having hired out as wet-nurse
to help to pay the rent. There was no cow and no milk. I had a graphic
description of this family, their cabin, their manner of eating. The
mother cannot earn the rent any longer and they are to be evicted. I was
told they were quite able to pay, but trusting to the Land League had
refused.
Naturally what I have seen and heard among the poor of my people, has
influenced my mind. I could not see what I did see and hear what I did
hear of the tyranny wrought by the late Earl of Leitrim, and the present
Captain Dobbing, or walk through the desolation created by Mr. Adair,
without feeling sad, sorry and indignant.
XX.
LORD LIFFORD - THE DUKE OF ABERCORN - WHOLESALE EVICTIONS - GOING SOUTH -
ENNISKILLEN - ASSES IN PLENTY - IN A GRAVEYARD.
