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CHAPTER 6

The Land Act and Conciliation, 1902–1907

THE WYNDHAM LAND ACT

The report of the Land Conference, published in January 1903, attracted immediate criticism from the Freeman’s Journal, from Davitt and from Archbishop Walsh, all of whom alleged that the financial terms suggested were much too generous to the landlords. As Wyndham prepared his new Land Bill based on the Conference recommendations, the unprecedentedly large sum of money involved (needed to provide purchase loans to the tenants and a bonus incentive to the landlords to sell) made his relations with the Treasury delicate. In the light of this, Redmond feared that sharp controversy over the Bill at the April UIL Convention might provide a pretext for the withdrawal of the Bill. In particular, he worried about the attitude of Dillon, who had not been involved in the Land Conference. Further anxiety related to the possible effect on the Bill of controversy surrounding the impending visit of the new King, Edward VII.

TO WILLIAM O’BRIEN MP

18 Wynnstay Gardens, 14 January 1903:

I am to speak in Edinburgh on Saturday …

Of course I was not surprised at Davitt’s letter. It will do no harm. What about Dillon’s views? – he hasn’t said a word to me about the [Land] Conference … I also had a friendly note from [Dunraven].1

TO WILLIAM O’BRIEN MP

18 Wynnstay Gardens, 19 January 1903:

… Dunraven called to see me the other day … He seems very sanguine …

I hope there is no danger of Dillon chiming in with Davitt.2

TO WILLIAM O’BRIEN MP

18 Wynnstay Gardens, 20 January 1903:

… Dunraven recd. today a long letter from Wyndham, parts of which he read for me. He sd. he would like … to meet Dunraven and me to explain his [Land] Bill but stipulated that [Under Secretary] Sir A. MacDonnell shd. be present and that he shd. be excused from disclosing the terms and methods upon wh. the necessary money was to be raised … He says [Chancellor of the Exchequer Ritchie] fears the possible effect on Transvaal loan of the disclosure of an intention to raise a ‘considerable sum of money to carry out land purchase on a much larger scale than ever before attempted’ …

Wyndham sd. many complimentary things of you and me and from the tone … of the letter… I gather he is breast high for a big thing – but one never knows!3

TO WILLIAM O’BRIEN MP

18 Wynnstay Gardens, 22 January 1903:

… It was to be expected there wd. be some hostile criticism, but if we can keep the organisation free from hostile declarations … we need not trouble much … Some people also think we proposed that the tenants are to pay 33 years’ purchase! … 4

TO WILLIAM O’BRIEN MP

18 Wynnstay Gardens, 11 February 1903:

It is physically impossible for me to speak on Sunday. Just think … three journeys to Ireland and back in a week!

I don’t think Davitt can do any more harm. If the Directory and the Party speak out, the country will have made its opinion clear …5

TO WILLIAM O’BRIEN MP

House of Commons, 1 March 1903:

A have a letter from Dillon saying he won’t be back before 1 May! So he does not mean to attend the (National) Convention …6

TO WILLIAM O’BRIEN MP

House of Commons, 16 March 1903:

The Land Bill will be introduced on Wednesday 25 March. I think it of great importance you shd. come over …7

TO WILLIAM O’BRIEN MP

House of Commons, 1 April 1903:

… I saw Wyndham again yesterday. I think he is in a very shaky condition. He said that he had no hope of more money and that he feared a demand from us for more would be fatal … he is … anxious and willing if he can to meet us …