A Life Remembered: From Suffering to Triumph in the Fight for Irish Land Rights

Dublin, Ireland – The nation is in mourning as we bid farewell to Michael Davitt, a man whose life was marked by a heroic journey, a message to the nation left unopened, and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Less than two months ago, Mr Davitt was a beacon of strength and vitality, residing at his home in Hulme, his spirit as strong as ever, and his health robust. But today, the nation grieves the loss of a man who dedicated his life to a noble cause, a cause that took root when he was just a nine-year-old child, thrust into the harsh realities of a world that demanded his labour.

Davitt’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause of Irish land rights. He emerged from humble beginnings, born into a world of toil and struggle. At the tender age of nine, he was thrust into the workforce, assigned tasks that would challenge a boy of thirteen. It was during those formative years that he began to grasp the injustices suffered by the Irish peasantry.

The news of his passing, which the public had been bracing for since his sudden turn for the worse on a fateful Sunday night, came at the stroke of midnight in the Royal Hospital in Lower Mount Street, Dublin. Davitt had been receiving treatment since his last operation, surrounded by the devoted vigil of loved ones and well-wishers.

The closing chapter of his life was one marked by heroism and unwavering determination. Davitt’s last moments were a testament to his indomitable spirit, but they also carried a poignant message to the nation, a message that remains unopened, shrouded in grief and loss.

At his bedside during his final hours were his eldest son, Michael; Mr John Dillon, MP; Dr O’Carroll; Mr James Collins; Dr Quinn; Mr Healy; and Mr James Rourke, a longtime friend. Their presence served as a poignant reminder of the deep and enduring impact Davitt had on those who stood by him.

One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of his final moments was the inability of his wife, Mrs. Davitt, to be with him. She was suffering from a severe illness, and the family chose not to burden her with the news of her beloved husband’s passing. Mrs. Davitt’s illness is so grave that it was deemed best to shield her from the tragic reality.

Master Davitt, the eldest son, maintained a constant vigil at his father’s bedside, a poignant testament to the deep bond between father and son.

Davitt’s illness took a serious turn two months ago when he was afflicted by a severe septic inflammation, a consequence of his weakened condition. Despite the valiant efforts of the medical team, his health continued to deteriorate, and the bulletin issued on that fateful Sunday night foreshadowed the impending tragedy.

In the midst of his pain and suffering, Davitt remained remarkably composed, displaying a courage that epitomized his character. He faced the inevitable with a sense of calm and resignation, expressing his lack of fear towards death. He chose to conserve his remaining strength for the battle against the affliction that had gripped him.

Davitt’s courage and determination were not confined to his final moments. They were a hallmark of his entire life, a life that took root in the harsh realities of his early years.

His journey into the heart of the agrarian agitation began with a deep study of the land problem during his term of imprisonment. His dedication to understanding the issue culminated in a tour through the province of Connaught, where he witnessed firsthand the plight of the Irish tenant farmers. He became intimately acquainted with their struggles, from oppressive landlords to insurmountable debts.

It was during this time that he conceived the idea of an open agrarian movement, one that would bring the grievances of the Irish peasantry into the public eye. His journey took him to America, where he met leaders of Irish-American opinion and shared his vision for an organized and peaceful agrarian agitation.

Upon his return to Ireland, Davitt wasted no time in putting his plan into action. He organized meetings and outlined the goals and principles of the movement, all with the aim of addressing the grievances of tenant-farmers and demanding a reduction in rent, along with the abolition of landlordism.

One of the seminal moments in the formation of the Land League occurred at the Irishtown meeting in April 1879. Here, Davitt, with characteristic fervor, outlined the plan for the organization, its objectives, and its methods. Little did he know that this meeting would mark the birth of a movement that would change the course of Irish history.

From Irishtown, the Land League’s influence spread rapidly throughout Mayo, Galway, and eventually all the counties of the West, uniting a people in their struggle for justice and land reform.

Michael Davitt’s life was marked by hardship, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of justice. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who strive for a more equitable world. His passing is a profound loss, but his enduring spirit will forever be remembered in the annals of Irish history.

A Life Marked by Struggle and Resilience

Michael Davitt’s journey through life was a testament to resilience and an unwavering commitment to justice. Born in 1846 in Straid, County Mayo, to parents who were farmers, he would soon become acquainted with the harsh realities of Irish landlordism.

At just five years old, Davitt’s family faced eviction from their home. Fleeing the oppression of their homeland, they emigrated to Lancashire, England. In Lancashire, a young Davitt found himself working in a cotton factory, where, at the tender age of eleven, he suffered a devastating accident that cost him his right arm. Despite this adversity, Davitt pressed on.

His thirst for knowledge led him to school in Haslingden, where he embarked on his educational journey. By the age of fifteen, he was apprenticed in a printing office, displaying a remarkable determination to rise above his circumstances.

Davitt himself recounted these early life experiences in his testimony before the “Times” Commission: “I remember, although I was only a child, we were evicted in Mayo shortly after the great famine, and the house in which I was born was burnt down by the agent of the landlord, assisted by the agents of the law. That was not a circumstance that would cause me to be a very warm supporter of the landlord or the law as it stood.”

These experiences left an indelible mark on Davitt, shaping his outlook and inspiring his later activism. He remembered vividly the hardships endured during the Great Famine, as narrated by his mother, including the haunting image of three hundred people being buried, uncoffined, in a pit at the workhouse.

Davitt’s early life had a profound impact on his trajectory. It wasn’t long before he joined the Fenian Brotherhood, a decision driven by his desire to transition from secret conspiracies to open and constitutional agitation. He recognized that clandestine movements had their limitations and believed that an organized and visible struggle was the path to meaningful change.

As a young man, Davitt possessed striking physical features, with raven-black hair, olive-toned skin, and dark eyes set wide apart. His accent, a source of pride for him, revealed his Irish roots. It was at the age of nineteen that he wholeheartedly embraced the cause of Irish independence. He joined the Fenian Brotherhood, fully aware that the struggle would be arduous, with no guarantees of success, but driven by a profound sense of duty to his homeland.

His life in Lancashire was one marked by hardship, but it was also a period of self-discovery and resilience. Michael Davitt’s journey from a young immigrant labourer to a fearless advocate for Irish land rights remains an enduring symbol of the human spirit’s capacity to triumph over adversity and injustice.

The Birth of a Movement: Michael Davitt and the Land League

In the annals of Irish history, the Land League stands as a powerful symbol of resistance against oppressive landlords and for the rights of tenant farmers. At its core was the indomitable spirit of Michael Davitt, whose personal journey from adversity to activism ignited a movement that would shape Ireland’s destiny.

The Land League, as Michael Davitt fervently insisted, was not a mere happenstance but a natural outgrowth of the Tenants’ Defence Association, originally founded by Charles Stewart Parnell’s predecessor, Isaac Butt. However, its transformative ideas and strategies began to take shape during Davitt’s incarceration. While serving time in Dartmoor Prison, he found solace and purpose by envisioning a movement that would bring relief to Ireland’s beleaguered tenant farmers.

Davitt eloquently expressed his deep connection to the Land League during his testimony before the “Times” Commission: “The Land League, which is here on its trial, is largely, if not entirely, the offspring of thoughts and resolutions which lightened the burden of my penal servitude, and brought solace to me to some extent for the loss of liberty, of home, and of friends.”

This profound transformation represented the triumph of forgiveness over vengeance in Davitt’s Celtic temperament. He recognized that every person, whether Celt or Saxon, grapples with an inner struggle between good and evil, especially when faced with the harsh realities of prison life. Davitt’s incarceration at the tender age of 22, far away from home and loved ones, presented a formidable challenge. Still, he managed to conquer the spirit of hatred and revenge that could have consumed him.

Davitt’s journey toward championing the cause of the Irish land question gained momentum during his American tour. In an interview with the “New York Herald,” he outlined the reasons that compelled him to take up the Land Question: “I saw that for Irishmen to succeed, they must be united, and that they must have a practical issue to put before Englishmen and the world at large.”

He recognized that meaningful change in England, a country known for its conservatism and reluctance to change, required a pragmatic approach. To effect political change, he believed it was imperative to present a practical and compelling case for reform.

On August 16, 1879, Michael Davitt took a momentous step that would reverberate throughout Ireland. Acting independently and without consulting Charles Stewart Parnell, he convened a convention in County Mayo, specifically at Castlebar. This gathering led to the birth of “The National Land League of Mayo,” marked by the adoption of a declaration of principles, rules, and objectives.

For a brief two months, the Mayo Land League operated independently. However, in October of the same year, the central organization was officially established in Dublin, unifying the efforts of all county bodies under the banner of the National Land League.

Davitt and Parnell, two pivotal figures in the movement, had their initial encounter in December 1877. In the subsequent year, they engaged in numerous discussions regarding the need for a more vigorous approach. However, it was the momentous meetings in Kiltimagh and Irishtown, both in 1879, that marked the true emergence of the Land League.

The Irishtown meeting, in particular, proved to be a turning point in the movement’s history. Held in April 1879, it was here that Davitt’s vision for an open, constitutional agitation gained traction. The meeting drew thousands of attendees, igniting a wave of enthusiasm and support.

Notably, during the “Times” Commission inquiry, James Lowther, the Chief Secretary for Ireland at the time, sought to disparage the speakers at the Milltown meeting. He sarcastically referenced a resolution moved by a convict on a ticket of leave and a person said to represent a local newspaper, James Daly.

This reference to Davitt’s past as a convict led to a memorable scene in the House of Commons. John Bright, a prominent British statesman, delivered a dignified censure of Lowther, highlighting the enduring significance of Davitt’s transformation from a convict to a champion of land reform.

Michael Davitt’s journey, marked by personal growth, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice, played a pivotal role in the birth and evolution of the Land League. His ability to transcend the bitterness of his own experiences and channel his energies toward a practical and constitutional movement demonstrated the power of forgiveness and the potential for transformative change in the face of adversity. The Land League, inspired by Davitt’s vision, would go on to shape the course of Irish history, leaving an enduring legacy of land reform and social justice.

The Emergence of the Land League: A Triumph for Irish Farmers

The late 19th century was a period of immense social and political change in Ireland, and one man who played a pivotal role in this transformation was Michael Davitt. His journey from adversity to activism was instrumental in the establishment of the Land League, a movement that would alter the course of Irish history and inspire generations of Irish men and women.

Born in 1846 in Straid, County Mayo, Michael Davitt came from humble beginnings. His parents were farmers, and from a young age, he witnessed the harsh realities of Irish landlordism. In 1851, when Davitt was just five years old, his family was evicted from their home, and the house where he was born was burned down by the landlord’s agent, with the assistance of the law. This traumatic experience left an indelible mark on young Davitt’s consciousness and fueled his determination to challenge the oppressive landlord system.

The Davitt family, like many others, chose emigration as a means of survival and relocated to Lancashire, England. At an early age, Michael Davitt found employment in a cotton factory. However, tragedy struck when, at the age of eleven, he lost his right arm in a machinery accident, forever altering the course of his life. Despite this setback, Davitt’s indomitable spirit remained unbroken.

He attended school in Haslingden and, at the age of fifteen, began an apprenticeship in a printing office. It was during these formative years that Davitt’s political consciousness began to awaken, as he listened to his mother’s harrowing accounts of the devastating Great Famine and its aftermath. Her stories of mass burials and suffering left a profound impression on him and stoked his determination to fight for a better future for the Irish people.

Davitt’s early involvement with the Fenian Brotherhood marked the beginning of his journey into political activism. He joined the clandestine organization with the goal of convincing its members to transition from secret conspiracies to open and constitutional agitation. He believed that this shift in strategy was necessary to achieve meaningful change for Ireland.

As a young man, Michael Davitt possessed a striking appearance. His raven-black hair, olive-hued skin, and dark eyes set deep in his head gave him the look of a Southern European. However, his distinctive Irish accent revealed his true nationality. He stood tall, exuding energy and determination, and he was unafraid to embrace the cause of his homeland with fervor.

One pivotal moment in Davitt’s life occurred in December 1877 when he met Charles Stewart Parnell, a rising political leader. Together, they discussed the need for a more robust and effective approach to addressing the grievances of Irish tenant farmers. This meeting laid the groundwork for the birth of the Land League.

On October 21, 1879, a public meeting was convened in Castlebar, County Mayo, where the Land League was officially established. Within seven months, the organization had expanded its reach and influence throughout Ireland. Michael Davitt played a crucial role in shaping the movement, but his dedication extended beyond land reform.

During the devastating Famine Relief Fund crisis of 1879-80, Davitt took on a leading role in its administration, ensuring that relief reached those in dire need. His commitment to the welfare of the Irish people was unwavering.

The Land League faced its first major challenge when, on November 18, 1879, Michael Davitt, along with Messrs. Daly and Killeen, was arrested on charges of sedition related to speeches made at the Gurteen meeting. The arrests sparked outrage and protest, leading to a high-profile meeting at the Rotunda in Dublin, addressed by Charles Stewart Parnell.

The following day, Parnell, Dillon, and Sexton attended a massive anti-eviction meeting in Balla, a dangerous act given the prevailing climate of intimidation. The trio continued their defiant stance, traveling to Sligo to visit the imprisoned leaders.

The trial that ensued became a farce, leading to the adjournment of the court. Prosecutions were eventually withdrawn, marking a significant victory for the Land League.

The turning point for the Land League came at the Balla meeting, where the people defied intimidation and threats, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the cause. This spirit of resistance was further exemplified during the Lough Mask struggle, which added the term “boycott” to the English language.

In February 1880, at a meeting in Straide, County Mayo, Michael Davitt addressed the people from a platform erected over the site of his family’s burned cabin, a poignant symbol of their eviction and suffering. His words foreshadowed the decline of landlordism.

The Land League’s first convention in Ireland, held on April 29, 1880, at the Rotunda, introduced a scheme of compulsory purchase based on a twenty-year valuation. This scheme laid the foundation for subsequent land purchase legislation, though Davitt himself believed the price was too high and refused to sign it.

In May 1880, Michael Davitt was sent to the United States to bolster support for the Land League among Irish communities there. His journey took him from New York to San Francisco, demonstrating his remarkable organizing skills and building solidarity among Irish Americans.

Upon his return to Dublin in December 1880, Davitt witnessed the conclusion of the Lough Mask struggle, a defining moment in the Land League’s history.

The Land League’s leaders faced state trials from December 28, 1880, to January 26, 1881, culminating in a jury disagreement—ten jurors in favor of acquittal and two for conviction. The legal battle showcased their resilience.

A Tireless Advocate for Irish Land Reform: Michael Davitt’s Return to Freedom

The year 1881 marked a tumultuous period in the life of Michael Davitt, a tireless advocate for Irish land reform. Having played a pivotal role in the Land League movement, Davitt found himself once again in the clutches of the British government’s punitive measures.

On February 3rd, 1881, Michael Davitt was arrested, and his ticket-of-leave was revoked by the government. He was subsequently confined to Portland Prison, where he would endure fifteen months of incarceration. This move by the authorities aimed to suppress his influence and thwart the Land League’s momentum.

During his time in prison, Davitt received word of a significant development in the agrarian struggle—the Land Act of 1881. This legislative achievement represented the first major victory for the Land League and marked a significant step toward addressing the grievances of Irish tenant farmers. While Davitt could not actively participate in the celebrations that followed, his influence had played a critical role in bringing about this reform.

However, the same year also witnessed the passage of the Coercion Act, which granted sweeping powers to the British authorities to suppress dissent and maintain control in Ireland. In April 1881, Dublin was proclaimed, indicating a state of unrest and civil unrest.

The crackdown on Land League leaders began in earnest. On April 31st, Mr Dillon, the secretary of the Land League, was arrested, and his position was promptly assumed by Mr Thomas Sexton. Mr Brennan, the general secretary, was arrested in early May. The arrest of prominent figures like Mr Parnell, Mr Sexton, and others soon followed.

In response to these arrests, the Irish populace demonstrated swift and coordinated retaliation. The country had become well-organized under the Land League’s influence. Even members of the Ladies’ Land League were not spared from arrest and imprisonment.

Prisons across Ireland, including Kilmainham, Naas, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Clonmel, Dundalk, Armagh, and Monaghan, were filled with “suspects” who had been detained under the Coercion Act. Others were held in institutions like Grangegorman, Cork, and Enniskillen. The Executive Council of the Land League issued the No Rent Manifesto on October 18th, signaling a united front against the oppressive measures imposed by the British government.

May 1882 marked a turning point in Irish politics. The Coercion regime, which had sought to stifle dissent and quell the Land League’s activities, was finally brought to an end. Charles Stewart Parnell resigned from the leadership of the Irish Parliamentary Party on May 5th. Two days prior, Earl Cowper had relinquished the position of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

The release of “suspects” from prison marked a significant shift in the political landscape, and on May 6th, Michael Davitt regained his freedom once more. His release was a cause for celebration among his supporters and fellow Land League members.

Michael Davitt’s Return to America and the Birth of the National League

After his release from prison in 1882, Michael Davitt embarked on another journey to the United States, a place where he had previously garnered significant support for the Irish land reform movement. In America, he sought to strengthen ties with Irish-Americans and present his vision for a unified approach to Irish nationalism.

In a landmark event, Mr Davitt addressed a large gathering of Irish-Americans in New York. During this meeting, he put forward a visionary plan to unite all existing Irish national organizations in the United States under a single federation. His proposal aimed to consolidate the efforts of various groups and individuals who were passionate about the Irish cause.

Upon his return to Ireland, Michael Davitt took on a pivotal role in overseeing the organization of a significant National Convention in Dublin. This convention was convened with the primary goal of revitalizing the Land League movement, which had played a crucial role in advocating for Irish tenant farmers’ rights.

The National Convention in Dublin marked a turning point in Irish nationalist politics. It was at this gathering that the National League was founded. This new organization aimed to continue the work initiated by the Land League but also broaden its scope to address broader national issues and aspirations.

The creation of the National League represented a strategic shift in Irish nationalist movements. It sought to harness the energy and commitment of Irish-Americans while maintaining a strong presence and influence in Ireland itself. This dual approach was critical in advancing the cause of Irish independence and self-determination.

Under the leadership of figures like Michael Davitt and Charles Stewart Parnell, the National League became a formidable force in Irish politics. It provided a platform for Irish grievances to be voiced and sought to bring about meaningful change through peaceful and political means.

Throughout his life, Michael Davitt continued to play a vital role in advocating for the rights and welfare of the Irish people. His tireless efforts in Ireland and his engagements with Irish-American communities in the United States underscored his commitment to the cause of Irish nationalism. The establishment of the National League was a testament to his vision and dedication, and it played a significant role in shaping the path toward Irish independence in the years to come.

Throughout his life, Michael Davitt had faced adversity, imprisonment, and personal sacrifices in his quest for land reform and social justice in Ireland. His unwavering commitment to the cause of Irish tenant farmers had left an indelible mark on the Land League movement. Although the struggle was far from over, Davitt’s resilience and determination continued to inspire others in their fight for a fairer and more just Ireland.

Michael Davitt’s Continued Imprisonment for His Beliefs

In February 1883, Michael Davitt faced further legal challenges and imprisonment due to his unrelenting commitment to the cause of Irish land reform. These legal troubles stemmed from his impassioned speeches and advocacy for the rights of Irish tenants.

Mr Davitt found himself in the King’s Bench court, where he was prosecuted for his speeches on the land question. In the courtroom, he was confronted with the option of entering into bail, a common legal procedure where a defendant provides a financial guarantee to appear in court at a later date. However, steadfast in his principles and unwilling to compromise on his beliefs, Michael Davitt chose to reject the bail option.

As a consequence of his refusal to enter bail, Michael Davitt was once again arrested. This arrest led to his confinement in Richmond Jail, where he would spend four months. Richmond Jail, located in Dublin, was a place where many Irish political activists and nationalists were incarcerated for their activities and beliefs.

Michael Davitt’s repeated incarcerations exemplify the sacrifices made by individuals dedicated to the Irish land reform and nationalist movements. His willingness to endure imprisonment for his convictions demonstrated his unwavering commitment to securing justice and equality for Irish tenant farmers.

Throughout his life, Michael Davitt’s actions and sacrifices spoke volumes about his dedication to the Irish cause. His time in prison, whether in the bleak cells of English penitentiaries or the confines of Irish jails, did not deter him from advocating for the rights and welfare of the Irish people. Instead, it only served to galvanize his resolve and inspire others to join the struggle for justice and land reform in Ireland.

In 1884, Michael Davitt published his renowned book, “Leaves from My Prison Diary,” which garnered widespread readership around the world.

During his imprisonment in Portland, Davitt was elected to Parliament for County Meath. However, his disqualification for parliamentary service while on ticket-of-leave led to a vote in the House of Commons that declared him disqualified. Despite subsequent invitations from Irish constituencies, Davitt declined to re-enter Parliament.

Michael Davitt’s life was marked by personal growth, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His journey from a humble background to a prominent role in the Land League showcased the power of forgiveness and the potential for transformative change in the face of adversity. The Land League, inspired by Davitt’s vision, left a lasting legacy of land reform and social justice that continues to resonate in Ireland’s history.

Michael Davitt’s Refusal of a National Testimonial and His Family Life

In 1885, amidst the fervor of his advocacy and tireless efforts for the cause of Ireland and land reform, a National Testimonial was initiated for Michael Davitt. This gesture was intended to honour and recognize his significant contributions to the Irish struggle. However, Michael Davitt, a man of strong principles and convictions, declined to accept any such testimonial.

His refusal to accept this honour was a testament to his humble and selfless nature. Throughout his life, Michael Davitt remained dedicated to his mission of improving the lives of Irish tenant farmers and fighting for justice and equality. He saw his work as a duty and a calling rather than a pursuit for personal recognition or rewards.

In 1886, another significant chapter unfolded in Michael Davitt’s life when he married Miss Mary Yore in Oakland, San Francisco. Mary Yore was the daughter of Mr John Yore, hailing from St. Joseph’s, Michigan, in the United States. Their union brought forth five children, a testament to the warmth and love in their family. Four of their children, three boys named Michael, Caher, and Robert, and one girl named Eileen, survived and continued the Davitt family legacy.

Despite his marriage and family life, Michael Davitt’s dedication to the Irish cause remained unyielding. During the era of Mr Gladstone’s Home Rule Bill and beyond, he extended his influence beyond Ireland and became a powerful voice among the workers of England. His advocacy was not limited to Ireland; he championed the rights of workers and labourers in England as well.

Michael Davitt’s advocacy for industrial workers and his democratic principles resonated deeply with the working-class population in England. He tirelessly conducted propaganda campaigns in English industrial centres, spreading the message of justice, fairness, and the Irish cause. His ability to bridge the gap between the Irish struggle and broader social justice issues made him a respected figure among the artisan classes in England.

Throughout his life, Michael Davitt’s commitment to justice, equality, and the welfare of the Irish people never wavered. His refusal of personal accolades and his dedication to his family and the greater cause made him a truly remarkable figure in Irish history. His legacy continues to inspire those who strive for a more just and equitable world.

Michael Davitt’s Role in the “Times” Commission and Political Career

One of Michael Davitt’s most significant achievements was his involvement in the “Times” Commission, which played a crucial role in uncovering forgeries related to the Irish nationalist movement. In this endeavour, he demonstrated remarkable dedication and skill.

The “Times” Commission aimed to investigate the authenticity of letters that had been written to Richard Pigott, a journalist who had turned hostile to the Irish cause. These letters were suspected to be forgeries intended to discredit the Irish nationalist movement. Michael Davitt played a substantial and vital part in tracing these forgeries back to the original letters written to Pigott.

During the Commission hearings, Davitt took charge of his own case and presented it with exceptional skill. His defence spanned an impressive seven days, commencing on October 24th and concluding on October 31st, 1889. In this comprehensive speech, he delved into the entire history of the Irish movement, from the Fenian days to the contemporary context. His speech served as a triumphant vindication of the Irish people and their struggle for justice and freedom.

Davitt’s conduct during the “Times” Commission proceedings garnered praise from Judge Hannen, who presided over the Commission. His legal acumen and tenacity in presenting his case left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.

Amidst the tumultuous events surrounding the split within the Irish nationalist movement, Michael Davitt stood firm, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his principles. His candidature for Waterford, while it proved to be a great personal sacrifice, exemplified his dedication to his beliefs. Although he was initially elected for Limerick, he was subsequently unseated on petition. However, the election judges absolved him of responsibility for the events that led to the election being overturned.

Davitt was later elected unopposed for North-East Cork. In 1895, while he was absent in Australia, he was elected unopposed for East Kerry and South Mayo. He ultimately retired from Parliament in 1900, coinciding with the outbreak of the South African War.

Another notable event in Michael Davitt’s life was his involvement in the Anglo-American Treaty of 1897. In that year, a movement advocating for an alliance and arbitration agreement between the United States and Great Britain gained traction. This effort was organized largely through the influence of Whitelaw Reid, the London correspondent for the New York “Tribune.” Davitt played a significant role in supporting this initiative.

Michael Davitt crossed the Atlantic to champion this cause, using his presence and efforts to promote the idea of an alliance and arbitration between the two nations. Although the movement faced opposition, Davitt’s involvement and advocacy were instrumental in its progress. His efforts led to the defeat of the opposing faction, much to the dismay of British interests in the United States.

Michael Davitt’s life was marked by a tireless dedication to his principles, whether in the pursuit of justice for the Irish people, the exposure of forgeries, or the promotion of international alliances for peace and cooperation. His legacy continues to inspire those who champion similar causes for justice and equality.

Enniscorthy Echo and South Leinster Advertiser – Friday 01 June 1906