Phoenix Park, O’Connell’s Bronze
The immediate question in the spring was whether coercion or concession would govern British policy. William Edward Forster, chief secretary for Ireland, believed that further exceptional powers were necessary. Parnell, held in Kilmainham Gaol since October 1881, and his allies sought release and practical relief for indebted tenants. Through Captain William O’Shea, an intermediary with access to both sides, messages passed between Parnell and ministers. Parnell’s letter of 28 April set out his willingness to use his influence against violence and to support the working of the land legislation if the government addressed the arrears problem.