It is interesting to note that a spirited verbal duel
is pro- ceeding in Ireland between Mr. Michael Davitt and Bishop Clancy. On Tuesday Mr. Davitt published in the Freeman's Journal a strong letter denouncing his antagonist. One flower of Mr. Davitt's oratory we may select. "Once upon a time a humble, long-eared animal got the gift of speech in order to warn and advise a saintly prophet. May I, without being branded as an anti-Clerical Juggernaut,' refer Dr. Clancy and his episcopal brethren to the lesson of an exalted example ? " We have no doubt that the majority of the rulers of the Roman Church in Ireland are at heart strongly against the new agrarian movement, and that their opposi- tion is based on genuine convictions. Unless, however, we are greatly mistaken, the Roman Church will be beaten in the contest, as it always has been in Ireland. The Bishops, when it comes to the point, dare not risk being disobeyed, as they almost certainly would be if they used their authority in opposition to the agrarian agitators.
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