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| PHOENIX PARK, DUBLIN-SCENE OF THE ASSASSINATION OF CAVENDISH AND BURKE.-This world-renowned tragedy-the first of its kind in Irish history-occurred in the afternoon of May 6, 1882, and was planned and executed by a secret society called the Invincibles, of which James Cary, who, with two others, subsequently turned informer, was the putative chief, although many believe him to have been a subordinate. The circumstances of the tragedy, in brief, were these: William E. Foster, nicknamed "Buckshot," Irish Secretary under Gladstone, undertook to crush the Irish Land League by coercive measures. Parnell, Davitt and about a thousand other leaders, great and small, were arrested and thrown into jail. But the people remained firm in their purpose, and the imprisoned chiefs sent out from Kilmainham the celebrated "No Rent" manifesto. Gladstone "weakened" and recalled Forster. Lord Frederick Cavendish was sent over, "with a message of peace" to take his place. The Irish leaders were released. On the afternoon of his arrival, Cavendish met Burke, Under Secretary, hated by the people, at the Castle. Together they reached the park and, on one of it s frequented roads, were overtaken by men in a jaunting car, set upon and slain with knives. Originally the blow was intended for Forster. Cavendish was unknown to his slayers. Ireland repudiated the deed, but was relegated to fetters. Five men were executed and a dozen imprisoned for the crime. The sketch shows the exact theatre of the assassination. |
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