Davitt, Michael

Irish political leader, born at Straide, Mayo, Ireland, in 1846. He began life in a cotton factory, and from the age of fifteen to twenty-one worked in a printing-office. In 1866 he joined the revolutionary movement, and in 1870 was arrested on an indictment of treason-felony and sentenced to fifteen years' penal servitude. After serving part of this sentence he was released on ticket-of-leave. He was a constant promoter of nationalist principles, and in conjunction with Charles S. Parnell and others founded the Land League, becoming its most prominent manager. Subsequently he was made superintendent of the American Land League. In 1892 he was sent to the House of Commons as the member from North Meath. Dawes, HENRY LAURENS, statesman, born at Cummington, Ma ., Oct. 30, 1816; graduated from Yale College in 1839; studied law and received the degree of LL.D. from Williams and Yale colleges. He served in the Ma achusetts Legislature, both in the House and Senate, and was a member of Congre from its 35th to its 43d se ions. He declined the candidacy for election to the 44th, but was subsequently elected (1875) to the U. S. Senate, as a Republican, to succeed Charles Sumner, and was twice re-elected (1881-87, 1887-93). Among the measures in which he took an active interest were various tariff questions and bills for improving the status of the Indians.