Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 April 1898 — MESSAGE THAT MEANT DEATH. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

MESSAGE THAT MEANT DEATH.

The Famous “No Rent” Poster Which Landed Many Irishmen in Prison. Here is a relic of a time made exciting by “agitation” in Ireland. It is the famous “No Rent” poster, which was one of the features of the movement of 1881 that landed so many ardent Irishmen in prison. The National League of Ireland, the executive committee of which issued and signed this remarkable document, was opposing landlordism by coercing the tenantry into not paying rent. Such tenants as were known to Intend to defy the National League and to pay had these “no rent” posters nailed to the doors. In the corners were certain terrifying sentences. “Your fate is certain if you pay rent.—Capt. Moonlight,” was the sentiment in one, while the other showed a coffin bearing beneath It the cheering inscription, “This is your coffin. —Rory of the Hills.” The

men who issued the posters were imprisoned for their offenses, but the country was placarded as daringly during their imprisonment as before. Now a copy of one of these posters is as scarce as hen’s teeth, and, though not a bit artistic, they are treasured by poster collectors as if they were printed in letters of gold after a design by some master draughtsman.

FAMOUS “NO RENT” POSTER.