means of placing the country in a position of independence. In the last chapter, some portions of the pamphlet above alluded to are republished and the same arguments are frequently repeated throughout the work, with a view of shewing the evils of large encumbered estates, and the necessity of such alterations in the laws, as may give security and simplicity of title; may facilitate and cheapen the means of transfer; may free the land from the various restrictions which interfere with its improvement; and may permit its sale to those who possess the capital indispensable for that purpose. He trusts that the details he has given of the recent calamity, of the means adopted for its temporary alleviation, and of the present position of the country, may prove interesting to many of those who have evinced their sympathy for the sufferings of the Irish peasantry, by the greatness of their liberality. Dublin, 20th of First Month, 1848. Ignorance of the English respecting Ireland Contrast of the Norman conquest of England with the imperfect Security of property essential to civilization England has enjoyed this advantage more than any other nation that of Cromwell Free trade granted and Penal Laws relaxed in 1782 Influence of oppressive legislation still felt Struggles of the Roman Catholics to obtain the removal of remain- ing disabilities Emancipation Act passed in 1829 Effects of agitation unfavourable to industry Ireland has improved in spite of all depressing circumstances Agricultural class improved, though still much inferior to that of Extract from report of Land Commissioners on this subject Condition of Irish peasantry the opprobrium of the empire Must be raised to the position of English labourers, or they will Middlemen condemned without sufficient consideration Unsuitable agents often employed in the management of estates. Management under the Courts extremely objectionable Under these circumstances, land has remained almost unimproved Condition of those who subsist by con-acre still more deplorable. Estimate of the number of persons supported by con-acre Note-Extract from Lord Lansdowne's speech Calamity greatly increased by the previous total dependence of the poor on the potato crop Fearful results of this calamity throughout the whole country Distress very much mitigated in the Eastern counties of Ireland Valuable influence of some of the resident gentry Note on distribution of relief Distress increases, notwithstanding these exertions Absence of dealers in food in the Western counties |