ABSTRACT
The time comprehended in this sketch extends from Sir R. Peel’s retirement from the government, on the 29th of June, 1846, to the Queen’s Declaration of War against Russia in March, 1854. Complaints were made in Parliament of the meddling of the government with Irish trade by introducing Indian meal into the country in the preceding year, to meet the requirements of the people under a partial failure of the potato crop of 1845. The reply of government was, that the first necessity was to make sure of there being food in the country. At first, the ordinary principle of poor-law relief – the working for bread – was enforced as of course; and public works were begun, on funds granted by Parliament. A large proportion of the land in Ireland was of no use to any class, from its burdened condition.
