MR. O'CONNELL,in rising to put the question to the right hon. Baronet opposite 781 of which he had given notice, hoped that he would be allowed to preface it by a few observations. He wished to acquaint the right hon. Baronet that the accounts received that day from Ireland, with regard to the progress of the potato disease, were really frightful. The persons who had examined the condition of the crop in the neighbourhood of Fermoy a fortnight ago had thought that there would have been, in all probability, enough left to last until the month of June; but so rapid had been the progress of the disease during that fortnight, that the potatoes had been nearly all destroyed. From Skibbereen and other places the accounts reported an increase also of the disease. The right hon. Baronet would not imagine that he entertained the least doubt of his sincerity in the professions he had made of his desire to alleviate the condition of the poor in Ireland; but the simple fact fact was, that there was no time to be lost. Delay would be fatal, and the sums of money already voted would not be of the least avail. Other means were wanting. There were Irish resources available. They (the Irish people) were not suing in forma pauperis. There were resources in their country, and some further measures should be adopted to meet the exigencies of their case. He would ask, whether the Government was prepared to lay before the House a statement of the measures taken by them to obviate the impending famine and disease in Ireland?
§ SIR ROBERT PEELI am sorry to say that the statement made by the hon. and learned Gentleman does not fall much short of the impression first formed in my mind with regard to the pressure that might be expected in some districts, and the difficulties of the inhabitants of those districts. From the accounts received in the months of October and November last, I certainly did anticipate that the fears then expressed would be in a great degree realized; and the hon. and learned Gentleman is aware that the first act of Her Majesty's Government was to propose some measures that would be calculated to have the effect of mitigating the impending distress, by providing the best mode of relief—the supply of employment for the people. The hon. and learned Gentleman must feel that the best mode of relieving a people, with a view to their moral position, is by enabling them to supply their own wants by obtaining payment for their labour. In justice to 782 the poorer classes—to those classes who are in a state of destitution—it would, I think, be infinitely more agreeable to their feelings, that they should be enabled to earn their subsistence by honest labour than by any other mode. The hon. and learned Gentleman is aware that the very first act of Her Majesty's Government, even preliminary to that important one which is to come under the discussion of the House this evening, was to bring in three or four measures for the relief of the poor in Ireland. We brought forward measures for the erection of piers and harbours on the southern and western coasts of Ireland, in order to enable the inhabitants with the better security to carry on their fisheries. We proposed measures to give to the grand juries of Ireland a power to raise money and to make presentments for the raising of funds for the prosecution of public works. There are other measures, also, which will involve the advance of large sums of public money. I have much satisfaction in knowing that all those measures have passed into law. The sums raised by them may possibly be inadequate for the purpose of remedying the distress. But whilst Parliament is sitting, there can be no difficulty in obtaining such further measures as may be requisite. And I must say, that if Parliament were not sitting, I should have no hesitation in taking upon myself the responsibility, as First Lord of the Treasury, of adopting such measures as I should think necessary to meet the exigencies of the case. Nothing can be easier than to obtain renewed and enlarged power; but I think the hon. and learned Gentleman will agree with me, that it is wise not to be too liberal. The great dependence must, of course, be upon the spontaneous charity of the landed proprietors and others. There is an undoubted claim upon the landed proprietors, who will not fail to come forward at this period of general distress. Without their aid, without the local efforts of those who are acquainted with the particular circumstances of the district, the intervention of the Government would be useless. But we are satisfied that the landed proprietors of that part of the Empire will not fail in their duty in this instance, as there have been many cases in which they have shown a disposition cordially and effectually to unite with Government. As the pressure becomes more severe, the anxiety on the part of the clergy, never behind-hand in works of charity, will 783 be augmented; and they and the landed proprietors will zealously co-operate with Government in meeting and mitigating the evil. Then we have made other proposals as to inland navigation, and other matters more or less affecting private rights, which will have a beneficial tendency; but the sum actually provided by Government is by no means inconsiderable; and it will admit of farther increase if the pressure should be more severe than we at present anticipate. I stated the other night, that early in the season, in the months of October and November last, we took upon ourselves the responsibility of providing a supply of provisions, by giving orders for the expenditure of 100,000l. in Indian corn and rice, which but for our intervention could not at present have come to this country. Those cargoes have arrived, and we propose to give facilities to the benevolent to obtain it at a low rate, in order that they may supply the wants of the distressed by distributing it at even a lower rate. If the Report of the Resolutions passed on Friday with so little opposition be brought up to-night, the duty on Indian corn, buck-wheat, and rice, will be absolutely repealed. Considerable private property has been involved with the same intention, in addition to what Government has done; and I trust that individuals feeling for their poorer neighbours will avail themselves of the reduction of duty, and obtain information as to the localities where assistance is most required. In some parts of the country, I am told, there is a prejudice against the use of maize; but I apprehend that in the United States it is employed very generally for the purpose of food, and there are modes of dressing and preparing it by which the bread made from it is as palatable as that composed of wheat. Government has taken pains to ascertain in what mode Indian corn is employed to the best advantage, so as to render it perfectly palatable. The Commission now sitting in Dublin will be happy to give every information upon the subject to landed proprietors who may be desirous of availing themselves of it. We have completed our organization with a view to this calamity throughout the country, by means of the police and other public establishments; but I hope the hon. and learned Member will not call upon me to explain the details of our particular measures. I assure him that both with respect to famine, and what is to be expected as its 784 consequences, fever, we have taken all possible precautions. Our main reliance must still be placed on the co-operation of the landed interest with local aid; and I have the utmost confidence in that resource. I again assure the hon. and learned Member that every precaution that can be taken by Government has been taken, not within the last week or fortnight, but long ago. I trust it will be found that we have shown a provident care, and an adaptation of means to the end, that will meet with the approbation of Parliament. I do not know that any measures could be suggested that have not been anticipated; but to give the particular details would tend to defeat the object all have in view.