The Sun.
London, England, 1849-01-24 00:00:00

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LONDON, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1849.

Whatever differences of opinion may prevail in
Ireland on other subjects, there is at least one point
on which the utmost unanimity exists. Persons
professing all shades and varieties of political opinion,
of every creed and class, most cordially agree that
some great and comprehensive alterations must take
place in the poor-law system—that radical changes
must be introduced, and that speedily, or that the
nation will be involved in the most disastrous cala-
mities. Much suffering has already been sus-
tained, and it is impossible to predict what may be
the ultimate consequences, if the law should re-
main in its present condition for another session.
Energetic protests against the working of the code
are promulgated daily, and it is impossible to take
up an Iri-h journal without finding the greater por-
tion of its columns filled with the most gloomy vatici-
nations as to the future prospects of the country,
and the most positive assertions as to the utter im-
possibility of sustaining the overwhelming burdens
by which the industry of the nation is paralysed. It
is a national movement, and something must be con-
ceded to the wishes of an united people. Meetings
are held in every district to petition the Imperial
Parliament, and sounder views as to the duties inci-
dental to the possession of property than those hereto-
fore entertained, are generally expressed. The land•
lords feel that they cannot evade the responsibility of
providing for their own poor ; that the po
verty of the nation is a tax upon its property,
and that nothing can be spared for the
superfluities of any until the necessities of
all have been provided for. They are also beginning
to learn the great fact, that it is on their own ex
ertions that they must chiefly rely for extrication
from the difficulties by which they are surrounded ;
that, although England will gladly assist those who
strentously endeavour to ameliorate their own condi-
tion by their own exertions, it is but a vain and
futile expectation to suppose that she will again
undertake the task of supporting myriads of able-
bodied labourers in unproductive idleness. They
therefore declare their readiness to discharge those
imperative duties, but they demand of the justice
of the Legislature of the United Kingdom that the
law should be so modified that those who are willing
to respect their obligations should be enabled to do so.
An important end numerou3ly attended meeting
of the inhabitants of the county of Westmeath was
held at the Court-house, Mullingar, on Monday last,
for the purpose of petitioning Parliament for an im-
mediate alteration of the poor-law, at which senti-
ments were expressed, and resolutions adopted,
worthy of the highest upmmendation. It is true that
we cannot agree with all that fell from the speakers.
Some few took occasion to chant a dirge over
the tomb of monopoly, to laud the prin-
ciples of protection, and to ascribe the evils ender
which the nation has groaned to the removal of the
impediments to her trade and commerce. We shall,
however, let these observations pass ; the Ist of Feb-
ruary is too nearly at hand to criticise too severely
their bucolic lamentations. The Marquis of WEST.
MEATH and Mr. Mica MORGAN TUITE may, there-
fore, for the time being, be treated with forbearance
and even compassion. We are too well satisfied with
the triumph of free trade to exult over its vanquished
opponents.
The High Sheriff of the county, who presided over
the meeting, offered some sensible observations, worthy
of the utmost commendation. He said—

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" Why should we not agree? Is there any one in
this court who does not agree, that if by the dispensa-
tions of Providence any of our neighbours are placed in
the position of the infirm, the sick, the aged, the orphan,
or the widow, those who are blessed by Providence with
means should be bound to support them. On that point
I hope we will be all agreed. It may be said that would
be doae by ♦oluntary charity; but human nature is too
frail and feeble to rely on that; and when people will
not do their duty, thsr a must be a means to compel them
to do it. I ►ill say also, .that if the able-bodied man be