The Sun.
London, England, 1849-03-31 00:00:00

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LONDON, SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 1849.

It would be impossible to estimate too highly the
vast importance of the proceedings in the House of
Commons, last night, on the adjourned debate on the
second reading of the Rate in aid Bill. It is true
that no Cabinet Minister addressed the House, that
no official views were promulgated as to the nature
of the remedial measures to be introduced for the
permanent amelioration of the sister kingdom,
Two speeches were, however, delivered, deserving
of the most mature and attentive consideration,
speeches that will be remembered and quoted long
after the question of the rate in aid has been finally
settled, and which must materially influence the
future policy of any Government,* ith respect to
Ireland.
The Honourable and Learned Member for the
University of Dublin put forward the views of many
of the Irish representatives. Clearly, calmly, and dis-
passionately he urged the objections to the proposed
impost, and vindicated the motives of its opponents.
No point was left untouched, and, although we can-
not agree with the Honourable and Learned
Gentleman in the conclusions at which
he arrived, we must acknowledge that
he put forward many powerful arguments to sustain
his case. His speech was in every respect worthy of
the high eulogium passed upon it by the Right Hon.
Baronet the Member for Tamworth—an eulogium so
complimentary to his talented opponent, when he said
" that it was in every respect worthy of his own high
character for ability and moderation."
The speech, however, not merely of the evening,
but of the session—aye, of many sessions—was that
of the Right Honourable Baronet himself. Never
did he speak with greater ability, never did
he put forward more statesmanlike or more compre-
hensive views. His magnificent oration will be cir-
culated throughout the length and breadth of the
land, and many a heartfelt blessing will be poured
forth in those miserable hovels, whose wretched con-
dition be so graphically depicted. The Irish, with all
their faults, are a warm-hearted and a grateful
people ; convince them that you are really
interested in their behalf—that you are anxious
to promote their prosperity and comfort—

that your only object is to serve them, and
you will find zealous co-operators and faithful and
devoted adherents. Sir ROBERT PEEL'S address last
night, exhibited a deep and anxious desire to amelio-

rate the social condition of the country, to elevate it
in the scale of nations. He did justice to the cha-
racter and to the conduct of the people. He showed
how unfounded were the charges that have been so
industriously circulated, and which, we regret to say,
have, in too many instances, prejudiced the
English community against their Irish brethren.
He proved (as we ourselves have often en-

deavoured to inculcate) that we were urged, not
merely by considerations of philanthropy and bene-
volence to relieve the distresses and to assuage the
sufferings of the Irish nation, but that we were called

upon to do so as men of the world ; that it was our
direct interest, as a matter of pounds, shillings, and
pence, and that not merely in the shape of temporary
support to the starving poor, but by going to the very
foundations of the dreadful evils under which the

country is now groaning ; and with a master hand, he

exposed the monster grievance—the embarrassed con-
dition of the nominal proprietors of land, who,

crushed under the, charges and encumbrances for
which they are liable, are unable to discharge the

duties incidental to the possession of property, duties
which are no less important than the rights which

should at all times be respected.

We cannot, unfortunately, give more than a very
faint outline of this admirable speech, remarkable

. •
not onl for its eloquence And oratorical ability,