The Sun.
London, England, 1846-12-31 00:00:00

individual exertion must cease. Public opinion exercises
a great influence for good or evil. If opinion does not
keep pace with individual efforts, they cannot be long
sustained. To this cause I attribute much of the apathy
which is said to prevail among Irish proprietors ; great
efforts have been made by individuals, and they have too
often ended in disappointment from want of public
sympathy.
" I agree with those who complain that Irish proprie-
tors look too much to Government for aid ; but on the
other hand, they have just reason to compain that the
laws intended to aid their exertions are se imperfectly
framed as to lead them into difficulties and impede their
efforts at moments of the greatest pressure. It is with
reference to this subject in particular that I now ad-
dress you.
" I have stated the general desire that prevails to sink
the outfalls of the barony, under the 9th Vic., cap. 4,
which it is desirable to follow up by a general thorough
drainage. It is true that applications for thorough
drainage may be made under the provisions of the 9th
Vic., cap. 4 ; but under that Act money has seldom
been obtained under 5 per cent. interest, though the
Treasury are empowered to advance it at any rate of in-
terest they think fit.

" The -Million Act, 9 Vic., cap. 101, was intended as
a boon to landed proprietors. It authorised an advance
of money at 34 per cent. interest, and 31. per cent. for
repayment of principal in 22 years ; but, unfortunately,
the Act is inoperative in this country through its de-
fects, and no steps can be taken to profit by the benevo-
lent intentions of the Legislature until the Act is
amended, unless the Treasury follow the example of Mr.
Labouchere, and assume similar responsibility.
" A difficulty suggested itself to me on the publication
of Mr. Labouchere's letter, which, I presume, has been
overcome in some manner unknown to me, otherwise I
would not venture to propose an issue from the million
voted for drainage under the provisions of 9th and 10th
Vic., cap. 101, to be expended under the provisions of
the 9th Vic., cap. 4.
" The difficulty appears to me increased under the in-
struction issued on the 3d November, by which it is di-
rected that the sessions shall decide by resolution whe-
ther they will proceed strictly under the 9th and 10th
Vic., cap. 107, or under Mr. Labouchore's letter. If
the works are executed under Mr. Labouchere's letter,
they cannot be paid for out of money appropriated by
Parliament, to be expended under the provisions of 9th
and 10th Vic., cap. 107, so far as I know the provisions
of the Appropriation Act ; but if this difficulty
has been overcome, and the money appropriated
to be paid under an Act of Parliament can be paid on a
Miaister's letter, there is stronger ground for presuming
that money appropriated ,to be expended under the pro-
, visions of 9th Vic., cap. 191, may be authorised to be
advanced under the provisions of 9th and 10th Vic., cap.
4, both being Drainage Acts.
" From your experience as Chairman of the Board of
Works, you are fully aware of the delay and inconve-
niences arising from the defects of the Million Act,
which cannot be amended for some months ; may I,
therefore, hope you will represent the facts to her Ma-
jesty's Government, and inform me of their decision at
your earliest conveaience—namely, ;whether they will
direct advances to be made from the million ♦oted for
drainage in Ireland on the terms specified in the 9th and
10th Vic., cap. 4.