New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1845-11-24
Tic Canine In ireland.
Correspondence OF The New-York Tribune.
DUs1rN. Oct %. 1874:

DUBLIN, Oct. q. 1915
DEAR FRIEND GREELEY: Although not aecus-
toned 20 write FOR the Press, yet feel constrained
to send you letter at this time, subject in
which know your heart las also ali your readers,l
must be deeply interested. / allude 10 the appal-
ling prospects of horrible famine in ireland.
You are appraised ere this, from English and Irish
papers of the probable failure of the Potato crop in
this country. Every day brings sad confirmation
from various sections) OF these fearful apprehen-
sions Ny heart is moved in the deepest solictude,
as these deplorable tidings come in almost every
hour, and ask myself whether can feel guiltless
without at least attempting 10 do something TO ar
rest these portendng evils. Society Is so selhshy
and ENTHUSIASTICALLY organized, that men generally
try TO keen their souls at ease while pursuing their
legitimate cangs, yet the excitement here, daily
growing more intense and the time Is not distant
when a terrific outbreak must be the consequence:
The American people are doubtless generally
aware that from the eXtortioEate manner by which
lands are held in this country, (by the few, and
whence follow the exorbitant and most accursed
Rent ,System the peasanlry OF Ireland are reduced
10 mere pittance, bordering on absolute beggary
and starvation. For generations past, their food
has consisted principally of potatoes, being obliged
to sell off their wheat, cattle. sheep, hogs, poultry
eggs butter cheese, milk, fruit hay and vegetables,
TO paw unrighteous taxes and tithes Judge, then,
how deplorablc and pitiable must be the condi-
ton this year, under the horrible prospect OF
failure in the Potato crop. Accompanying THIS,
enclose Dublin newspaper TO you, containing a
letter upon this subject from n. McEnay, Catholic
Rector of Kells | believe his manly and Christian
appeals will not be lost the American ear as they
will most assuredly awaken deep sympathy and de-
termined action among the humane OF this old coun-
try. am fully aware of all the obligations and dit
fculties connected with this suplecl-such as the
dcspotsm OF the Government, cruel and UNJUST
taxes of the poor, high Tariff, &c. &c YET, never
theess there is no excuse whatever to be offered IN
defence of starvation. While our own country is
absolutely Sroaning under superabundancc OF az
the productions of the earth, thousands, ay, MIL
lions of the poor of this country are on the very
verge of universal famine and Winter coming last
upon them ask my countrymen, shall these things
be? Shall any obstacle, whether in the shape OF
Corn Laws, or what not, prevent us from dong our
duty 10 our teLoic MAN of whatever country or KIN
know the humanity of America will answer, NO!
but srhat shall ace dol" Tbs is the question
May l suggest what may be done. Let pubic
meetings be called Immediately in our cities and
towns, Tor private subscriptions raised and let
be chartered forthwith Of vessels, laden Win
the staff oflfe and sent over here as swift as cur
fierce North. w esters can watt them Don't stop
TO ask what the English Tariff duties Will be- DO
your duties, Americans, in this matter and
YOUR very acts will SHAME the English Govern
inent into compliance with your humane project
The Corn Laws would assuredly quan before the
invncible appeals OF FREE BREAD STUFFS
FROM AMERICA, and the Ports would be open
ed from one end of the kingdom to the other, ere the
indignation of the world should be riveted upon the
Nation. Sir Robert Peel himself could not resist
such an appeal. Oh most fervently do l wish that
such step could be taken torth'ctM;, Friend
Greeley, can you not, dare you not, 'ctH you not
move instantly in this matter? | know you can,
you dare, and you riN.
Ere this letter shall have reached you the tc7'tne
scM actually haze commenced, and whatever may
be done in the interim here to avert It's evils I'M
mense Suffering must ensue. Could detail to you
the many cases Of wretchedness and want daily
coming under our observation, l believe 1t would
rouse our country to immediate and energetic ac-
ton But need not detail them. Is 1t not enough
that sir millions of human beings in Ireland and
England are within eight iceeks OF STARVATION!
But cannot pursue the awful subject Help. Oh
help! We who can Fathers mothers, sisters,
brothers-friends of Humanity, children OF common
Father, YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE starry
ING! Here leave the entire matter, mourntul as
it is for the profound and solemn consideration OF
the American People; and may God open their
hearts TO do unto others as they would under re-
versed circumstances have others do 10 them
Yours truly, j. d JE-