The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-02-11
HIGHLY IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING
FROM EUROPE.
FAMINE IN IRELAND.
Excitement in England and France.

BY the arrival of the steamship Sarah Sands,
from Liverpool, we have advces from London
and Liverpool to the Goth of January, inclusive.
We hardly know what to think Of the accounts
received by this arrival. Europe appears to be
in dreadful condition, and what will be the re-
suit of the great scarcity of food God only knows
Death from hunger was spreading to frightful
extent, and there appears to be no pros
pect of mitigating the terrible evil. I'm
less speedy and effective relief comes from
some quarter, we see nothing to prevent
revulson in Ireland more serious than ever yet
experienced
Eight months before harvest, thousands are
starving to death in the principal towns OF
Ireland, and the government of Great Britain
have not taken proper measures to arrest the
sutferngs Of the lower classes. Laborers on
the public works, set in operation to give employ.
ment to the poor, actually drop down and die at
their task. There is no relief in such system.
In times like these, what have Parliament to do
with party lnes1 What have political principles
10 do with the starving millions, begging for
breadi great question now is, in what way
can tho greatest supply of food be obtained in
the shortest possible time? We answer by open
ing the ports, and putting into commission every
available vessel, for transporting grain from those
countries having u large surplus. The supply must
be distributed. We have too much Europe has
TOO little. We want to sell, and they want to buy;
and the proectionists and free traders of England
must work together, and lay aside all prejudices'
IL is not the time now to argue upon causes and
effects, any Their than to guard against the eff
feet of a much longer continuance OF the distress
and misery existing in all parts Of Europe.
Whatever idea may have been entertained
heretofore in this country in relation to the ac-
cosants of the deficiency in the harvests of
Europe, all doubt must disappear in the face of
tae statements published in our columns to-day.
The actual deficiency will prove even greater
than anticipated and as bad as it may appear
nov, the prospect is even more unfavorable. In
former years OF scarcity in Europe, there has
been some hope for the future-some dependence
upon the next harvest, for removal OF the diff
cultes one short crop produces; but there is not
in the present that look to, as the dehcien
cy another year will, without doubt, be more ex.
tensive than this. The potato crop is likely to be
next season total faiure-this year it has
ssen but partially So AS to the grain crops,
there is a better chance, as there is not SO much
dtnger from disease, and favorable season will
give an average so far as the cultivation goes;
but we have our fears that there will be great
reduction in the breadth of land titled, and that
the aggregate yield will be CORRESPONDENCE less.
We must look out for, and be prepared for the
worst, but hope for the best.
What will be the effect Of the present and pros
pectve condition of Europe upon the United
States! IL cannot be Otherwise than good, very
g'od Whatever creates a demand for our agri
cultural products, advances every interest OF this
country All we want is permanency in the
demand, aud no matter how extensive, it could be
easily supplied. There is, however, very little
Danger OF the present activity in our markets
bsipg immediately followed by any apathy, or of
the immense supplies we shall turn out another
year, provided. of course, the season is favorable
gong begging for d market. The high prices now
current Tor our agricultural staples, will stimulate
production very much, and greater breadth of
land VIII be appropriated to the cultivation of
grain crops this year than ever before in the his
tory OF this country. The farmers of some of our
old, worn out, States will get rich if Indian corn
remains long at one dollar per bushel.
There is no doubt but that the ports of Great
Britain will be thrown open, for the free admis-
son of all kinds of breadstuffs. This will throw
immense supplies into those markets, and tend
very much 10 a material reduction in prices.
All this corn must be paid for, and we must
have the pay in gold and silver. Very little will
be paid for in British manufactures. Some Of it
will probably be paid for by renting State
stocks to this country, bit the bulk must be paid for
,gih bullion The Cambria, it is said, tcil bring out
ne rig a million pounds sterling IN specie. very
large amount had been insured at Loyd's before
the Sarah Sands" left, full two weeks before
the Cambria's day ofdeparture. What an impe.
tus this accession to our supply OF bullion will
give 10 all kinds Of business this side OF the At
lantc ! The importation of precious metals this
year will be greater than ever before known, and
there is no telling what will be the effect
We are surprising people, we live in an aston
ishlng great country, and we exist in stirring
times; but while we surrounded with plenty,
and have every luxury, there millions in
Europe in want Of bread, and thousands upon
the point of starving to death. Let us thank God
that our lot is cast in country literally flowing
with milk and honey, but let not forget that it
is duty to alleviate the dstresses of our fellow
beings.
The Steamship Sarah sands.
This splendid ocean steamer up to the city and
took possession Of her berth between three and four
O'Clock yesterday afternoon Notwithstanding the un.
comfortable state of the weather. and the bad walking
quent the melting snow, the wharf at the foo
of Clinton street soon crowded with spectators
anxious TO behold this iron wonder The four mast
ed began to brief through her
iron threat the limos thrown out, and finally