Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-07-23

The Census of the United States and England
--FrighfM decrease Of Population IN Ire
land.
The last census in the United States and
Great Britain was taken at much about the same
time and from the partial returns which have
seen the light an estimate approaching very
near the truth may be formed of the compare
tive increase of the two countries in population.
In both the United States and Great Britain
proper, the increase since the previous census
has been very gratifying, especially in the for
mer. We published the figures on former oc-
casion, showing the exact ratio.
But while the returns of the last census show
an increase of population in England and Scot
land, they show likewise an extraordinary de-
crease in that of Ireland. We learn that in
lS4l, the population of that country was S,l75,-
1913; and according to the ratio of progress
which formerly marked its growth, the popula-
ton in 1851 should be. 9,250,000. Instead of
it's amounting to so much, however, it is aver
red on good authority, that it reaches only g.
100000, Just about what it was thirty years ago
making difference of three million! This
is indeed startling, and one is induced to reflect
upon the subject, and ascertain what has caus-
a country celebrated for the increase OF the
species, possessing one of the healthiest eli
mates in the world, and a soil unequaled for
productveness. No sooner do we enter upon
an inquiry, than the failure Of the potato crops
and the famine which succeeded, stare us in the
face. Making all due allowances for the in
creased emigration between the years lS4l and
1851, we find that upwards of two millions OF
human beings were destroyed in that country,
by famine, in the course of two years-that this
number died from actual starvation. There is
no other way of accounting for it, for, atho'
majority of the people live upon the potato
alone, stronger or heartier race never existed
than the Irish. They have always been cele-
brated too, for increasing in population, and for
strength and muscle.
There is no question that this frightful des-
truction Of human life was the act of the Brit
ism Government, that has ruled Ireland with a
rod Of iron for many centuries. The potato
rot may have been the act Of God but efam-
inc was the act Of tyranical man. Nature new
er intended that whole country should be re-
duced to the extremity of living entirely on one
precarious root. She has been too profuse in
her gifts to tolerate the assumption for a mo-
ment, and especially towards Ireland, which is
capable of supporting double and treble the
amount of population which she ever had, or
that which she would now have, but for the
famine. There is no lack of industry among
her people; for transplant them to the United
States, or any other country, and their indus
trious habits become proverbia. They thrive
and flourish everywhere but in their own land,
and did so there, previous to their unfortunate
and ill-starred connection with England. That
country has adopted towards her the policy
which she attempted and commenced toward
The American colonies, but which the colonies
nd themselves Of in summary manner, by sew
erng the connection-the same policy which
Spain now adopts towards Cuba, taxing the en-
5Igies VI thv people, and draining them of their |
resources. With such frightful amount Of
guilt against her, it is wonder that retribution
has not overtaken England ere this. But if
here is justice in heaven, she will pay the pen
alty Of her crimes towards her sister Island,
sooner or later. At this moment she is insult
ng the intelligence of the world by drawing the
nations of the world together in her glass ba-
oy-shop in Hyde Park, with the view of con-
'incing them of the benefits of peace, because
Ter power to carry on war has been exhaust
I'd. She is boasting of her religious liberty,
while refusing to admit into Parliament thrice
elected member, because he is an lsraelte and
If her civil liberty, when she has standing ar
ny to shoot down and butcher her subjects in
,ase they should make an effort to relieve them
selves of the burdens imposed on them by
corrupt government If, in the nature of things
'he could regain the power which she once held,
England would, if she could, treat the rest of
he world as she does Ireland. She would be
IS tyrannical as oyerbearinp as insOlent and as
Inclined to war on the rights and territories
If other people, as she ever was. The fangs
If the reptile, however, have been drawn, and
he lies harmless at the feet Of the world
N. Y. Herald.