The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-07-10

The CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES AND EMO
1.np-FRlepTruL DECREASE OF POPULATION IN
IREI.Axp.-The last census Of 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 ap-
preaching very near the truth may be form
ed of the comparative 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, especial
ly in the foymer. We published the figures on q
former occasion, showing the exact ratio.
But while the returns Of the last census show an
increase of population in England and Scotland,
they show likewise an extraordinary decrease in
that of Ireland. We learn that in lSil, the popu-
lation of that country ,23s; and according
to the ratio Of progress which formerly marked its
growth, the population in 1881 should be $50 900.
Instead of its amounting to so much, however, 1t is
averred on coed authority, that it reaches only
625O 0OO just about what it was thirty years ago
making a difference of three million /! This is in
deed startling, and one is induced to reflect upon
the subject, and ascertain what has caused this
frightful decrease in the population of country
celebrated for the increase of the species, possessing
one of the healthiest climates in the world, and
soil unequaled for productivencss. No sooner do
we enter upon the inquiry, than the failure OF
the potato crops, and the famine which succeeded
stare us in the face. Making all due allowances
for the increased emigration between the years 1911
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 num-
Der died from actual starvation. There is no other
way Of accounting for it; for, although majority
of the people live upon the potato alone, a
stronger or he artier race never existed than the
Irish. They have always been celebrated, too, for
increasing in population, and for strength and
muscle.
There is no question that this frightful de'truc-
ton of human life the act of the British govern
ment that has ruled Ireland with rod Of iron for
many centuries. The potato rot may have been
the act of God; but the famine was the act Of ty-
rannical man. Nature never intended that whole
country should be reduced to the extremity of
living entirely on one precarious root. She has
been too profuse in her gifts to tolerate the
assumption for a moment, and especially towards
Ireland, which is capable of supporting double and
tire BILE the amount OF population which she ever had
or that which she would now have, but TO the ia
mine. There is no lack of industry among her
people for transplant them to the Cnitet STATES
or any other country and their industrious habits De-
come proverbial. They thrive and flourish every
where but in their land, and did so there, pre-
yious to their unfortunate and ll-starred con-
nection with England That country has adopted
towards her the policy which she attempted
and commenced towards the American colonies,
but which the colonies rid themselves Of in a
very summary manner, by severing the connection
the same policy which Spain now adopts towards
Cuba, taxing the energies of the people, and drain
ing them of their resources. With such frghtfu
amount Of guilt against her, it is wonder that re-
tIibution has not overtaken England ere this But
fhere is justice in heaven she will pay the penalty
of her crimes towards her sister island, sooner or
later. At this moment she is insulting the intellt
gence of the world by drawing the nations OF the
world together in her glass babyshop in Hyde
Park, with the view OF convincing them OF the
benefits of peace, because her power to carry OF
war has been exhausted. She is Boosting OF heI
religious liberty while refusing to admit into Far
lament thrice. elected member, because he is ar
Israelite and of her civil liberty, when she has
standing army 10 shoot down and butcher her sub
iects in case they should NAVE effort TO relieve
themselves Of the burdens imposed on them by Q
corrupt government. If, in the nature OF things
| she could regain the power which she once neiu
England would if she could, treat tle rest Of the
world as she does Ireland. She wouli be rs tyranni
cal as overbearipg, insoent, and as inclined u
war on the rights and territories OF other people,
| she ever was. The faBgs Of the reptile, however
have been drawn, and she lies harmless AT the Zee
| Of the world