The Northern Galaxy

FOREIGN NEWS.

IRELAND.

The London correspondent of the Journal of Commerce writes under the date of April 3d, 1847.

"At present the impression is, that as soon as the lower classes of the peasantry are fully aware that they are legally entitled to be fed, without being compelled to work in the work-house, they will not exert themselves, but manage to exist upon whatever paltry pittance may be doled out to them." The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Whately, related a case in the House of Lords in corroboration of this fearful inertness on the part of the Irish people. Some fishermen on the Cork coast, with their families, were living entirely upon charity soup; and it was mentioned to them that their usual fishing grounds were teeming with fish; which they might readily catch, and dispose of to a considerable advantage, there being a great demand in the market. The reply was that the boats wanted repairing, the tackle was unfit for use, and they were destitute of provision, the taking shoal being twenty miles off. Well, boats and netting were rendered secure to them, provisions placed on board, but they only went out about five miles before they sailed into some unfrequented inlet, got home to their families, consumed the provisions, and then returned again to the charity soup. This is disheartening and distressing and makes one tremble for the fate of Ireland, while such an infatuating indolence exists.