In speaking of the Clifden
Union, the Inspectors state--
'In conclusion, we beg to offer our matured opinion that the
resources of the Union would, if made available, be amply
sufficient for the independent support of its population.'
Mr. Hamilton, who was examined before the Committee of which I am a
member, said, speaking of the Unions of Donegal and Glenties--
'There is no over-population, if those Unions, according to their
capabilities, were cultivated as the average of English counties,
with the same skill and capital.'
And Mr. Twisleton said--
'I did not speak of a redundant population in reference to land,
only to capital. The land of Ireland could maintain double its
present population.'
Then, if that be the case, I am not quite certain that we should be wise
in raising sums of money to enable the people to emigrate. The cost of
transporting a family to Australia, or even to Canada, is considerable;
and the question is, whether, with the means which it would require to
convey them to a distant shore, they might not be more profitably
employed at home.
I probably shall be told that I propose schemes which are a great
interference with the rights of property.
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