IRELAND.
The appearance of proclamations in the Gazette, convening Extraordi- nary Presentment Sessions for the 26th and 29th April, gives colour to the rumour that the cessation of public works after the 1st of May is only meant to be temporary. Meanwhile, the progress actually made in the gradual abandonment of the relief works is indicated by the latest return yet published: between the 27th of February and the 3d of April, the weekly number of persons employed was, progressively reduced from 708,228 to 525,518, and the monthly expenditure from 944,0001. to less than 800,0001.
The American ship of war Jamestown has arrived at Cork, bearing the first cargo of provisions purchased with the subscription-fund raised at Boston and other towns in New England. The ship was lent by the United States Government; and the captain and officers volunteered their services. The value of the cargo is estimated at nearly 15,0001. The un- loading of the vessel was performed by a party of marines detached for the purpose from the Crocodile. Three vessels were loading at New York, and two at Baltimore, with similar cargoes.
The weather underwent a very favourable change early in the week, and the agricultural prospects improved accordingly. " Cold and harsh winds," says the Dublin correspondent of the Morning Chronicle, wri- ting on Tuesday, " have been succeeded by a genial temperature, and vege- tation is making rapid progress. The accounts of the wheat and oat crops am highly encouraging; and even in regard to potatoes very favourable accounts are received. The smaller class of farmers, who have suffered so terribly by the destructive failures of last year, are plucking up courage to try their favourite root once more. The early spring sowing of potatoes had been confined to the large farmers and gentry, who could afford to make experiments of another sowing; and those classes have planted a considerable quantity; but within the last week the small farmers are also venturing." The accounts from the districts corroborate this general statement. There will be a potato culture this year: probably the amount sawn will be about the fourth part of the crop of ordinary years.
The accounts of health from the South and West are very disastrous. Fever and dysentery are making great havoc amongst all classes.
There have been manifestations of tumult at Youghal, in the county of Cork; and at Tuam and Banagher, in the King's County. At the two for- mer places nothing serious occurred; but at the latter,, the outbreak as- sumed at one time a very alarming appearance.
The sale of the Blessington estates was resumed on Thursday week. The lots consisted of timber property; the day's sale realizing 11,8501. The produce of the various sales now amounts to 200;0001.
The weekly meetings of the Repeal Association are reduced to a more form. Mr. John O'Connell made a speech, of course. Rent 351.
In a circular letter, signed " T. M. Ray," the Repeal Sceretary, writing in the name of the Committee, appeals to the members to renew their subscriptions for the present year, in order to uphold the Association; whose funds, he says, from inability to collect the rent, are at the lowest ebb. It is alleged that the circular has been sent round privately; but the Dublin Evening Mail has published it.
Mr. Smith O'Brien has sent a letter to the Freeman's Journal, repeating his accusation of "a Whig alliance" between the O'Connells and the Go- vernment—
" If Mr. John O'Connell," he says, "be prepared to assert that neither he nor any of the avowed Repealers of his family- have solicited situations for their friends from the present Government, I shall most cheerfully modify the expres- sions which imputed to them 'an alliance' with the Whigs. if this declaration can be made with truth, it ought not, for the sake of all parties, to be delayed one hour: if it cannot: I must leave the public to determine upon whom the charge of 'falsehood' rests."
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