There appears to be some difficulty in the way of
distributing relief in the West of Ireland. The Guardians say that if works are ordered, wages are raised on the farmers, who arc already distressed ; while if money is given directly, it tends to pauperise the people. The distress, however, is admitted on all hands to be quite real. Under these circumstances, it would seem ex- pedient to give fuel and food, but to offer all other aid by way of loan, to be repaid when better times arrive. That plan preserves self-respect, without either leaving the people to suffer, or disturbing ordinary industry. It is very doubtful, however, whether in some districts it will be possible to avoid a, Government grant, which is sure to be partly wasted, but which, nevertheless, may be indispensable, to keep the people in health sufficient to avoid epidemics. In Kylemore, for in- stance, Mr. Mitchell Henry—a wealthy man, of cool judgment —says he finds the people without food, or clothes, or money, or credit to buy either, and believes the distress entirely beyond the roach of private charity. Sir Arthur Guinness substantially endorses this statement, declaring that any amount which could be obtained by subscription would be inadequate to the relief required, and it is repeated by the Marquis of Hamilton and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
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