7 JULY 1849, Page 14

THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO IRELAND.

Qualm VICTORIA is to visit Ireland, to anchor at various parts of the shore, and exorcise the bad spirit of the land by the mesmeric touch of the Royal keel. Well, much may be done in that way, especially if other circumstances favour. Should our respected Sovereign be attended by that fine weather with which an inex- tinguishable superstition inclines to endow her as her constant attendant—should better crops bring physical comfort to the people—the presence of their Queen will come like a burst of sun- shine through the clouds, warming the benumbed pulse of hope. The Royal presence will strengthen the power of Lord Clarendon, adding splendour to his prestige. It may thus hasten and foster the moral effect of a better season—make a tranquilized country more tranquil, infuse hope into industry, and revive the mori- bund virtues of Ireland.

But what if the circumstances are again adverse ? Why, then the transient• visit will-have but a transient effect. The gleam of hope and the lull of order will be succeeded by blacker storms. Past suffering may derive a solace even from the fame of the Royal presence ; but the most loyal stomach will grow wild again under a present hunger, nor derive any comfort from the consciousness that the yacht is anchored somewhere on the coast.

The Royal visit can have no permanent effect, because it cannot supply food nor the material means of comfort. It might help the anticipatory influence of effective measures for the redemption of Ireland, but it cannot supersede such measures. If the visit is one of the "measures from time to time suited to the occasion," it can do little : if it is to inaugurate a series, it may stand in his- tory as the illustrious mark of a new tem.