IRELAND.
It maybe now considered almost certain that Messrs. O'Connell and Ruthven will retain their seats for Dublin. The case of the petitioners mainly rested on their being able to prove a number of the Liberal voters in arrear of the Paving-tax. Prima facie evidence against them was received by the Commissioners, and consequently a very large number of votes for O'Connell and Ruthven were struck off. It now appears that the Paving-tax was never legally demanded ; as the appointment of the Commissioners for the collection of that tax was not duly sealed by the Lord-Lieutenant. The opinion of Mr. M'Eane, himself counsel to the Paving Board, has been obtained ; and he says that the appoint- ment is not legal. Of course the non-payment of rides, which were never legally demanded, cannot disfranchise any one. The agents for the sitting Members are proceeding in the work of striking off the bad votes given to the petitioners. The collection of the O'Connell Tribute was commenced on Sunday last. This year, Dr. Murray, and other Catholic Bishops who refused to countenance the last rent, have sent handsome contribuzions to it.
It is expected that the amount will exceed 20,0001. Here are a few specimens of the relative proportions collected. Dublin, 2,0001.—last year it was 1150/. ; Newry, 100/. ; Carrickmacross, 501—last year it was 38L; Clonmel, 175/—last year 128!.; Belfast, 1971.—nearly double the amount of last year ; Enniscorthy, 140/. ; Tullamore, 60!.; Waterford, 4701.—last year, 2441.; Limerick, 275/.
Previous page
