MANAGEMENT OF IRISH JOBS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
llama: promised to keep an eye on the progress of the Shannon job, we must now report, that on Monday night—no, about two o'clock on Tuesday morning—after the conclusion of the Privilege debate, when weary Members were leaving the House of Com- mons, and attention to business was out of the question, Mr. SPRING RICE obtained leave to bring in his bill for the Improve- ment of' the Shannon Navigation. In a few minutes after, the bill was brought in, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Friday.* This is sharp practice • but, doubtless, hurried legislation, in a thin House, at two o'clock in the morning, is suitable to the nature of the business performed—prudent and con- venient when Irish jobs are to be pushed through Parliament. It is edifying to observe Mr. Rice's vigour and activity when limey is to be voted for the benefit of certain properties and the corruption of certain parties in Ireland ; but how very shy be shows himself of the really important business of his department I The Bank of Ireland Charter expired two years ago : a secret Com- mittee, appointed by Mr. RICE himself, sat in 1837 and in 1838, and made extensive inquiries ; but the settlement is postponed sine die. Contrast this lazy procrastination with the energy exhibited in pro- curb r's, grants of the public money to be expended in bribing the Irish Liberal interest. Within a brief period Parliament has voted a million fbr Tithe-compensation, and another million to build Poor-houses—to be repaid ntore Hibernico, that is, never. Then, Sir J. Brimovxn and the Commissioners of Public Works have received, during the last three years, 50,0001. ; the Shannon Com- mission, 50,000/. ; the Railway Commission, 25,000/. Emboldened by past success, they now demand the thumping sum of three mil- lions ; and if Mr. then can smuggle the bills authorizing the stu- pendous jobs through the house at two o'clock in the morning, no doubt he will. Little marvel that, whenever a change of Ministry IS menaced, the Irish patriots cram the Dublin Theatre to pour forth blessings on the Whigs and prayers for their continuance in office!
It is very easy to call grants loans, and pretend that principal and interest of' all advances will be repaid. As a specimen of the manner in which this country is indemnified for loans to Irish job- bers, we may refer to a few items ill the Report of the Board of Public Works, ordered to be printed on the 25th of March 1839.
Nos. Principal. Interest. Total due. 45 ands_Grand Canal, Ballinasloc Ex- M. 5 tension X46,254 ... £18,687 = £66,79O 90, Ditto, Mountmellick Branch 33;116 ... 12,837 = 47,59
135, Ditto, Ballyconunon to Kilbeggan 18,000 5,015 = 23,735 • It was put off last night, owing to the pressure of other business; and now stands in the Orders of the Day for Monday.
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