The figures in regard to Ireland alone give the existing
popu. lation as 4,456,546 (2,197,739 males and 2,258,807 females), and thus show a decrease since 1891 of 24-8,204 persons, or 5-3 per cent. The decrease in population is, of Course, to be regretted, but it must not be assumed that Ireland is therefore in a less prosperous state than it was. On the contrary, there was probably never a time when Ireland was more prosperous, (calculating per head of population), or when there was less destitution and the standard Of living was higher. The Irish cabin of old days has 'almost ceased to exist, and the savings possessed by the peasantry are very large. The new return, it should be noticed, brings out very clearly the monstrous injustice suffered by the English electorate. Ireland has now a somewhat smaller
pepulation than Scotland, and yet Ireland has thirty-one more Members than Scotland.
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