THE DEPOPULATION OF IRELAND.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Will you allow me to make a few remarks on your correspondent's letter on the above subject in the Spectator of December 28th, 1889 ?
(1.) The existence of " congested " districts with an excessive population and a poor soil does not disprove the fact that there are also vast " depopulated " districts, which might support in comfort many more inhabitants than at present.
(2.) Mr. Parnell did not " attempt to migrate the excess of Western population to the Eastern half of Ireland," bat he did endeavour to enlarge the holdings of the agricultural tenants on an estate in the West of Ireland, by dividing among them the neighbouring grass-farms.
(3.) His scheme did not " break down because the population is already thicker" in the Eastern half of Ireland ; but, as far as the public can ascertain, owing to an excessive price having been given for the estate in question.
(4.) " The Eastern half of Ireland " is too vague a term for statistical reference. Surely your correspondent does not mean that the population is " thicker "—i.e., presses more closely on the means of subsistence—in the rural parts of Leinster than in those of Connaught ? As a matter of fact, excluding towns, the average size and valuation of holdings in Leinster are much greater than in Connaught.
(5.) It is not necessary for my purpose to prove that Ireland could at present maintain the population of 1847. All I con- tend for is : (1), that it was reduced, not by natural causes alone, but also by harsh evictions ; (2), that the persons evicted were to a large extent respectable farmers ; and (3), that the diminution in the number of the latter is no proof of increased prosperity, but a constant cause of grave discontent.
Kilcornan, Oranmore, December 31st, 1889.
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