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Davenport Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Thursday, June 9, 1842
IMPORTANT FROM THE APOSTLE OF
TEMPERANCE.
The
following letter has been addressed by the Apostle of Temperance, to Mr.
Richard Allen, of High street:-
"Cork, April 11th, 1842.
"MY DEAR FRIEND-Long absence from Cork, and almost
an incessant administration of the total abstinence pledge, since my return, has
prevented me from reading your esteemed letter until this morning. I thank you
for the information you have given respecting the sensation excited amongst our
friends in England by Sir Robert Peel's statement. The premier only intended to
convey that the revenue from whiskey was larger last year than in the years '39
and '40. This fact should not cast a gloom over our prospects, for teetotalism
is pursuing its onward course, and will with the Divine assistance, finally
triumph. Sir R. Peel is a friend to morality, and consequently to temperance;
and when he added, 'or from other causes,' he spoke from the impulse of his
Christian feelings, and not as a great political leader. The almost total
abandonment of malt liquor has increased the consumption of whiskey amongst
certain classes. The great exportation to England for the rectifiers, and the
vast quantity manufactured into what are falsely named temperance cordials, have
contributed to swell the whiskey revenue. During the years '39 and '40 there was
an universal panic amongst the spirit dealers, who were consequently anxious to
exhaust their stock; but during the last year, finding a steady though slow
demand, they have taken in a fresh and large supply. Distillers, also, of small
capital are forcing sales on any terms, to keep their establishments at work.
Besides, teetotalism is ascending very slowly into the higher classes, and many
of them drink more than ever to antagonize our principles. There are other
powerful influential causes, to which I dare not more allude; but which, blessed
be the mercy of God, have latterly almost ceased to exist. Be not alarmed, my
dear Mr. Allen, temperance is not retrograding. At this moment, I am honored by
more than seventy pressing invitations from the Roman Catholic prelates and
clergy, to administer the total abstinence pledge in different parts of Ireland.
Give me but time, and with the aid of the Great Jehovah, we will waive our pure
and spotless banner over the length and breadth of the land. There are
difficulties which cause more pain than the assertion of Sir Robert Peel-the
insiduous efforts to give our society a political coloring, and to evoke a
gloomy fanatic cry against us. The great body of teetotalers, it is true, is
composed of Roman Catholics; but that is from the great bulk of the people being
Roman Catholic, but not from any thing exclusive to our society. A hostile
disposition has been excited on this account in certain localities; and I must
also complain, with the deepest sorrow, than many who, from rank and station,
possess great influence, have not, to use the mildest term, exercised it in
favor of our society. I utterly disclaim any political object; my ardent desire
is to promote the glory of God, by drying up the fruitful source of crime, and
the happiness of His creatures, by persuading them to the observance of
temperance. Our musical bands, too, and our processions, are rocks of offence to
many. If it was allowed to any to object to them, surely it should to the
members of your society, who reject music and parade in every case, yet you have
all co-operated with me, despising this paltry pretext. I respect the religious
feelings which disapprove of music and processions on the Lord's day; I
would not on any account offer violence to tender consciences; but we, Roman
Catholics, after in general devoting the afternoon of Saturday, and the forenoon
of Sunday, to religious observances, do not deem it a desecration of the Sabbath
for such as we have been earning their bread by the sweat of their brows during
the week, to recreate themselves innocently during the remainder of the day. We
should be allowed to enjoy our Gospel liberty; we regulate our conduct by what
we interpret to be the spirit of the Gospel, and not by the letter of the
Levitical law. O! that the sweet and beneficient spirit of the Gospel, that
think no evil, was diffused from pole to pole, uniting all mankind as one
family, and making a world happy. The earth would then, indeed, be a delightful
habitation, in which each man could enjoy, in charity, the blessings of this
life, especially through the Lord Jesus Christ, the blessed hope and glory of
the great God. Lovers of God, and of His everlasting ordinances, should be to
our failings a little kind. Let them contrast the shocking spectacles which
presented themselves heretofore on the Lord's day, with the calm decorum that at
present universally reigns. The bacchanalian yell, that made hideous the
Sabbath's early morn, is heard no more; the temples of the living God crowded
with sincere worshipers; the taverns, bridewells and brothels empty; the awful
blasphemy, the false oath and dire imprecation, no longer insult the attested
majesty of the Deity. It is my religious conviction, that one sin of
drunkenness, or one of the black deeds to which men are prompted, when inflamed
with intoxicating liquor, outrage more the sanctity of a jealous God, than all
the music of three hundred temperance bands on the Sabbath day. It would not be
difficult to ascertain what portion of the whiskey revenue has been collected
from retailers, and what from the custom-houses, but it is not necessary. Our
teetotalers are faithful to their pledge; they are proud of their sobriety; are
inspired with a spirit of self-respect; they are rational beings, and will never
again, Essau-like, sell their glorious birthright to purchase which the precious
blood of Jesus flowed. Thanking you, in the name of humanity and religion, for
all you have labored in the cause of your fellow-creatures, I am, my dear
friend, yours devotedly. THEOBALD MATTHEW.
'Richard Allen'
IMMIGRATION
Eight
thousand and thirty-two Irish have left the port of Limerick alone, this season
for North America. If they are workers, send them to the fertile prairies of the
West.
Davenport Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Thursday, Nov. 24, 1842
DISTRESS AMONG THE FARMERS OF IRELAND
An American Editor in the Emerald Isle writes to the Philadelphia National
Gazette as follows:
For many years past, the standard of comfort among the farmers of Ireland
has been on the decline. When the old leases expired, the landlords at once
raised the rents up to the improved value of the farm, and the mode of
cultivation. The talents and industry of the farmer was thus converted into
capital for the benefit of the land owner, and while the labor of the tenant
was decreased his means of subsistence were reduced until potatoes and milk
have now become his only food! He is now compelled to sell all the luxuries
and comforts he produces, to meet the increased taxes and the rents. The
landlord holds the purse of the tenant, to watch the last drop of sweat he
can extract from him, without exhausting his victim. The face of the country
looks beautiful, but poverty and the police have totally changed the
character of the Irish people. They exhibit a tameness and air of despair
and resignation which, to me, is malancholy to contemplate. They will tell
you that their prospects are still gloomy. As it is a settled principle
among the land holders, never to reduce the rent until they break up the old
tenant, then they will let the land to a new tenant at a low rent, and the
old one, after spending his last shilling, must abandon the home of his
sires, betake himself to some filthy cellar in a large town and live by the
precarious income of daily labor. Many now see the approaching denoument,
and instead of exhausting their former accumulations they sell out their
stock, put the money into their pockets, give up their farms, and start for
the United States. There have been more men of property emigrating this year
than ever was known since '98.
Davenport Gazette
Alfred Sanders, editor
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Thursday morning, July 6, 1843
IRELAND
The repeal movement in Ireland is progressing with increased activity and
energy. The whole country is in a state of the most intense excitement.
Every thing indicates that matters are rapidly approaching a crisis in that
oppressed and unhappy land. Every where mass meetings of hundreds of
thousands are daily being held at which the most eloquent and
spirit-stirring addresses are made by Mr. O'Connell and other repeal
orators. The English ministry seems at length to have taken the alarm in
good earnest. Troops are daily pouring into Ireland. All the Irish forts,
castles and battlements are being placed in a condition for speedy use.
Fleets of armed steamers have been stationed on her coasts and immense
supplies of arms and ammunitions of war have been sent thither, and yet we
can hardly beieve, notwithstanding this great display of military force and
threats of the ministry to put down the repeal agitation at the point of the
bayonet, that any thing more than intimidation is intended.
The time we think has passed, when the same game can be played, the same
enormities and cold-blooded butcheries can be perpetrated by the English
government, that characterized the rebellion of '98. The relative situation
of the parties to such a contest is marterially changed since that period. A
great master spirit ahs arisen in Ireland- a giant in intellect- a man who
sways the masses at his will, and who has cone for Ireland what no other man
has hitherto been able to accomplish; O'Connell has healed her party feuds
and rendered the Irish a united people. Heretofore in all her strugles for
the restoration of her rights, her own intestine dissensions constituted the
strongest obstacles to her success and presented the readiest facility to
her implacable enemy, for riveting her chains more strongly upon her.
O'Connell has heretofore redeemed all his pledges to his countrymen, and he
has promised them a repeal of the union, if they resort to no measures of
violence to obtain it, and we confess, we rely with great confidence on his
wisdom, his patriotism and purity of purpose. If, however, the ministry
should force the Irish into open and forcible resistance, we believe the
contest will ultimately terminate more disastrously to the power of England
than even that into which she forced the American colonies, which resulted
in the establishment of our independence.
Scotland is at present in a state of feverish excitement in relation to
governmental interference in her church affairs, which it is by no means
improbable, might be kindled into the flame of a revolution. The Chartists
and all those opposed to the oppressive corn laws of England, would we
should suppose, take sides with the Irish. A majority of the English armay
and navy is, we believe, composed of Irishmen upon whose disposition to act
against their own countrymen, it would be most unsafe to rely. Besides in
such a contest, the Irish would have the sympathies of every enlightened
friend of human liberty throughout the world. Especially can they appeal to
the freemen of this country for sympathy and aid in funds, and that moral
force which attends the concentration and expression of public opinion in
favor of a brave, gallant and chivalrous people struggling to free
themselves from the most galling oppression. Our own glorious and successful
struggle for independence was achieved in good part by Irishmen and the
descendants of Irishmen. It is right and proper therefore, that in their day
of trial, they should have our most fervent prayers for their success. We
heartily rejoice at the evidence of our willingness to repay some portion of
the debt we owe Ireland, furnished by the numerous large and enthusiastic
repeal meetings, which have been already held in various parts of our
country. We say let those meetings continue to be held, let the friends of
repeal thoughout the whole length and breadth of the land assemble and
transmit to the oppressed inhabitants of Ireland resolutions embodying the
warmest aspirations for their success and final triumph in the best and
holiest cause in which men ever engaged, a gallant but enslaved people,
struggling to regain their rights and their liberties of which they have
been deprived by the combined power of brute force, foul treachery and most
shameless bribery and corruption.
Davenport Gazette
Davenport, Scott Co, Iowa
August 10, 1843
IRISH REPEAL-IT'S OBJECT
The following declaration of rights, issued at a large meeting in Ireland,
fully explains the purposes and objects of the repeal movement which is now
agitating the civilized world.
1. Self government- the making of our own laws suited to our own people; the
interpretation and administration of our own laws; the filling of all the
office in the state with Irishmen.
2. The Freedom of Religion, and the extinction of a heavy and unjust impost,
of all compulsory payments by one body of christians to the teachers of the
doctrines of any other persuasion.
3. The improvement of the condition of all occupiers of land by a well
considered plan of fixture of tenure, which, while it would secure the
landlord a moderate and adequate rent for his land, would at the same time,
insure to the tenant the benefit of all his own labor and expenditure in
permanent improvements.
4. The total abolition of the oppressive grand jury ces, and the present
iniquitous system of poor laws, and the constitution of well regulated
charitable institutions.
A GENUINE IRISHMAN
The Dublin Freemen records the following incident as having occurred at the
meeting of the Repeal Association:- "Mr. O'Connell said that the first
money
he had to hand in was the sum of £5 5s. the subscription of Mr. Langan's
infant son, as yet unchristened, who had come from Liverpool for the express
purpose of being born in Ireland.- (Laughter and cheers.) He was quite in
earnest; the fact was just as he stated it. Mr. Langan and his lady had
pre-arranged the whole affair, and a few days since, when Mrs. Langan was
near her confinement, she determined on coming over to Dublin, in order to
secure for her son, who was about to be born, the priviledge of having it to
say that he had drawn his first breath in Ireland and was an Irishman.
Davenport Gazette
Davenport, Scott Co, Iowa
October 12, 1843
DESTITUTION IN IRELAND
Bishop Hughes says he is glad to escape from the wretchedness and want and
physical suffering which surrounded him every where in Ireland. He adds,
"that it is not only beggars who are poor and destitute; those who would
fain gain something by work can hardly do so. Look at yon old woman sitting
down in the market place of town; she has come five miles on foot with her
produce for sale, and what is it? Two eggs! On my credit; two eggs and
nothing in the world beside; perhaps she will get two pennies (four cents)
and wend her way five miles home to her hut, to wait till her single hen
shall lay more."
What unmitigated wretchedness! No wonder that the Irish who reach this
country and find shelter in a log cabin, and enough to eat, coarse though it
may be, and clothing sufficient, though homely in its texture,
enthusiastically call this a blessed country.
Davenport Gazette
Davenport, Scott Co, IA
Oct 19, 1843
IRISH WIDOWS
At Drogheda, the beggars besieged us in a way which, though embarrassing to
a young lady, was quite amusing to the other passengers. In handing this
lady into the coach after dinner, a woman approached us saying, 'your honor
will sure give something to a poor starving widow for the sake of the sweet
lady that owns you.' To get rid of this mode of attack, I gave her a penny.
This encouraged another, who exclaimed, 'your honor's a happy man, with such
a beautiful lady by your side. Don't forget a poor creature with eight
starving childer's.' She got her penny and departed only to give place to
a
third, who began, 'Long life to your honor and your honor's beautiful lady.
May you find the sweet little ones quite well when you get home.' This one
gave place to another, who commenced, ' God bless your honor and long life
to your honor's jewel of a lady. It was a lucky day she made choice of your
honro, who is so good to the poor widows.' This, to use a cant phrase, was
'coming it too strong,' and the lady exclaimed, "Go away, you jade; I am
not
married at all.' But, nothing daunted, the hag continued, 'Well, if not
married already, its soon you will be, for you're too good and sweet a lady
to let his honor be breaking his heart for you.' My small coin was
exhausted, and rather than stand such fire the lady gave the 'jade' a penny
herself, when we were spared further annoyance by the guard's 'all right' to
the coachman, the crack of whose whip dashed the hopes of half a score of
other 'widows' who were gathering for the onset.--Weed's Letters.
Davenport Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
19 December 1844
Rale Irish- The following is the postscript of Patrick McNoggin's letter to
his frind Michael O'Flanagan in Ireland that some beggarly eastern editor
intercepted:
P.S. I'm done now, Michael, and send this by the good stamer Hibernia, and
hope you'll get it before she gets there. The Yankees are going to have
another kind of stamer, that aint no stamer at all, but it sends lethers by
thunder and lightning, so Michael, cant I send you a lether before it is
writ, and get an answer before I sind it.
Davenport Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
October 1, 1846
IRELAND
Alas! for poor Ireland! Her potato crop, the main stay to the stomachs of
her dense population, is again almost wholly destroyed. There is no article
of food which can replace the great staple. Indian Corn, which approaches
nearest, was repudiated on account of a prejudice which had seized the minds
of the people. Gradually as the pangs of hunger have instilled reason, has
the feeling vanished until that wholesome article of food, fit for the
stomach of her Majesty, has been introduced to the manifest improvement of
the condition of the people. Still they are in a wretched situation, but the
Government has adopted measures for their relief which we trust will
meliorate their condition.
An Irish paper, the Mayo Constitution, after mentioning the large gathering
of a large concourse of people, number upwards of 2000 at Westport, says:-
"
A multitude of people also assembled in Mayo, exceeding, we should think,
5,000; they marched peaceably and orderly, and, after walking through the
town, they assembled on the green, where a meeting was held. The assemblage
of such a vast number of people, declaring themselves on the brink of
starvation was truly deplorable- a fact the truth of which we see no great
reason to doubt, and we therefore feel compelled to call on the government
to step forward at once with immediate--instant relief."
Stimulated by hunger, hundreds of half-famished creatures, old and young,
marched on the 21st into the little town of Carberry, in the county of Cork,
carrying on their shoulders several instruments of husbandry, to denote
their want of employment. They were met by the priest; who prevailed upon
them to return, assuring them that every exertion was to be made for their
relief, and warning them that the consequences of any attempt at outrage
would recoil upon themselves.
The Belfast Chronicle says, that "The total destruction of the potato crop
is now evident, and, in consequence considerable excitement and speculation
have arisen in our market, and all kinds of grain have considerably
increased in value. Indian corn is selling at 10s to 20s per ton advance."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IRELAND- Hostility continues among the Irish people, towards Indian Corn-
but increasing intelligence is gradually removing the prejudice. Turnips are
in a sound state and will compensate somewhat for the potato crop, which is
again a failure.
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Feb 11, 1847
IRISH LIBERALITY
"The warm-hearted Irishman," says the New York Courier, "is an
expression
that has passed into a proverb;" and it relates the following fact, as a
touching illustration of the truth of the proverb:-
We are informed upon reliable authority that since the first day of
November- when the distress of Ireland for lack of food was too surely
verified- more than eighty thousand dollars have been remitted in sums
varying from $5 to $25, by Irish laborers, men and women servants, and
others toiling for their daily bread- to their suffering relatives in
Ireland.
What a fact is this! and what volumes does it speak in favor of the strong
affections and generous hearts of the Irish!
We may add that during the past year $808,000 were remitted by the laboring
Irish, male and female, of New York city, to their poor friends in Ireland;
$170,000 from Philadelphia, and $23,500 from Boston, making an aggregate of
more than one million dollars.
"Here," says Mr. Harvey, an Irishman, "are one million of
dollars, part of
the hard earnings of the poor Irish emigrants, sent in one year to help
their poorest friends at home, and done quietly, regularly, and
systematically, without any parade of public meetings or committees.
"It will be acknowledged by the most prejudiced sectarians and politicians,
that my countrymen have their virtues as well as their failings- they
certainly receive a full share of abuse for the one, and I therefore think
they are honestly entitled to praise for the other."
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Apr 22, 1847
Irish Relief
The Society of Friends are always the first christian denomination to move
in any benevolent enterprise. We see it stated that they have 1500 bushels
of wheat in store at Salem, in this State [Iowa] , packed in barrels ready
to be shipped to a similar Society in Ireland for distribution.
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
April 29, 1847
Famine in Ireland
A gentleman who has recently made an extensive tour in Ireland, says through
the columns of the London Christian Observer: "The feeling among the
population is very strong, that the famine is the judgment of God for the
sins of Priests and people. I found amongst a large proportion of those with
whom I conversed, a feeling that the book of God ought to be read."
If such
be the result of famine with the mass, would it not be right to wish for a
small one to visit America?
IMMIGRATION
Numbers of destitute Irish are arriving in the different seaport cities from
Ireland. About 5000 immigrants, mostly from that country landed in New York
in one month. The editor of the Express of that city says he has been shown
a sample of the food which they usually bring with them to support life
while crossing the ocean. "In color it resembles guano, but in form it
presents more the appearance of coarse meal." It is made of a kind of
berry
which is first dried in the sun and then ground up for use. The first
article that they call for on reaching the Alms House is the potato, which
they prefer to the best of meats.
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
May 13, 1847
Famine in Ireland
It is calculated by members of relief committees in England and the estimate
is said to be admitted by the Cabinet Ministers, that the Irish famine will
in all probability kill two millions of people this year. Two millions of
people die of starvation in one year, living adjoining the richest and most
luxurious nation in the world and but two weeks distance from a land where
God's productions abound in profusion! Two millions of people! That is 5,
470 a day, 228 an hour, and 4 in little more than a minute.
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
March 18, 1847
FAMINE IN IRELAND
The editor of the Galway Mercury, speaking of the prevailing famine in his
ill-fated country, gives the following brief and forcible picture of the
terrible state of destitution around him:-
"Coming nearer home, we turned our steps towards the ill-fated village of
Glann, westward of Outerard about two miles, and what do we find there?
Gracious Heavens, how can we contemplate the scene before us! In one
wretched cabin, ten human beings constituting an entire family, lie DEAD in
one heap of rottenness and putrification! in another, several miserable
creatures have already paid the debt of nature, while four others are
struggling in the last throes of agony! and in a third half covered hut, an
expiring wretch is found crawling on the ground, endeavoring to sustain
existence upon a few turnip peals- not fit sustenance for the beasts of the
field."
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
April 22, 1847
Irish
Relief- The Society of Friends are always the first Christian denomination to
move in any benevolent enterprise. We see it stated that they have 1500 bushels
of wheat in store at Salem, in this State, packed in barrels ready to be shipped
to a similar Society in Ireland for distributing.
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
April 29, 1847
FAMINE IN IRELAND
A
gentleman who has recently made an extensive tour in Ireland, says through the
columns of the London Christian Observer: "The feeling among the population
is very strong, that the famine is the judgment of God for the sins of the
priests and people. I found amongst a large proportion of those with whom I
conversed, a feeling that the book of God ought to be read." If such be the
result of famine with the mass, would it not be right to wish for a small one to
visit America?
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
May 20, 1847
IRISH FAMINE
The Cork Reporter, received by the Cambria, gives the following horrible
picture of famine and pestilence now prevailing in ill-fated Ireland:-
"Most horrible- most dreadful are the last accounts from the west of Cork.
It is enough to curdle the blood, even to listen to the description given by
eye-witnesses of what is passing in that part of the country, and above all,
in the two Carberies.- It is not food the unfortunate people now most want,
it is medical attendance. A pestilential fever, more mortal and destructive
than cholera or plague, is carrying off the poor. There is not a house from
Banty to Skull that, with scarce a dozen exceptions, does not contain either
the sick the dying, or the dead. The latter lie where they die, or are
barely pushed outside the threshhold, and there suffered to dissolve. Their
relatives that are within the huts are too feeble to carry them farther; and
the strong, outside--from distant places' -- and they indeed are few, are
afraid to handle unshrouded and uncoffined bodies.
"Judge of the consequences. The weather begins to grow warm; decomposition
sets in much more rapidly. Let us state two or three facts which we have on
unimpeachable testimony. Our informant has told us, that in one locality,
where public works are in progress, the laborers were forced to examine a
cabin at some distance, in consequence of the noxious and intolerable
affluvium from it.- They discovered five bodies in an advanced state of
putrefaction- the whole of a family, who had died, none knew when.
"None of the laborers dared touch the bodies, and to protect themselves
while remaining on the work where they were compelled to earn their bread,
and chance of life, they pulled down the hovel, heaped timber nad thach over
the blackened corpses, applied fire, and kept aloof until the dwelling and
the dead were consigned to ashes. Such was the interment. This occurred at a
place called Ramora. In another hovel were found the dead bodies of a father
and son, and in the mouth of the latter was seen the father's hand, three
fingers of which had been eaten off by his famishing offspring. It is our
duty to publish the appalling facts. We have authentic information of other
just as dreadful; but our flesh creeps at the remembrance. We cannot go on
with the relation."
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
July 8, 1847
IRISH IMMIGRANTS
A friend
recently returned from St. Louis informs us that the city is overrun with Irish.
At every corner you are accosted with "plase, your honor," and
importuned for alms. Why don't they go to Dubuque? If they will call we will
give them an introduction to Greene of the Express, from whom they will
doubtless receive a warm welcome.
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
July 22, 1847
IRISH IMMIGRANTS
The
grammatical editor of the Dubuque Express takes a serious offence at that little
paragraph of ours, titled as above, stating that St. Louis was overrun with
Irish and he calls us all manner of hard names. Use to it old fellow-had so many
blackguards to deal with since we have been fighting the Locofoco editors of
Iowa, that we have become quite accustomed to their weapons. And then there's
Palmer of the Iowa City Reporter, not a whit better, has also been stirred up by
the same little paragraph and has given us a coruscation from his brilliant
intellect. Ah, gentlemen, you scamps, neither of you nor your party have one
particle of the leaven of love for the Irish in your hearts. Blind as bats,
yourselves, do you suppose that the Irish are going to overlook the sincere acts
of the leaders of the Locofoco party to mind the cant of its lackies? Not they.
You do injustice to them, and in branding the Wig party as the opponents of the
Irish, you are but holding up the mirror to your own unworthiness. You have been
wheedling the Irish so much that perhaps some of the weaker minded of them may
have come to the conclusion, that of a verity you are the champions of Ireland,
transplanted from the Erin's isle to the prairies of Iowa. Know they not, know
not the whole nation that they only are their friends, who in the time of
suffering step in to alleviate their distress? That men may preach friendship,
but without practice, it but proves their hypocrisy? Do they already forget a
scene which transpired in the U.S. Senate last February, and which crushed at a
blow all of the servile efforts of the Locofocos to cajole the Irish into the
belief that they only were their friends?
On the 10th of the above month, Mr. Hunt, a Whig of New
York, introduced a bill into the Senate for the relief of Ireland, and for ten
days struggled for the floor to get the bill taken up and passed. A combination,
it is since thought, had been entered into by the Locofocos to prevent him doing
so. At the end of that time, Mr. Crittenden introduced a similar bill-the
same one Shepherd Leffler of Iowa opposed. After its second reading it was
advocated by Messrs. Crittenden and Clayton, both Whigs, and opposed by Messrs.
Niles and Bayly, both Locofocos. At the urgent solicitation of Mr. Crittenden,
who drew a vivid picture of the suffering and want in Ireland, on the
27th, the bill was taken up and defeated. Seventeen Whigs and one Locofoco
voting for it and twenty-two Locofocos and one Whig voting against it. Yes, in
the U. States Senate where Locofocism had 31 members, but one of the number
could be found to vote for the relief of famishing Ireland. This is Locofoco
practice, for its profession, see the blarney of those short-sighted gentlemen
who control its organs in Iowa City and Dubuque.
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Dec 21, 1847
Ireland
State of the Provinces.- After a period of unexampled tranquility, the old
system of Agrarian crime is again spreading through the Southern Provinces.
The Limerick Clare, and Tipperary outrages on person and property are
becoming events of daily occurrence, and complaints are general of the
cessation of all employment, by reason of the termination of all harvest
labor, it is apprehended that this in conjunction with many other
circumstances, will lead to a season of more than average disquiet.
It gives us much satisfaction to state that an order has been received from
Goverment for the discharge of the American brig islam from the restraint
placed upon her last week. This was but an act of justice toward a people
who have done so much for the relief of Irish distress and the promptitude
with which the authorities have responded to the wishes of the inhabitants
reflects credit upon them. The joy-bells rung a merry peal in honor of the
occasion.--Galway Mercury.
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
January 13, 1848
Ireland is in an awful condition. The land reeks with assassination from one
end to the other.
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
March 9, 1848
The Irish Boy's Lament
The following affecting story of Irish life is extracted from a late number
of the London Christian Miscellany. It abounds in all the deep pathos and
feeling incident for which the Irish character is so pre-eminently
distinguished:-
O, thin,don't shut the door a while; won't some of ye listen to me, for 'tis
a sorrowful story I've to tell! The shining beams of the blessed Heaven on
yer head, my lady! and let me speak a minite while the hunger leaves me
strength. Och! little I tho't I'd ever be driven from the strangers
thrashal. For I wasn't always houseless and friendless. It wasn't long since
I was happy an' continued in my father's house in the mountains beyant, but
wirra true 'tis empty an' desolate now. The fire has gone out on our hearth
stone, an' my hand will never be strong enough to kindle it again. Many a
night I sat by it, listening to ould stories or hearing my mother sing; and
the red light dancing up and down her face, an' her voice rising an' falling
so be3autiful, 'till in spite o' me, my eyes filled up wid tears. That was
the pleasant crying; but many is the bitter one from 'em since.
The blight of the hard year fell on our crops, my lady, an' thin came
starvation where full and plenty wor afore. A weesome change came over us
all; everythin' was sold to gather the rint; even my own little goldfinch;
sure 'tisn't I that grudged it. My mother did'nt sing thin, and when she
tried to spake jouful, to cheer my father up, there was a shake in her
voice, and her lip trembled; and they both had a frightened look; no wonder,
wid famine staring 'em in the face. For we'd be a whole day, and' more,
maybe, without tasting food, an' I'd go to bed sick an' fainting like; but I
didn't mind mysel at all at all, only my little sister Norah. In all the
country round there wasn't a prettier child, wid her cheeks of pink and
snow, an' her white forehead, wid the yellow hair on it, like gold rings,
only a softer dale; an' shining eyes, the color of the sky in June.
O dear! the hunger bore heavy on teh innocent child, an' rubbed out all the
dimples in her face, an' faded the red blush, an' her eyes sunk beck in her
head as if all the tears she cried put out the light in 'em. An' oh lady! it
would have gone to your heart's heart to see her held out her long thin
hand, an' hear her young small voice, that used to be laughing all day,
axing for bread, an' none to the fere. Then mother 'uld sooth her to sleep
an' her face working all the time. The sob would be on Norah's heart, an'
she asleep. But one night, after being stupid-like a long while, she roused
up to say, "I am very hungry;' an' before the words wer out of her mouth,
she stretched herself out on mother's lap and died. Well, I tuck on grately
at that; but mother said God had taken her from the misery, an' she wouldn't
be hungry again, for the angels in heaven were feeding her. Thin I thought,
only for mother I'd like to go too. Father buried her with out a coffin.
She was the first I ever saw die; but 'twasn't to be long a strange thing to
me. My father got work at last, but the power to do it was going fast. And
mother' ald keep to last bite an' sup in the house for him, when he'd come
in, and make him believe she ate afore, and pretind that she as giving him
her lavings, an' laugh an' joke with him. Och! but her laugh had a quare
sound thin, just like the crushing of her heart; it 'ud make my flesh creep;
but you wor always minding everybody barring yourself, mother dear! I heers
'em say no one could chrive a spade deeper nor my father once, but hunger is
stronger nor the strong man; when that is tugging at the inside thin the arm
is very wake. He fainted over his spade, an' was soon lying down in the
fever. We wor out of the doctor's way, an' the priest was always out, an'
nothing to quinch the thirst that was perishing him, barring a can of cold
wather from the streame afore the door.
Day an' night mother set beside the whisp of straw that kept him from the
floor. O! but his face was hot and red, but two eyes like lightling coals,
an' a puft of his breath 'ad burn ye, an' he saying such out of the way
things in his wandherings. Well, we thought he was getting cool; but sure
enough, 'twas Death's own cald fingers upon him. For he got sensible, an'
said to mother, "norah, acushla ma chree, put yer hand under my head, an'
raise me; the sight is leaving my eyes, but let me feel ye kissing me; and
then he died off quite aisy, just as the day dawns; an' the spirit died in
me too, but I couldn't help staring at mother. As soon as she had covered
the body, she sated herself formist it, and hardly stirring for two days may
be, I thought all her tears were used up; for her eyes wor dry as dust.
Them wor the sorrowful days.
There was food in the house thin, but we couldn't taste it; 'tis very aisty
to give the body enough when the heart is full. On the third day she wrapped
him in her ould cloak and called me to help her; so we carried him to the
grave ourselves, without shroud or coffin, for the neighbors were too hard
put to it to keep themselves alive to mind us or our dead. Sure 'twas the
great God gave strength to mother that day, for nothing was too hard for
her. We scraped out the earth and berried him. Mother didn't spake all the
time, only shivered and put her face atune her hands, and then she got up
quite stout and walked home so fast that I could scarcely keep up wid her.
No sooner wor we in than she fainted away; an' whin she come to "Thank God
he's berried!" says she; 'whin I'm gone, mavourneen, if ye wor to go on yer
bended knees to yer neighbors, make 'em put me down beside him. That on't be
long. 'ses she, for I heear him calling me." I thought may be she was
tired,
an' entralled her to ate, but she wouldn't. Thin she put her arms round me,
an' drew me to her, and called me her fair haired son, her fatherless boy,
and said the orphan's God would purtect me. I forgot the pulse of her heart
stopped when father laid low, and whin she said "Go to sleep darlint, for
ye
need it sure, "i slept in her bosom, for I was rale tired.
When I 'woke, my forhead was agin something cold. Och' twas mother's neck,
an' the hand I held was stiff. She was dead! A hard sorrow was rasping her
he3art, an' it fluttered like a bird in a light grip, and at last got away.
Thin I was alone. Thins come the grief and the heart throuble intirely.
Though I could hardly crawl, I got to the next house and brought 'em to see
if she was dead all out; for though 'twas plain enough, I wouldn't believe
she was gone in airnest, an' thought it might be weakness, an' she'd get the
better of it. But whin all failed, thin by a dale of coating I got a man to
put her beside my father. I think she wouldn't rest aisy anywhere else; an
whin she rises from ehr grave she'll see I kept her word. Och! Och! lady,
didn't I feel bitterly whin she was covered up from me, an' I lost the hand
that used to stroke down my hair, an' the loving words and the sweet smile!
I always stay beside the grave, except whin hunger, that has no nature in
it, drives me away.
Those fine, bright days don't agree with me at all. Once I used to like to
see the sun dazzling, and the streams looking up so good humeredly at him;
but now everthing seems swimming before my eyes, full of blinding tears, an'
the sky seems laughing at me, an' the little brids in 'em seem to be making
game of my grief. But sure they have no feeling that way, the crathurs! an'
the only thing that gave me any comfort, was in the morning whin I saw a
little flower in the grass wid the dew on it. I don't know why, but it
seemed sorey for me; it looked like a blue eye full of tears. No one else
spoke kindly to me since my mother died, but it; for didn't it spake? yes,
it told me the great God made it, an' sent it there to comfort me, an' to
say He'd mind me, the last on the stem. So I thanked Him on my knee,
although I don't know much about Him at all. I wish I did.
Thin, whin I looked up, I though of Norah, an' how happy she was; looking
down, maybe, wid her face covered over wid sunshine; so' I felt a sort of
gladness; but whin I remindered my father an' mother, the pain shot through
me agin. For they say they're in purgatory, and must say there along time
for dying without the clergy. That's what kills me intirely; to think of my
poor father, that niver said an ill word to me, an' my own gentle tempered,
soft-natured mother, that would lift a worm sooner than tread on it, to be
in such burning pain! My head burns when I think of it. I'd rather live
anyway, for I couldn't bear to be there looking at mother suffering; an' I
know I wouldn't go to Heaven, because I'm not innocent, like Norah. If I'd
only strength, I'd wear my knees out praying round the stations to get em
out but that will niver be, for my heart string wor tied round my mother,
an' they're pulling me into the grave, for death couldn't loose 'em.
I was a child afore all the woe happened to me. I don't feel like a child
now; though it is not many months since, for O, lady, my heart is grown
ould. I didn't break my fast since yesterday; but whin I try to ax for
something , the blood comes into my face, an' my tongue won't spake for me.
An whin I do tell my story, 'tis too common a one to be minded, an' they
won't believe I'm telling truth; for they don't know how heavy my head is,
or the squeezing in my heart. people ain't pitiful at all now; nothing shuts
up the hart like famine; it has cruel and wonderful power, for it puts
mother out of my head. Sometimes I'm afraid I'm too weak to get back to the
grave. I wouldn't have it at all, only for fear of the purgatory.
Lady, your speech is gintle, an' your eyes are full, like the flower of the
grass. ye say ye will shelter an' feed me. Oh, if ye could give me back my
darling mother! an ye say she isn't in purgatory; but maybe God's good Son
took her to himself. Blessings on yer fair head, my lady, 'tis kindly meant.
O, if I could believe that! An' ye say I may to straight there too? It would
raise my head to think so. If ye'll only teach me how, I'll live to sarve
ye. I'll to to the world's end to do yer bidding. I'll die to sarve ye; yes,
twice over for yer sake.'
June 1, 1848
IRELAND
- The Repeal movement is being actively carried on and there has been a
great addition to the ranks of the "Repealers" from among the
Protestants.
- Smith O'Brien has been dismissed from the Magistry.
- The Queen proposes to visit her Irish subjects in person during the
summer.
IRELAND
It is stated, that O'Brien and O'Connell ahve become reconciled and that
hereafter they have agreed to work harmoniously together. They shook hands
and issued an address, signed by the leaders, urging union among themselves
for the "Repeal of the Union."
June 8, 1848
IRELAND- At the last intelligence from Ireland Mitchell had been arrested
for some offence under the new felony law. O'Brien's trial had closed, the
jury did not agree upon a verdict. Mr. Meagher's trial was in progress.
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
June 29, 1848
EUROPEAN NEWS
BY THE AMERICA
The America made the trip to Boston in ten days and eight hours, including
eight hours fog, and her usual detention at Halifax. The passage is the
shortest ever made. We find in the New York papers of the 15th, full details
of the news:-
IRELAND
On Saturday last in Dublin, Mr. Mitchell, convicted of treason upon the
previous evening, was sentenced to 14 years transportation and immediately
removed under escort of a squadron of cavalry to a steamer of war which was
in waiting to convey him to the convictd depot at Spike Island, in the Cove
of Cork. His destination is Bermuda, whither he has already sailed, to be
incarcerated on board a dockyard bulk. Intense excitement prevailed in
Dublin up to Sunday night, but it has since given way to a deep and solemn
silence, which denotes stern preparation and resolve.
We forbear to touch here upon all the tender and affecting circumstances of
the sudden parting of this unfortunate man with his wife, children, and
confederates. The sterness of ambition yielded before the overpowering
claims of nature and hurried away as he was from the theatre of his crime,
few can have felt more fearfully than Mitchell the deep anguish of seeing
one's native land receding amidst the growing waters.
This has been a stunning blow to the Confederate party. A great clamor has
been raised about the packing of the jury. It has been attempted to impeach
the legality of the conviction by showing that Roman Catholic jurors were
struck from the panel, and in the cases of Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Meagher no
doubt this was the fact, but it seems to have been done in direct
contradiction to the instructions of the government. By a vote of the Repeal
Association, the wife and children of Mr. Mitchell, are to be adopted by the
people of Ireland, and their comfort and education provided for at the
public expense, out of a subscription to be raised for the purpose. The
types of the "United Irishman" newspaper were immediately seized by
the
government and his property sequestrated. That paper is accordingly at an
end, but arrangements are in progress for bringing out a new journal of a
similar tendency, under the sovereign style, title and dignity of "The
Irish
Felon."
The language of Mr. John O'Connell at the Repeal Association, when urging
members to adopt the family of Mitchell and in expressing indignation
against the Attorney General, was particularly exciting. He called upon all
Irishmen never again to speak to the Attorney General, but to spit upon him
as he had spit upon the Catholics- not to expose themselves to be struck
down singly, but to band themselves together as a determined and united
Irishmen.
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