272 PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 



Mr. Purdon deprecated that act of the Legislature which had 

 attempted, virtually, to subvert the Irish language, by attempting 

 to force an education through the medium of English ; it was nu- 

 gatory in action, and inefficient in result: the charter schools, 

 which were its instruments, are now relinquished as useless; and 

 the enormous sum of one million sterlmg had been expended in 

 an attempt to teach only 7,905 children. 



Dr. Millar's " History Philosophically Illustrated," was refer- 

 red to for evidence to show the success which resulted from the 

 endeavours of some conscientious persons, who learned the Irish 

 language for the purpose of revealing **The Truth" to the natives, 

 they were not, however, seconded by governnient ; and the attempt 

 failed ultimately. This utter want of care on the part of Ir/jland's 

 rulers as to the religious and moral instruction of the people was the 

 sure way to leave the mind to become corrupt, contaminated, and 

 vicious; the consequences of which were rapine, murder, and de- 

 struction of property; and the history of nations would bear the 

 lecturer out in asserting that the reverse would result if competent 

 councils had predominated. Even in Ireland itself, where the 

 people were properly taught and well employed, they underwent 

 a complete change in morals and in conduct. 



To show that want of employment is the essential misfortune 

 of Ireland, tl)e lecturer brought forward the evidence of Mr. Mat- 

 thew Barrington, crown solicitor for the Munster circuit, and Mr. 

 John Dillon, both of whom have stated that wherever the people 

 had work they were inclined to be orderly and peaceable; the 

 latter person has given a miserable picture of the peasants' con- 

 dition at times when there is but little demand ibr labour. In some 

 cases a man, his wife, and family have to be maintained on two 

 shillings per week. 



The lecturer would recommend those interested in seeing capi- 

 tal made secure, when expended in Irish improvements, to pro- 

 pose in a public manner the cultivation of the wastes, by Stock 

 companies, and to publish the well authenticated truth how com- 

 pletely regenerated are the people whenever employment has been 

 afforded. To make it as clear as the facts testify that Security 

 dwells perpctuullij with anpUn/nient. Government should gua- 

 rantee protection only to the first undertaking, and by proper 

 conduct, honest dealing, and just remuneration, the people of 

 Ireland would learn that their good was consulted, and their pros- 

 perity ensured ; there would no longer exist the discontent, terror, 

 and deceit, which at present bewilder the neglected population. 



