320 ON THE STATE OF IRELAND. 



lating voluntary alms-giving is to hold out the offer of a 

 measure of public aid for all voluntary associations based 

 on certain principles, and governed by fixed regulations, 

 approved by a Central Board. By the offer of such aid, 

 benevolent persons interested in the relief of the poor 

 will, we doubt not, be induced to form themselves into 

 associations for that purpose, and will persuade the chari- 

 tably disposed to give their alms through them ; seeing 

 that by so doing the amount will be increased, whilst the 

 best assurances will be afforded that every precaution 

 will be used for detecting imposition, and relieving only 

 those who are really in distress. 



VI. Because, while a fund thus founded upon voluntary 

 contributions would provide effectual relief for those who 

 are really destitute, the very nature of it would debar the 

 poor from establishing legal claims upon it, since the con- 

 tributions to a voluntary fund being wholly spontaneous, 

 the contributors could at any time withhold them if an 

 attempt were made to compel an appropriation of the joint 

 fund contrary to their instructions. 



VII. Because a Central Board in constant communica- 

 tion with a number of Local Committees would be fur- 

 nished with the most effectual means of diffusing infor- 

 mation and inculcating just principles respecting the relief 

 of the poor. 



The great cause of the extensive mendicancy which 

 drains and impoverishes the small farmers of Ireland is 

 their want of system and good judgment in bestowing 

 relief. It is given by them without discrimination, with- 

 out regard to the character, nay, without even knowledge 

 of the circumstances of the applicant : this indiscriminate 

 and profuse distribution of alms never fails to bring for- 



