130 



sea-coasts of the kingdom ; " with this the improvement of the 

 interior went hand-in-hand, and was as has been seen the 

 primary consideration. Whether exertions in these direc- 

 tions ought to be aided by the State is a question in political 

 economy. 



To the objection that loans from Government are not ex- 

 tended to other undertakings, it may be observed that some 

 points of difference occur. Among these may be mentioned, 

 the recent alterations of the law on the faith of which contracts 

 between the owners and occupiers of Land were based ; also, 

 that certain undertakings with respect to land, for which loans 

 obtained through the intervention of public securities may be 

 advanced, do not possess such speculative character as would 

 render them an insecure investment ; and that this species of 

 real property, (from which local taxes are principally raised.) is 

 capable of giving adequate security, and is one in which per- 

 manent works can be encouraged by a machinery for charge and 

 repayment not available to private persons. The Land Im- 

 provement Act recognises the principle of loans, through the 

 medium of the Government, for the general advantage of the 

 country, and to provide employment for the labourer. Its 

 extension to the erection of farm buildings, the plant of agricul- 

 tural manufacture, under particular circumstances and proper 

 arrangements, would prove an important addition to the benefits 

 conferred by its operation. Perhaps it is not impracticable that 

 its simple and tried system may be applied to the service of 

 the sea coasts. If so extended, an attention and exertion may 

 be aroused, without which hope of success can hardly be enter- 

 tained. Charity, self-interest, and the science of political eco- 

 nomy are to be combined in the formation of a principle of 

 action. Is not the virtue the better part ? and is it not best 

 exercised in Ireland by enabling the labourer to work ? 



The Pagans of Greece and Italy granted immunities and 

 rewards to some men, because they had contributed towards 

 the gratification of the prevailing taste for fish among the rich, 

 either by their inventions or industry. The states of Christen- 

 dom may be exhorted to foster an art, because it contributes to 

 the sustenance of the people. 



By referring to the "Suggestions" directed to the Commis- 

 sion of Inquiry of 1835, which are printed in the Appendix, it 

 will be seen that it was contemplated at that time to adopt 

 expedients for the benefit or relief of the poorer class of fisher- 

 men, who might be injured by the intended removal of restric- 

 tions on improved methods of fishing, of which they had not 

 means to avail themselves. 



A Poor Law for Ireland was then under consideration, and 

 was passed in 1838, the second year of the present reign. It 



