The
journals of the next morning informed the public that the deputation was
"most formally" received. The Lord Mayor read to His Excellency the
resolutions drawn up by the committee by which the deputation was
appointed. They stated--(1), That famine and pestilence were immediately
imminent, unless the Government took prompt measures against them; (2),
That this could be best done by employing the people in works of
national utility; (3), That the ports ought to be closed against the
exportation of corn; (4), That public granaries ought to be established
in various parts of the country, the corn to be sold to the people at
moderate prices; and (5), That the use of grain for distillation ought
to be stopped.
The Lord Lieutenant read the following reply:--
"My Lord Mayor and Gentlemen,--It can scarcely be necessary for me
to assure you that the state of the potato crop has for some time
occupied, and still occupies, the most anxious attention of the
Government.
"Scientific men have been sent over from England to co-operate with
those of this country, in endeavouring to investigate the nature of
the disease, and, if possible, to devise means to arrest its
progress.
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