"[79]
The above passage naturally drew from Sir James Graham the following
remarks: "I enclose another letter from the Lord Lieutenant, giving a
worse account of the potato crop as the digging advances, but stating
that we are as yet unacquainted with the full extent of the mischief. _I
think_ that Lord Heytesbury is aware that the issue of proclamations is
the exercise of a power beyond the law, which requires subsequent
indemnity, and has not the force of law. _The precedents which he cites
illustrate this known truth_; yet proclamations remitting duties, backed
by an order of the Custom-house not to levy, are very effective
measures, though the responsibility which attaches to their adoption is
most onerous, especially when Parliament may be readily called
together."[80]
Some days later the Lord Lieutenant announced to the Premier that
Professors Lindley and Playfair had arrived in Dublin, and also gave a
set of queries which he had placed in their hands--all very useful, but
one of special importance--"What means can be adopted for securing seed
potatoes for next year?" This communication contained the following
passage:--"There is a great cry for the prohibition of exportation,
particularly of oats.
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