Sir Robert Peel flaunted it, with
simpering modesty, to be sure, as his wont was, but flaunt it he did, in
the face of every member who ventured to ask him what provision he had
made against starvation in Ireland; and here again his successor seems
to think that even he, who had nothing whatever to do with it, can take
shelter under the ample protection it affords to all shortcomings with
respect to the Irish Famine. But however good and praiseworthy this
purchase of Indian meal was, the precedent it afforded was not to be
followed; for, says the First Minister, "if it were to be considered as
establishing a principle, for the Government to apply the resources of
the Treasury _for the purchase of food in foreign countries_, and that
food were afterwards to be sold by retail at a low rate, it was evident
that all trade would be disturbed, and _those supplies which would be
naturally a portion of the commerce of this country would be applied for
the relief of the people of Ireland_." Loud cheers hailed the
announcement. "Likewise, that portion of the local trade in Ireland,
which referred to the supply of districts, would be injured, and the
Government would find itself charged with that duty most impossible to
perform adequately--to supply with food a whole people.
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