Of what has been sent home through private channels we have
no account."[302]
A public writer, reviewing the Commissioners' Report, says: "Even this
vast sum does not represent more than the one half of the total sent
home. Much was brought over by captains of ships, by relatives, friends,
or by returning emigrants." No doubt, a great deal of money came through
private channels, but it is hardly credible, that another sixteen or
seventeen millions reached Ireland in that way. It is only guess-work,
to be sure, but if we add one-fourth to the sum named in the Report, as
the amount transmitted by private hand, it will probably bring us much
nearer the truth. This addition gives us, in all, L20,417,500.
There, then, is the one more testimony, that the Irish race lack neither
industry nor perseverance. For the lengthened period of three and twenty
years, something like L1,000,000 a-year have been transmitted to their
relatives and friends by the Irish in America. In three and twenty
years, they have sent home over TWENTY MILLIONS OF MONEY. Examine it;
weigh it; study it; in whatever way we look at this astounding
fact--whether we regard the magnitude of the sum, or the intense,
undying, all-pervading affection which it represents--it STANDS ALONE IN
THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD.
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