TO THE PEOPLE OF ENGLAND,

WHO ALONE CAN SOLVE THE IRISH DIFFICULTY,

AND WHO NOW, HAPPILY,

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF A GREAT MINISTER,

HAVE ADDRESSED THEMSELVES, IN RIGHT EARNEST,

TO THE WORK OF ITS SOLUTION,

THIS BOOK ON IRELAND

IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.

PREFACE.

TO SOME OF MY READERS portions of this work may appear too didactic; but I would remind them that it has been written, not for the exclusive perusal of the learned, or even of those who are called the educated classes, but for the information of all who desire to study the Irish question.

In selecting my authorities, especially in the historical chapters, I have given the preference to moderate, impartial, and generally accepted writers; and, having regard to the weight of their names with the public, I have, in some instances, quoted directly from their works, in preference to drawing on the earlier sources from which they derive their information. I have taken care however, to verify their quotations. It will be observed

too, that, on points likely to involve controversy, I have

preferred giving the exact words of my authorities to merely repeating the substance of their evidence.

CHAPTER VIII.

History of the linen and woollen manufactures in Ireland-The woollen

manufacture suppressed by Act of Parliament-The linen manufacture

promoted by the State-Bad effects of the suppression of the woollen

manufacture

PAGE

21

CHAPTER IX.

Particulars of woollen and worsted factories in England, Scotland, and

Ireland respectively-Progress of Ireland in the woollen manufacture

since 1862

32

CHAPTER X.

Other impolitic trade restrictions-Ireland debarred from the export of

cattle, manufacture of glass, and colonial and foreign trade

CHAPTER XI.

Progress and the present state of the linen manufacture in Ireland-Con-

sumption and growth of flax--Inadequate supply-Remarkable decrease

in acreable produce-Necessity of increased growth, outside of Ulster-

Laudable exertions of the Belfast Flax Extension Association-Particu-

lars of factories-Increase since 1862-Flax factories in England, Scot-

land, and Ireland respectively-Importance of the speedy settlement of

the land question to the linen manufacture of Ireland

CHAPTER XII.

The cotton manufacture in Ireland; its history, present position, and pro-

gress since 1862-Particulars of cotton factories in England, Scotland,

and Ireland respectively-The sewed muslin trade of Ulster-Lace work

-History of the Irish poplin manufacture; its present position; foreign

demand-Institute of science and art much wanted in Ireland-Particu-

lars of silk factories in England, Scotland, and Ireland respectively

CHAPTER XIII.

Particulars of hemp, jute, horsehair, elastic, felt, hosiery, and lace factories

in England, Scotland, and Ireland respectively-Summary of particulars

of spinning and weaving factories of all kinds, under the Factories Acts,

in England, Scotland, and Ireland respectively in 1868-Particulars of

Ireland's progress in manufactures since 1862-Irish manufacture move-

ments

34

37

44

48

CHAPTER XIV.

Approximate estimate of the value of the manufactures of Great Britain

and Ireland respectively-Exports of the principal articles of British and

Irish manufacture from British and Irish ports-Comparison of the coal,

mineral, and manufacturing wealth of the two countries