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Opening of the Unitarian Meeting-House, Bolton.

account could not be finally made, but the balance in hand appeared to be about

£250.

The Report was received, and ordered to be printed and circulated in the usual manner, with the exception of such portions as relate to the interests of individuals and societies: in this department the Committee had been able to afford considerable assistance in several important instances.

Mr. Bowring, in a very interesting speech, detailed the result of his obser vations in a long tour over Europe, and dwelt forcibly on the duty of Christians of every denomination coming forward to protest against a secular and persecuting spirit. He described Infidelity as every where making the most rapid progress, which was in all places to be ascribed to the alliance of Christianity with persecution and civil despotism. He recommended the eager adoption of every means of rescuing the faith which Christians revered from the reproaches to which its unholy alliances subjected it, and hailed the rising spirit of freedom and independence as opening the most valuable opportunities for disseminating concurrent feelings of truth and justice in religious matters. One interesting fact he had that morning learnt by perusing the constitution of the Republic of Columbia. Almost every treaty or code published in Europe, certainly in Catholic countries,

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couvey to the Committee of the Deputies and the Committee of the Protestant Society, the strong and decided feeling of this Association, that the present period imperiously calls upon Dissenters of all denominations to concur and persevere in applications to Parliament for a Repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts, and every other restriction upon the civil rights of Nonconformists. That this expression of opinion be accompanied by an earnest request to those bodies to co-operate in agitating the question in Parliament during the ensuing session; and that, if necessary, the Committee call another General Meeting of the Association previous to the session, to report progress in pursuance of this resolution, and adopt such measures as circumstances may then require.

Mr. Young was, in his absence abroad, re-appointed Treasurer, and Mr. Richmond was requested to discharge the duties of the office till it should be understood whether it was agreeable to Mr. Young, or consistent with his engagements, to re-assume the office.

Mr. Taylor was re-appointed Secretary; and Dr. T. Rees and Messrs. Fox, R. Taylor, M. D. Hill, Rotherham, Richmond, Hart, John Watson and Fernie, were appointed the Committee of the ensuing year.

was entitled "In the name of the holy Opening of the Unitarian Meeting

and undivided Trinity:" this constitution was entitled, "In the name of God, the Creator and Legislator of the universe." This code, moreover, contained no single infringement on the fullest liberty of the Press, or the free enjoyment and expression of opinion by all sects.

Some discussion then took place as to the propriety of taking measures for procuring a strong Christian protest against any prosecution for the expression of opinion on religious matters, and several late judicial proceedings were reflected upon in the warmest terms of reprehension, as discreditable to our Christian faith, and prejudicial to its best interests. In the end it was understood that the Committee would, as individuals, take the subject into their earliest consideration.

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House, Bolton.

ON Easter Sunday, April, 7th, 1822, the Unitarian Meeting-House, Moor Lane, Bolton, was opened for the worship of the One true God the Father. Friends to the cause were present from Audenshaw, Ashton - under - Line, Bury, Blackburn, Birmingham, Cockey Moor, Chowbent, Chorley, Duckinfield, Eccles, Failsworth, Holcome, Hoghton Tower, Haslingden, Hindley, Ince, Leicester, Liverpool, Macclesfield, Mellor, Middleton, Monton,Manchester, Maidstone, Newchurch, Preston, Park Lane, Padiham, Rivington, Ratcliffe, Rochdale, St. Helens, Stand, Swinton, Southport, Upholland, Warwick, Wigan, Walmesley and West Houghton. In consequence of the lamented illness of the Rev. W. J. Fox, the three services were conducted by the Rev. George Harris, the pastor of the congregation.

On Monday, the congregation and friends, to the number of 240, (increased after dinner hy the admission of 150 others,) sat down to a plain and economical repast in the Cloth Hall, the Rev. George Harris in the Chair. The interest of the Meeting was excited and kept alive by several addresses from various individuals. And in the evening there was

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ble sum at the disposal of the Committee, and the greatest diligence and attention have been used to distribute with the utmost advantage the means with which the Committee has been intrusted; and with thankfulness they acknowledge the liberality of the public in pouring in the funds which have been received. These they regard as a sacred trust-one of such importance that their anxiety has become increasingly painful, so high does the excitement rise correctly to acquit themselves of the task they have undertaken.

It is well known that potatoes constitute the chief support of the peasantry of Ireland. The Committee, therefore, have promptly despatched potatoes in large quantities, for seed, for the next year's food. The sum of £61,300, being about two-thirds of £92,363. 18s. Id. the whole amount of contributions received, has been sent in upwards of 330 remittances, to different districts of Ireland, in which distress is most prevalent. To enable the ministers of religion to exercise that beneficence which so becomes the religion they profess, the further sum of £3400 has been placed at the disposal of the Bishops, both Pro

Distress in Kreland, testant and Catholic and in
Catholic-and all places

[THE Committee on "Irish Distress" have addressed the following communication to us, and we cannot refuse their request, however inconvenient and perplexing, to give it insertion in the present Number. To what reflections does it give rise on the Government of Ireland, the Established Church of Ireland, and similar topics! But we forbear, at present, convinced that now "all mankind's concern is charity." ED.]

City of London Tavern,
June 20, 1822.

The Committee appointed by the Public Meeting suddenly assembled on the first intimation of the great and accumulating distress of the Peasantry of Ireland, have now been in activity about six weeks. Not a day has passed but something has been done toward fulfilling the duties which the Committee has undertaken.

The distress which induced the convening of the first General Meeting was such as to convince it, that the most prompt and decisive measures were imperiously required: and the accounts then made known of the distress prevailing amongst the Peasantry of Ireland, have been more than amply confirmed, by immediate correspondence with gentlemen resident in places surrounded by the most fearful poverty and privation.

The benevolence of all classes in the United Kingdom has placed a considera

to which assistance has been sent to prevent absolute starvation, the Protestant Clergy and the Catholic Priest have united with the resident gentlemen to form local committees. But the months of July and August will, they doubt not, present accumulated horrors, and call for very large additional supplies.

'The months of July and August may be said to assail the Committee with fearful apprehension ;—willingly would they make reserve for these months, which will, it is expected, resound with appalling cries from the dying Peasantry of Ireland. This, however, in the present state of the funds, is impossible, for the pressing solicitations still received by every post claim instant attention and daily remittances.

On the other hand, the Committee feels that it may confidently rely on the results which will inevitably be produced by the " King's Letter," graciously issued to the Clergy of Great Britain, to urge them to plead with, and to collect from, their respective congregations, donations to their fellow-subjects in the most abject state of poverty and distress. The Committee look up to Him, in whose hands are the hearts of all men, that he will be pleased to incline them to assist the needy in their extremity. They cannot doubt the exertions which will be made when the sufferings of Ireland shall be more known-fully known they can

Intelligence -Distress in Ireland.

scarcely be. The Committee have equal confidence in the success of this plea, when urged by the ministers of religion of whatever denomination; and they rely, with confidence, on the repetition of that generosity which heretofore rescued a considerable part of the German population from the ruinous effects of desolating

war.

In this view they present to the public some extracts of letters, addressed to the Committee from persons of respectability, and which are but specimens of a multitude which the Committee are daily receiving.

From Bantry.

There are by the last returns over seven thousand persons totally dependant on a fund of 5531. including the 3007. we have received from your benevolent society; and three months must elapse before any of these will be enabled effectually to provide for themselves. In a population of 16,250, (comprehending the town and barony,) this is a fearful number of famishing paupers.

It being totally impossible to minister to the wants of all, scenes of the most agonizing distress are every day taking place, which we have not the means to remedy.

The unfortunate pride of the people, too, adds not a little to the calamity: one woman, with three children, died of actual starvation; they were nearly a week without sustenance, and the woman ashamed to make her case known before assistance could be administered-they were all found lifeless together.

Many are seen to faint through mere exhaustion during the necessary delay that occurs in administering food, and it is the opinion of many of the Committee, that were it not for the benevo lent aid of the British public, the local subscriptions would be hardly sufficient to purchase coffins for those who would die of mere want.

The Typhus fever and Dysentery are also prevailing rapidly, and, as far as this world is concerned, the victims of either must be pronounced comparatively happy. From his Grace the Archbishop of Tuam. Every article of provisions is very generally greatly rising; but there is a very considerable part of our population that have no interest in their rise or fall, because in either case, having no employment, they have no means to purchase at any rate subsistence for their families; and I much fear that even in our best times many of our poor perish (if not by direct starvation) by the effects of scan

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ty, unwholesome and unnutritious diet. Moreover, in these times of great depression, the gentry of the country who reside upon their estates, and are the natural guardians and supporters of their people, not duly receiving their rents, many with the best disposition have it not in their power to afford the relief which their duty and their feelings would dictate;-in short, if the government could prove that provisions of all kinds were in plenty, and at very reduced prices (neither of which is now the case,) still we should be in want.

From Rathkeale.

I went yesterday to Limerick with Mr. Harding, to lay before the Committee the result of our visitation through the town lands of our parish. On our commencing our task, Mr. H. took a book in his pocket to enforce a faithful return; but indeed we but too soon found the melancholy truth in each countenance; many for a long time had but one meal for their families, and some had been eating

some little remnants of seed left in their quarter ground since last year, and many had not in any way a single morsel to eat. Just at the foot of Knocknaboula, a bog, living on the oatmeal, brought by a boy five in family had for some time been of eight years of age in return for two cleaves of turf, which he daily carried to Loughill, and sold for three-halfpence; the quantity of oatmeal at five-pence the pottle you know must be very small, and for that daily to go a distance of six miles the two trips. The result of our visit was 1382 persons, 883 of whom were totally destitute of any means of obtaining food. There were 234 men able and willing in any way to work and provide

for themselves. One hundred and thirteen acres and a quarter remained untilled short of their usual quantity. Want of food has brought the fever among us; fifteen houses had its symptoms, and twelve had sickness.

From Listowel.

I hope you will allow an humble individual to take this opportunity on behalf of his unfortunate poor countrymen, to and the other gentlemen in London, who return most heartfelt thanks to you, Sir, have thus so humanely averted the impending and otherwise inevitable calamity of a famine, which threatened our poor and distracted country with all its appalling consequences. It would be in vain to attempt any expressson of our feelings on the occasion. Such disinterested and noble generosity in those who are strangers to us, and at such a moment !—It must be grateful to the feelings of such

men to be assured that those humane efforts, as well as those making by our government, will save thousands of famishing creatures from the death which otherwise awaited them. Hitherto they have been supported by the exertions of a nearly exhausted country-exertions stretched far beyond the means of those making them, but no longer able to carry them on. We have hitherto heard of but few deaths arising from actual starvation, but a short time more would make it tremendous, had it not been for this timely assistance. The pale and emaciated faces met with in the streets and on the roads, proved the rapid approach of this last stage. I have known an instance of a man who for three days had not a morsel to eat, and then stretched exhausted on his bed to die—a trifle saved him, but his recovery was slow. It would be painful to dwell on those instances of misery, and I only mention them to shew how timely the relief has been.

From Roscommon.

I am induced to address you in consequence of finding your liberality extended to several parishes in the neighbourhood of the one I reside in, the poor of which have already received £50 remitted me by the Commissioners appointed by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; which sum, along with private contributions, was applied to the relief of the two parishes of Donamon and Kilbegnet, and is now very nearly expended; and those two very populous parishes will then be in the utmost possible distress, having no resident gentleman in either of them (except my self), which at this moment is not enviable situation, as there are nearly three thousand inhabitants who in a few days will again be reduced to a state of

starvation.

From Killarney.

very

I will venture to say that no case, however melancholy, that has come to the knowledge of the London Committee, can in any particular surpass the actual misery and wretchedness of the residents of Ibrickkane and the adjoining Barony. Even in the best of times the appearance and condition of the poor creatures is sufficient to excite compassion. The soil, the most barren that can be conceived, yields but a scanty supply of potatoes, the only article of food. Happy are they, if they possess a sufficiency of this vegetable, and can add to their humble fare the luxury of a little milk. A total failure of the last year's crop deprived them of the sole means of subsistence. To prolong a miserable existence, they have been compelled for some months past to

support themselves on rock weed, limpets, and the tops of nettles. Hundreds I have daily witnessed flocking to the sea-side to collect a scanty meal. It is scarcely possible to convey to you an idea of their actual sufferings and privations: humanity shudders on viewing their pale and sickly forms, worn away by disease and famine. In some of the wretched hovels may be seen the father and mother of a family lying down in the last stage of a fever, surrounded by their starved and half-naked children, with no support, beyond the casual pittance bestowed by the charity of an unfortunate neighbour, whose condition, with the exception of sickness, is no way superior.

With feelings of joy and gratitude they hail the exertions made by a generous public to alleviate their misfortunes; but without the influence of some kind friend is exercised, to have their situation immediately attended to, relief will come when it can no longer be considered a blessing.

From Tarbut.

When we reflect on this glorious instance of lively feeling and generosity on the part of the English nation, any language of ours would fail in giving adequate expression to our most heartfelt sentiments of gratitude on the occasion. We shall, therefore, not attempt the fruitless task, impressed as we are, that to great and generous minds such deeds of humanity and generosity are their own truest rewards.

But we beg further to state, that notalready received, the distress of our pining withstanding the degree of relief we have population is weekly and daily increasing in consequence of the running out of the last remnant of provisions, and the season getting almost hopelessly late for sowing potatoes.

We therefore beg to add, that unless further and immediate relief be afforded, the distress from actual want of food for 2197 individuals, with a prospect of a daily increase to that number, will be calamitous in the extreme, as the funds on hand are only equal to a scanty supply for six or seven days more.

From Mayo.

That the population of the parish of Kilmina exceeds eight thousand souls; that, from the unprecedented calamity of the last season, and almost total failure of both the potatoe and flax crops, the one half of those unfortunate beings are now literally in a state of starvation. And what renders it more melancholy, that the numbers crying out for relief are increasing daily.

Intelligence.-Distress in Ireland.

We beg to state that the parish is unfortunately circumstanced in neither hav ing a resident rector, curate or gentleman of property. We therefore hope that our application will be humanely attended to.

From Galway.

I am not able-I have not language to describe the deplorable state to which this wretched people are reduced, many of them subsisting solely on a weed gathered on the sea-shore, and carried many miles on their backs; perhaps so for as 20 or 25 miles: this but barely supports existence; but for that what

will not man do? What labour will not a parent undergo to still the piercing cries of his famishing children, looking to him and calling on him to preserve that existence he was the cause of giving?

There are no resident gentry in the parish. I am the only landed proprietor who ever at all visits it; and being attached to the country, I sometimes spend a few days, occasionally, at a lodge I have in the mountains; it has no Protestant clergyman resident, nor a resident Protestant except myself; but the parish priest is a worthy, respectable gentleman. He and I have called a meeting of the most respectable of the inhabitants, but such is the want of money, that we could not get ten pounds: to this I shall add fifty pounds, but what is that to support above 4000 distressed beings, until the harvest? I have been requested by the meeting to act as Secretary, and to make this appeal to your benevolent Committee, which I sincerely hope may not be without effect.

From Cork.

Our means are so limited, and our claims so extensive, that the most calamitous consequences may be apprehended, if the immediate attention of the benevolent is not directed to this quarter. It is no uncommon occurrence to see the unfortunate individuals faint with hunger while waiting to obtain tickets, and many devour their small pittance before they reach their homes. To extend relief effectually to this barony, we require at least ten to twelve tons of meal per week. Much to the credit of the people of this county, they have betrayed no symptom of disturbance, and have hitherto borne their privations with patience and submission.

No one could suppose that human nature was capable of bearing such an accumulation of misery and wretchedness. Sickness and famine are daily making such rapid strides, that, I think, nothing less than Divine interposition can prevent half of my unfortunate parishioners from perishing with hunger. If you could proVOL. XVII.

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cure any portion of the funds to be remitted to them direct, it would avert this dreadful calamity, and save the lives of many. Your exertions in the cause of humanity and charity are never wanting, and I feel convinced that a knowledge of the distress and misery of these two unducement to exercise any influence you fortunate baronies, will be a sufficient inmay have with the London Committee, to direct their immediate and particular attention to that quarter. Any sum sent instructions how it is to be applied, will to the Secretary, Mr. E. Morony, with be most faithfully attended to. Committee are persons of the first respectability.

From Kilmactronny, Sligo.

The

From every intelligence I can collect, as well as from my own knowledge, I do believe the population are in as deep distress, as they are in any part of the county of Roscommon; and I also believe that they are destitute of every means of procuring assistance within themselves, the income of the wealthiest individual resident in the parish, not exceeding 1507. per annum. The vicar is an active, zealous, conscientious clergyman, and any aid which your Committee may think it adviseable to afford him, will, I am sure, be expended in the most beneficial manner possible, for the relief of the people, From his Grace the Archbishop of Tuum.

You kindly ask but for one line, and it is a charity, for in truth my time is so occupied that I cannot afford myself six hours in bed. I have been in Westport, Castlebar and Newport; I attended each of their Committees; I had intended to have visited Kilmactye and Crossmolina, but on my way to Castlebar, I passed a multitude of half-starved men, women and children, at Ballyglass and Balcara, seeking a share of a handful of meal, which could only keep them alive, and no more. This seemed to me urgent, and I appointed the gentlemen of the country to meet me at each of those places on Friday.

I made myself well acquainted with the state of those parts of Mayo which I could not visit. I have sent to the Committee a full statement of the hideous scenes I have witnessed. In short, if thousands are not sent to Mayo and Galway, (but the former,-except as to the West of Galway, than which nothing can be more deplorable,-is many shades worse than the latter,) whole populations must die.

From Clifden.

To His Grace the Archbishop of Tuam. My Lord, I had the honour and plea

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