THE ARCHBISHOP OF CASHEL ON THE DISTRESS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XI, Issue 6, 1 June 1883, Page 5

THE ARCHBISHOP OF CASHEL ON THE DISTRESS.

Dr. Howabd, Chairman of the Irish Distress Committee in Manchester, has received the following letter from Archbishop Croke :—: — " The Palace, Thurles,.Feb. 7, 1983. " My Dear Dr. Howard, — Sou wish to know what my belief is as to the existence of exceptional distress in certain parts of this illfated country, and also whether, supposing such distress to exist, it is as great and as widespread as it is commonly reputed to be. " I have no difficulty in assuring you oa evidence which cannot be questioned that fearful distress prevails in various parts of the counties of Mayo, Donegal, and Clare, and to a certain extent in the County Sligo. The truth is that within the last month I myself have contributed more than £50 towards the relief of the suffering poor in some of the most impoverished of these localities. " As an Irishman I feel almost humbled to the dust on seeing the begging-box sent round for the relief of our destitute countrymen ; but I suppose it is better to witness this, and submit patiently to the mortification which it brings with it, than to see, as we' other wise should, members of our faithful afflicted people perish before our eyes from cold and hunger. '< I had begun to hope indeed that we had seen the last of Irish famines, but I am now more than ever thoroughly convinced that until we get into our hands the management of our own affairs, and shake off the yoke of the bloated and ruthless oligarchy that continues to oppress us, we can never expect to enjoy the blessings of social peace or the plenty that is known to prevail amongst every other free-born people. " I remain, my dear Dr. Howard, your faithful servant, "fT. W. Ceokb, Archbishop of Cashel."