Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 October 1890 — Ireland Not Yet Ruined. [ARTICLE]

Ireland Not Yet Ruined.

A correspondent of tho New York Tribune writes a letter to that hide-pro-tection organ on “Ireland’s Prosperity,” which ought once for all to explode the campaign story about how “British free trade has ruined Ireland. ” “Irish prosperity in Ireland itself,” says the writer, “is an established and joyful fact;” and he adds: “Ireland Is today more prosperous than she has been for many a year.” He shows that crops are generally good, manufactures increasing, and that there Is “a healthy Increase all along the line.” In 1873 the deposits in postal savings banks were only 80 cents per capita; In 1877 they were $1.21; in 1887 they were $2.83; and in 1889 they were $3.25 or more. In joint-stock banks the returns for the year ending with Juno 30, 1890, show deposits and cash balances of $165,305,000, “which is tho largest sum over recorded In Ireland. ” In trustee savings banks, the deposits have increased 4 per cent, in a year. Notwithstanding the harsh English rule in Ireland, tho country is growing more prosperous. How does that come about, if “British free trado” is ruining the island?” Should not the evil effects of that trade be a constant quantity, and press with greater weight as time advances? That is tho doctrine that protectionists preach. Every undeveloped country that trades with a wellestablished country must grow constantly poorer. That is theli doctrine. How is it then that Ireland }s growing richer?