quarters of wheat
was annually shipped out of Ireland, an amount that
could have sufficiently fed the whole population.
During the famine years, Irish agriculture continued
to yield profit for Irish landlords and English
merchants (Costigan, 1969). Shiploads of Indian corn
were imported to Ireland from America. A ship with
relief corn from America sailing into an Irish harbor
would meet several ships with Irish foodstuff sailing
out. More corn was sent out in a month than came in,
in a year.
Black '47
Irish emigrants to America were now sending money back
home by drafts and cash. Landlords began to issue
notices to their tenants to appear in court for
non-payment of rent. Terror of being placed in prison
caused families to flee their small holdings and
emigrate to England if they did not have money for the
fare to America. In January, the government introduced
soup kitchens, although they were already in operation
by charities. The soup is given free to the infirm,
poor widows, orphans, and children. By the end of
January, much food was being distributed, but it did
not meet the demand. |