Among other wants of theirs, the want of practical engineers was felt the deepest.

They knew and lamented that many died of starvation; but the thing was inevitable as long as they were unprovided with practical engineers.

Mr.O'Connell, from the platform of the hall, announced the good intentions of the Government, and proclaimed, at the same time, his own commission to supply them with engineers.

How many applied and were refused, I am not in a position to say; but there is no disputing the records of the church-yard, where many an uncoffined corpse attested the care of the "_paternal government_." The people were guaranteed against death, and yet death came, and took them at his will; but what was left of life was taught to exhaust itself in curses against those who would save it at every risk.

Wherever the seceders appeared they were hooted.