19/45 The penalty was enforced against a widow, for giving food and shelter _to a destitute grandson of twelve years old_. The child's mother at one time held a little dwelling, from which she was expelled; his father was dead. He found a refuge with his grandmother, who was ejected from her farm for harbouring the poor boy." When such things can occur, we should not hear anything more about the Irish having only "sentimental grievances." The poor child was eventually driven from house to house. He stole a shilling and a hen--poor fellow!--what else could he be expected to do? He was expelled with circumstances of peculiar cruelty from one cabin. |