In a thought-provoking letter to The Limerick Echo, a concerned citizen has brought attention to the contentious issue of workhouses in Ireland, drawing parallels to historic bastilles and questioning their impact on the nation. The author, writing under the pseudonym “Free Lance,” highlights the recent condemnation of workhouses by Judge Adams, who likened them to “huge bastilles” that are corroding the essence of the country.
Reminding readers of the opposition against workhouses from Irish figures both past and present, the author draws attention to the writings of O’Connell and Judge Adams. The letter notes that such sentiment is not isolated, referencing a lecture delivered by Mr Davitt nearly two decades ago in Limerick, where he vehemently denounced workhouses as “the bastard offspring of landlordism.”
The author then shifts focus to the literary work of John Mitchel, specifically his book Last Conquest. A passage from the book describes the stunning yet varied Western and Southwestern coast of Ireland. However, the author’s perspective takes a grim turn as they move north to Ulster, depicting a desolate region characterized by moors, mountains, and quaking bogs. The letter speaks of villages struggling amidst this stark landscape and takes a pointed stance against the imposing presence of a new building, the workhouse, as an ironic symbol of oppression in such an impoverished context.
Recent developments are also highlighted in the letter, as the Prime Minister promises a Royal Commission to scrutinize the functioning of the current Poor Law. The system has long been criticized for its perceived inhumanity, with concerns raised about the allocation of resources. Citing an article from the Nineteenth Century, the author argues that Boards of Guardians have allocated a staggering sixty percent of Union rates to officials, sparking questions about true efficiency and the well-being of those in need.
The letter concludes by urging greater transparency and accountability in the management of Union rates. The author specifically challenges the Limerick Union to disclose the percentage of rates allocated to officials, suggesting that such information would be enlightening for the public. The letter underscores the need to reevaluate the system and its priorities, suggesting that the ongoing discussions and growing discontent indicate a call for change.
With renewed attention on the issue of workhouses, the voices of those like “Free Lance” add to the growing chorus advocating for reform, demanding a more compassionate approach to social welfare and an end to what some see as the perpetuation of modern-day bastilles.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 17 October 1905
