This level was lifted in The Illustrated London News on thirteen February 1847: "There was no legislation it would not pass at their request, and no abuse it would not protect for them." On 24 March, The Times claimed that Britain had permitted in Ireland "a mass of poverty, disaffection, and degradation devoid of a parallel in the world. It authorized proprietors to suck the quite lifetime-blood of that wretched race". Stewart, Emily.