The Bishop of Waterford wrote:—

"I regret exceedingly to learn that it has been publicly stated in America that the Mansion House Committee for the relief of distress in Ireland is influenced in the distribution of the funds at its disposal by other motives than the desire to relieve distress. Such a statement is utterly groundless and most unwarrantable, and must be painful to the feelings of the gentlemen comprising the Committee, who give so much of their valuable time in receiving and examining the numerous applications for relief. There is no hesitation in stating that the Committee is deserving in the highest degree of public confidence, and I trust that the reckless assertions referred to shall not have the effect of damaging the good work in which the members of the Committee are benevolently engaged.