The Express.
London, England, 1852-04-08 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 8, 1852.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

Yesterday a general meeting of the chairmen mid
' members of the metropolitan committees, stiated ori-
ginally to assist in carrying out the objects e' the Great
. Exhibition, wsui held at the Mansion-house, to am:eider the
. question
. of the retention or removal of the Crystal Yalu,.
The rhair was testa by the luau MAYOR.
Ili: CHAIRMAN said that, without expensing any
.1 111 l ion as to the object of the meeting, he would (shuns
that he had felt it hie duty to grant the use et' the room,
and it was for the inectiog to adopt whatever steps they
deeTnhieedLomrdestmadayirt ble
theni vacated the chair in consequence
t engagements elsewhere, and was succeeded
edi n
by
ice
Sir H. MONTEFIORE, who expressed himself in favour
of the continuance of the building.
On the motion of Mr. 11. Hsu USLAY the meeting com-
menced its proceedings by passing a vote of thanks to the
Lord Mayor for conceding the use of the room.
Mr. H. kiAUDSLAY then moved the following resolu•
lion :—" That it is desirable that the Crystal Palace should
!earn "etirnerT"hymusiitingp"Msitentaragtm."entalieinceifadvouhre ofw that pnros:
poiltioa, bet *imply submit it to the meeting. (Hear.)
Mr. GRACE wound, d the resolution. He felt that
it was really difficult to say anything new on the subject.
The boon offered to the inhabitants of London was so
great, the necessary expense so trilling, that it was almost
impossible to imagine what oh:mete-le could be urged. The
building had created a new necessity in civilisation and
might be made admustageous both to rich and poor. in •
climate which for nearly one-third of the year gave such
inclement weather that it was difficult for families to find
space for exercise, a winter garden, with an atmosphere
heated to a healthy and agreeable temperature, would in
itself be a great boon. Moreover, in so vast an area as the
Crystal Palace, how many instructive and interesting ob-
jects might be assembled to minister to the amusement and
recreation of the public! Until he heard objections to the
object, he could not imagine that any existed. A small
aunt fur admission would make the building self-supporting,
sad even leave a considerable balance either teethe govern-
ment or any individual who accepted the task of manage-
ment ; and therefore repine. could not form an objection.
Mr. Alderman WIRE said he would not have the meet-
ing misled by the notion that there were no difficulties to
overcome. There were, in fact, several, and the only ques-
tion was whether or not they were insurmountable.
(Hear, hear.) The first difficulty which presented itself
had respect to the government. The government had, after
inquiry, determined that Cm building should come down,
and they had to be induced to retrace their steps, which
they would not do without a great amount of demonstra-
tion. (Hear, hear.) The nextquestion was, who would
advance the 65,0001. which was required to purchase the
Crystal Palace ? The commissioners would not consent to
diminish their surplus, and the money was indispensable.
Again, there were private interests involved. Parties who
bad houses near the building had memorialised the govern-
ment, and bad used a great deal of private influence to
ineuc, them to have the building removed. Of course
those parties were entitled to a hearing, and it
was for the government to arbitrate upon the claims
se the diifereet particle. He mentioned these matters to
show that merely to pus a resolution would he useless. If
they wished to keep the Crystal Palace, they must prepare
Ice encounter opposition. There would be an annual expense
1115,00 t i. fur maintaining the building. Where was that
Se come from) In his opinion the government must supply
k fur at least the first year. If the House of Comtnons did
not insist upon the building bring retained, the Crystal
Palace would be left :o its late: and as to the money requi-
site for that purpose, it was not to be supposed that after
the magnificent subeeriptions of last year the public would
consent to give 6.),0001. more. (Hear, hear.) Even if all
these difficulties were overcome, it would still be necessary
to prepare some intelligent plan as to the uses to which the
building could be applied it it were retained.
Mr. OLIVEIRA thought this rich ana great country
could easily find subscribers to purchsse a building which
might be made a source of recreation and instruction to all
classes. (Hese) Nothing could more become the rich thane
dedicate such a building to the nation. So far from the
property in the neighbourhood having depreciated, he bed
ascertained, by inquiry, that many owners expected the
value to increase materially if the Crystal Palates remained.
lie understood that the contractors had offered to enter
into an engagement for 21 years, to keep the building in
good repair, giving it one coat of paint annually, for 6,0001.
a year. As to its durability there could be no doubt what-
ever. Ile maintained that the money in the hands of the
commissioners belonged to the subscribers, end he doubted
whether, without an act of parliament, they bad the power
of appropriating it.
Mr. BARBER said the building had done its duty, sod
he hoped the governante would have it removed. (Cries
of " Isio, no.") It was too leviathian-like a building for
anything to be done with it for the benefit of the public at
large. (Cries of "No, no," and "Yes, yes.") He had
seen very great inconvenience to the public traffic, and
especially to the commercial business of the City. Last
Saturday, several persons with whom he was acquainted,
were detained at least twenty or twenty-five minutes.
(Hear, hear.) lie considered the meeting of that day a
seeseiejudinotts one. Ile concluded by moving the follow-
ing WIMP ailment :—.. That inasmuch as no mete US been
yet suggested to raise the amount of purabana Sum fur,
or to keep in repair, the Crystal Palace, this wasegalszfa
opinion that it is inexpedient to interfere with the
for taking it down."
Mr. PHILLIPS seconded the amendment. Se sell be
was one of those. who supported the Exhale's% bet be
considered that the retention of the ballilleg weal
be a violation of good faith on the Of
the government almost as unparalleled as the I.
self. (Hear, hear.) As to the project of a aria*,
biSs.
he believed that the opinion of medical tam wee It. 1
111• me who was walking in the park, with 111 MOM elm
tidy whiff Mewing upon him, would be need mengli to go
talte • building with a summer temperatere MA Iffien come
eat egsin to take cold. (Hear, hear.) Eves est the money
pound, he was convinced the building waddle/1 ef itself
Cries of "No, no.") Those who interrupted alike see
en difficulties, and no dangers impeding their West, bat
he saw great difficulties, great dangers, and great injustice,
.ether with great uselessness.
Dr. TRUMAN contended that the Exhibition had
mot yet fulfilled its mission, which was to promote educa-
tive, intelligence, and morality. If the government per-
shied in its present course it would be nothing better than
yen ergs abed hypocrisy."
Mr. MOFFAT, M.P., supported the od motion.
Is said it was the dictum of the last Prime that
k was for the people to decide whether the beadles should
be retained sr set The thee taxation of the pimple vested
K art it was Imam to decide whether it shed* he pre-
served er destroyed. If the evidence taken before theesta-
missiuo were tidily laid before tl.o public, there maid be
bet one opinion upon the subject throughout the essiatry
mad he hoped that evidence would be epitomised As
dreslatioa. He held in his hand an estimate/geld&
Sat there mlOt be an annual revenue from the
et=
112,0001. Nasources
y of the of this revenue
Ile be justly Irma At all events he believed Mere wield
be a roost sietrieat revenue without taxing the washy
see shillineell The question would come on in the
Issue ofCamenems immediately after the Easter rears, sad
es that here was but the reflex of the public
Wad, ntrbieg would be done if the public appeared
athetie heists that time. To him it appeared that it
would he a national discrete and a national widerteee if
fiebuilding were removed. (Cheers.)
Mr. E. SMITH, a gentleman Lying in the beammtkete
eleinity of the Crystal Palace, supported the motion.
Mr. REDPATB said he lived at the met end el Lea-
den, and none of the mechanics there' nowhere of wham
be employed, could make any use of a building at the won
lOC II the Crystal Palace were put up for eels, the
geop:e in the east might be willing to buy a ponies el It—
linighter)—but why should they be taxed for whet they
Meld not enjoy ? (Hear, hear.)
Mr. H. MAUDSLAY replied, and, In dote. es eb-
mrved that, when the pledge was given that the building
Should be pulled down, it was thought that it would be a
Lick building.
Mr. LOCKE, M.P., mid he had come to the gentles
with the intention of being guided as a member elf par
snit by the arguments which he might hear ; and be meet
say that he thought the east, the south and the este woad
be sacrificed if the building remained in the west. The
question was not merely one of money. Commas had
been entered into, engagements made, and he wanted te
know why the parties who promoted this agitation were se
strenuous in repudiating the decision et these who were
foremost in carrying out the Exhibition/ Malting would
give him greater leasore than to seethe Covent Palace in
the Champs El . (Murmurs of disapprebetrea.) He
always rejo' to see anything English in end he
would like to see the Crystal Palen there. That
must not be regarded as the elsodsed el
enterprise. Plans had hem peep ef=p kr mate
imposing and magnificent, and la tea yeas they wadi be
ashamed of it. (Great laughter.)
Admiral Sir O. SARTORIUS said they bed elks
heard of barbarous armies devastating cemeithe MI IS
attoying useful works, but they had no esso*Ofe
pulling down, in its own territory, the most Wend=
of a-t ever erected in any age of the world. The lateseets
of some 20 or 30 individuals should not be allowed to sated
in the way of the enjoyment, comfort, end recreation el
millions of their fellow. subjects.
On a show of hands being taken, the amendment was kat
The original resolution was adopted by a large rastetkg,
with eight dissentients.
On the motion of Captain Wtesos, seconded by Mr.
TAYLOR, the following resolution was carried without oppoe
'aim :—" That, for the purpose of carrying the preceding
resolution into effect, it be recommended to the metropolitan
committees and commiasionen, to call public meetings te
obtain the greatest possible amount of support both in the
Hone of Commons and with the government to retain the
Crystal Palate."
On the motion of Sir C. ADAM, seconded by Sir. G. Sae-
Tonics, a vote of thanks was given to the chairman, after
which the meeting separated.

IMPROVEMENT OF KENNINGTON COMMON. —On
Tuesday, • bill in the Holm of Commons wen printed, to
empower the Commissioners of her Majesty's Works and
Public Buildings to enclose and lay out Kennington Com-
mon as pleasure-grounds," for the recreationof thepublie.
The Prince of Wales is eeised of the manor of Kennington,
as Duke of Cornwall. A map, or plan of the improvements
as " pleasure-grounds" is to be deposited at the office of the
Commissioners of Public Works, and in the office of the
Duchy of Cornwall, and may he inspected on the payment
of one shilling. The commissioners are empowered to
make the necessary alterations.
How To CLEAR TILE HOUSE FOR A DITISION.—
Tell Reid to ventilate it.—ruiscA.

COLONIAL PRODUCE AND COLONIAL
POLICY.

Irma 114 DA* New.)

In the Daily NM. of Tuesday, appeared two ad-
vedisements of a somewhat unusual character.
One was a eerie* of resolutions passed by the
House of Assembly of Jamaica, " warning the Bri-
tish nation betimes" that, if its present sugar policy
be unalterable, " the public and parochial institutions
of that island, miuntained at present at an annual
expense of 3.50,0001., must speedily be abandoned
altogether, or must be supported for the future, to
the extent that may be deemed necessary, out of the
national revenues." The other contrsted of resolutions
adopted at a meeting of the inhabit,. nts of the parish
of ilsoover, in jainties, complal,iing that the
present plias of colonial prodaeo in the
British market are " fearful and ruinous ;"
informing the British nation th,tt those
prices, together with all the evils lot,' prices
produce in an insolvent community, "h. tre all
arisen from the sugar bills of the imperial
ment of 1846 and 1818 ; " and adding that, " u.lleas
the operation of those acts" (only one, we may re-
mark, is in force) be suspended, "it will be imp ost. i-
ble that any other result can ensue than a guiera.'
abandonment of sugar cultivation " —not merely in
the parish of the gentlemen who have adopted and
advertised these resolutions, or in the island of which
their parish forms part, but, speaking for our other
tropical possessions as well as for themselves, " in all
these colonies."

That these resolutions were meant to support the
motion of which Sir Jolts rAKINGTON first gave
notice, towards the close of the last session, and
places; on the books of the }louse of Commons the
first week in this, is obvious enough front their dates,
viz the 18th and 20th of Febriney last. plow far they
will now be agreeable to the new CoLostm. SEette-
TAM", who in office has shrunk from the motion and
the policy which nothing could restrain him from
advocating in opposition, is a consideration it is not
for ns to enter ou. But of this we are quite certain,
that his Jamaica friends have just as much chance
of getting the Act of 1848 suspended, as his agricul-
tural friends have of a fixed duty on foreign grain.
l'hey, like the squires here, will have to tall back
on a reduction of special burdens—that common
refu.e, now-a-days, for the destitute and the
greedy.
Ever since our West Indian possessions turned
their exclusive attention to the cultivation of sugar,
treated the profits of its manufacture as rent, to
which they were regularly entitled half-yearly, and
of which it was robbery for low priors to deprive
them, and kept up a system of " out-door relief " to
their absentee proprietors, the British nation has
been tolerably well accustomed, at no very long inter-
vals, to these cries of "wolf, wolf !"—so accustomed,
indeed, that now, when they are really and seriously
depressed, it pays little attention to their complaints;
not, however, that the British nation when
thus appealed to has become indifferent to
these possessions—not that it has ceased to feel
their geographical and political value—still less
that it is in the habit of deserting in their extremity
its colonies in any part of the world ; or has given
up the interest it once took in the fate of the
African population of the West Indies, for whose
freedom it paid the present grumblers twenty mil-
lions sterling.
No—it is the incurable selfishness d the utter
want of self-reliance of the proprietary of Jamaica
that have disgusted us; it is their pertinacious
greediness, their insensibility to their own moral
condition, their clamorous begging, that have alien-
abed us ; it is their never-ending demand to live on,
and flourish by, our industry, not their own, that turns
us away with contempt from their complaints. And,
once for all, it is well and proper that they should
understand and know, and feel that their design
of again feeding out of our pans is quite hopeless.
If they will recognise and act on that great truth,
they will find men here anxious and willing to assist
them and to co-operate with them in other ways.
Not otherwise.

Under the operations of the Acts of 1846 and
1848, the consumption of sugar in Great Britain has
increased 69 per cent. In 1842, we levied a duty of
255. 21d. a cwt. on colonial and excluded foreign
sugar : under the operation of that law we only con-
sumed 4,068,331 ewts.; and then we heard almost as
much of West Indian distress, arising from want
of labour and the necessarily high cost of produc-
tion, as see do now. To give the West Indies relief,
we lowered, at a serious loss to the revenue, the duty
on their sugars from 255. 25d. to 10s. a cwt. ; and to
give ourselves relief we have progressively lessened
the duty on f reign sugar to 14s. (to be equalised in
1864); and the consequence is that we now use
6,884,189 cwt. Now, what the Jamaica resolutionists
object to is, this additional 2,816,858 cwt. of sugar
which the British nation consumes. We do not pro-
duce it, and you have no right to use it, is their argu-
ment; if you don't exclude it, we shall be ruined.
The notion, we reply, of a mere handful of British
proprietors in Jamaica making such a request is simply
ridiculous; they might as reasonably ask the British
people to give up washing their facia until all became
as black as the skins of the negro labourers.
But if you won't raise prices for Jamaica by ex-•
eluding foreign sugar, wo warn you " betimes,"
says the House of Assembly, we must either cease
to pay for our own government, or you must
take its cost, 350,0001. a year, on your
own shoulders. Far better, we answer, do the
latter ; far better pay Jamaica 350,0001. a year,
than tax ourselves directly to the extent of several
millions sterling by raising prices; than reduce our
consumption of sugar 69 per cent., by excluding the
2,813,858 ewts. we now additionally take beyond
the consumption when our tropical possessions had a
monopoly. If one of these alternatives is inevitable,
the latter will be by far the cheapest for the British
nation ; for, at all events, it would not raise the price
of sugar on the British people. In its favour we
therefore pronounce, if the necessity arises.
But why not reduce 350,000/. a year ? Why
should not Jamaica cut its coat according to its
cloth? Why should it now keep up establishments
based on prices of sugar and a monopoly here at
home, which are gone for ever ? If we are to pay
for its government we must take care that it does
not cost us one unnecessary penny; if it is so insol-
vent that it cannot provide for the expenses of its
own administration, they must be calculated on the
footing of its actual condition—insolvency—not on a
factitious boils of prosperity.
In Jamaica they think it our duty here at home to
raise the price of sugar to a paying point for their idle
proprietary. Whereas we at home have got it into
our heads that government has nothing to do with
prices, and thus their views and ours as to what is
the end and object of a government are diametrically
opposed—quite irreconcilable. Moreover, we are
strongly of opinion that if we were so foolish as to
ratite prices artificially against ourselves, the extra
price would not find its way into the pockets of the
Jamaica planters, who, we dare say, are suffering;
but into those of the Jamaica labourers, who are, we
know, flourishing and prosperous, beyond the la-
bourers of any European country.
The price of sugar used to be high in England,
because the quantity admissible was small; and
wages are high in Jamaica, because the labourers are
comparatively scarce. Raise the price of Jamaica
sugar artificially, and you will, of course, create a
greater demand for Jamaica labour ; and its price
will rise with the price of sugar; to the
benefit of the labourer, not the planter.
On the contrary, the low value of sugar
stimulates the planter to economise labour, to find
mechanical substitutes for labourers, to lower the
cost of production, and, in short, to reduce wages.
" During the last five or six years"—runs the third
resolution of the parish of Hanover—" every pos-
sible economy has been practised by the Jamaica
planter." No doubt great economy has been resorted
to. But to what period do "the last five or six
years" carry us back? Why, just to the Acts of
1846 and 1848; thereby showing what the effect of
pressure and competition is even in Jamaica. There
is, however, still large economy to ho effected in
Jamaica; and on it, not on the suspension of the Act
of 1818, must the Jamaica proprietary rely.
But the injustice of making free labour compete
with slave labour is again alleged. Now, it would
we grant, be much better, and more congenial to our
feelings and to morality, if the 69 per cent. increase
of our consumption of sugar was all produced by
free labour. On that there is no second opinion.
But it is quite clear that since we took to using
slave-grown sugar, the slave-trade has declined;
a strong anti-slavery policy has been adopted by the

governments of Brazil and Cuba; that there are at
present prospects of a termination of the slave-trade,
such as were merely visionary previously to 1846;
and these, we are quite prepared to establish, are the
logical results of low pnces of sugar. Fur those it
is which depressing slave-trade.
Those low prices have not, however, "all arisen
from the sugar bills of 1846 and 1848." Other
mimes, to which neither the Jamaica House of As-
sembly nor the parish of Hanover finds it convenient
to refer, have been in operation. Fenner high
prices led to a great extension of beet-rout culture
and manufacture in Europe; and falling prices have
set science to work to find out means of expressing
therefore, a greater quantity of saccharine mutter;—
with so much success, too, this' the existing low
prices in Europe are not the result of an extended
shire-trade, but of extended culture of beet-root ; and
tho great struggle of our West Indian pos16(1060118 is
not henceforth with Brazil, Cuba, and Java, but, in
common with all three, against France, Germany
and Italy.
We must, therefore, refuse the Jamaica House of
Assembly and the parish of Hanover any assistance
in getting the net of 1818 suspended—first, be-
cause under it our consumption of sugar has increased
69 per cent.; secondly, because its suspension would
be unjust to ourselves, unadvantageous to the Jamaica
nroprictury, and beneficial only to the Jamaica la-
bourers, fur better otf than our own ; thirdly, because
it is only by the pressure of extreme low prices that
Jam aica can ever x brought so to economise labour
as to be able to compete with other tropical colonies;
tourth:v, because low prices are needful to depress
and dei:roy the slave-trade; and lastly, because free
trade, wi..ether in sugar or corn, has become bone of
our bone and flesh ul our flesh. It is irreversible.