The Express.
London, England, 1851-06-17 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OP THE EtPREBE.

Srn,—ln our lcadin~ article of to day you state
your opinion that the question of separating the eastern and
western districts of the Cape must he settled before the
constitution is granted. Iu this opinion you go against all
the colonists on the spot in both districts, with the excep-
tion of a small party in Grs.luun's Town. Letters from
Port Elizabeth declare that the wish is that the point
should be referred to the first colonial parliament, the con-
stituent act forming which should only guarantee that on
the eastern members expressing the wish, separation should
take place.
It may suit the Colonial-office to start this difficulty to
save the credit of Lord Grey by a delay fatal alike to the I
interests of this country and the colony, troth of which
press for an immediate settlement.
Starting this question on the spot may give Mr. Montagu,
the avowed enemy of the promised representative constitu•
titre, a temporary advantage on the Machiavellian principle,
divide et impera. But I confess I had hoped that you, the
advocate of the constitutional claims of the colonists, and of

retrenchment of useless taxation at home, would have been
the last to suggest to the select committee now idling up
stairs this peg on which to hang up so unjust a question till
next session. You surely, sir, will not, at this hour, enlist
amongst those who affect to ward off the separation of tho
colonies, while using every means of driving them to de-
spair and rebellion, nor amongst those who combine a false
economy of this country's thousands with a most pernicious
waste of millions in disastrous and discreditable warfare
with savage tribes.
I am your obedient servant,
C. B ADDERLEY.
Carlton Club, June 16, 1661.

REPRESENTATION OF CARDIFF BOROUGES.—With
reference to the representation of these boroughs, matters
have come to a crisis. We announced some weeks ago that
Mr. Walter Coffin had, in the absence of the sitting mem-
ber, Mr. Nicholl, and under the impression that he would
not offer himself again to the electors in the event of disso-
lution, put out an address seeking their suffrages whenever
a vacancy should take place. Since then Mr. :lichen has
made his appearance in the field, and declared himself eli-
gible for re-election. Referring to Mr. Coffin's movements,
Mr. Nichol' says, iu an address just issued : " My opponent
has very recently proceeded to a personal canvass of the
electors generally. As the sitting member I feel bound to
abstain at present from imitating his example. A dissola-
Von is not imminent. Parliament is sitting, and is engaged
on matters of vital importance. My first duty to my con-
stituents is to remain at my post in the House of Commons ;
not to quit it for the selfish object of securing votes for a
future election. This being so, I confide my interests to
your keeping, and to the zeal and exertions of my friends.
I doubt not those interests will be safe." To this Mr.
Coffin publishes a rejoinder, renewing his pretensions and
expressing his confidence, front the result of his canvass,
that his election is sure. He grounds his claims to the
choice of the electors on hie known advocacy of free trade
and parliamentary reform.
MISTING OF SEAMEN AT HULL.—A meeting of
the seamen of this port was held on Tuesday evening, in the
Wilberforce-rooms, St. John-street, for the purpose of hear-
ing addresses from several delegates from different sea port
towns, on the Mercantile Marine Act. Mr. Edwards was
chosen to preside; and he called upon Mr. White, one of
the delegates, who addressed the meeting at considerable
length, and pointed out the evil effects that had resulted,
and that would always result, to seamen, from the Mercan-
tile Marine Act. Several other addresses were delivered
daring the evening, after which the meeting broke up.—
Huff Pocket-