The Express.
London, England, 1846-12-02 00:00:00

sugar into brewing, better and cheaper _
consumption will increase, and the revenue
portionably augmented. The apprehension
revenue seems therefore to be a most nest
By the continuance of the prohibition t
injustice is inflicted on the West Indies.
abolished, and very properly, the monopoly
they possessed in the mother country, and
them ta rivalry with countries which treat I
beings as the raw material of their sugar. An
nue d,
unless we remove thisprohibitions we conti
against them a monopoly is as little defensible
on grounds of fiscal necessity, as all monopolies are
on grounds of economical science.

MR. SMMI O'BRIEN baa published a very able
Naensible letter to the landlords of Ireland in the
Nation, and as little savouring of the Young Ireland
fancies as could be desired. Vi ith the starting point
of this letter we frilly agree :
In reviewing the manifeetations which the present ex
that luss
igency has
called forth," writes Mr. O'Brien, "It appears to me there
ca
been too great a disposition to place reliance upon sonic one specific
remedy, md of seeking safety in & variety of remedial inealme
teas
all of which would co-operate by converging influences to absorb
unemployed labour of the country.
There has, indeed, been a very general eagermess
to quack poor Ireland, and administer to it a HOI.LO-
- or a MORISON pill, instead of such combined
modes of operating upon and effecting its restora
tion
as true science and practice might suggest.r.
NICHOLS long since not only argued, but proved, how
utterly incompetent any one kind of remedial mea-
ner* would be to meet the ills arising from the im-
mense population proportioned to the cultivable area
of Ireland :
We find that there are in Ireland about eve smieultural labourers
kir every two that there are for the same quantity of land In Great
Britain. There were, in 1831, 1,055,982 agricultural labourers in
Great Britain for 34i million of acres, whilst in Ireland there were
1,131,715 for 141 millions of acres. If the present Improved rystem
of rural economy pursued in England were introduced into Ireland (a
consummation which for their own interest the landed proprietors will
king about as soon as consible), three-fifths of the present number of
labourers, making with their families 2,808,000 persons, would be
entirely without importement. Ireland's whole extent of productive
soil woidd, even if her flee millioun of acres of waste land had been
brought into cultivation, only bear about the same proportion to her
population, as those of England now bear to each other.—Report of
CONSItiIIiIM of huh Poor sway,.
In such a state of the labour market, and amidst
such a distribution of the wealth of the country, any
exclusive remedy like emigration, fixity of tenure,
drainage, reclamation of waste lands, must any of
them alone prove inefficient. The reclaiming of waste
lands, certain though slow of returning profit, and
affording employment and food in districts within
reach of the sea, might in more inland counties prove
of doubtful, at least of more tedious, return. Migra-
tion from the interior to the sea-coast, especially if
fisheries were established, might be of useful result.
But emigration, carried on to any feasible amount,
would prove of slight effect. In all schemes for
wholesale emigration, we should not forget some of
the advantages, as well as disadvantages, arising from
the large population of Ireland. The empire, to a cer-
tain extent, stands in need of a large population,
not disdaining enlistment or drudgery, and ready to
fling itself into any opening that may offer. How
could Lancashire and its cotton manufactures have
reached its present state of development, had it not
had an unlimited supply of Irish labour at the
cheapest price?
It is to the subject of fixity of tenure that Mr.
SNIT!! O'BRIEN almost exclusively directs his atten-
tion in his present letter : and very good counsel he
certainly does give the landlords of Ireland. He
advises them to take less rents, give longer leases, and
admit the principle of full compensation for all im-
provements. In the one breath Mr. O'BRIEN recom-
mends that the holders of entailed property
should be allowed to charge it with moneys bor-
rowed and laid out in its improvement,
recommending at the same time the owners of all
indebted and mo property to sell, and to get
enactments to allrlaCim to sell, rather than remain
the embarrassed and impoverished proprietors of large
estates, which they are unable to improve or enjoy.
We have dwelt upon these necessities of agriculture
in a series of articles applied to England. How much
more imperatively they apply to Ireland, there is no
need of pointing out.
The fact is, that as the soil of any country demands
each year the addition of fresh elements, not merely
to fatten and enrich, but to prevent it from dying
oat into absolute sterility ; so the proprietary class of
a country demand each year fresh supplies of capital,
and without it they morally die out, as the land
does physically. But where is the capital to
come from ? For all the gist and consequence of
Mr. O'BRIEN'S letter and proposals, whether of fixity
of tenure, or of raising money to improve land, or of
the poor proprietor selling his mortgaged portion to
the richer mortgagee, or, in fine, of enlarging the
number of Irish proprietary,—all these recommenda-
tions resolve themselves into the great one of the
application of fresh capital to Ireland and the Irish
But where is the capital to come from ? We
should like Young Ireland to answer the question.
Is it from the tedious frugality of encumbered land-
lords, ruined farmers, and pauperiind labourers, or
from the gains derived by a middle class out of
such needy compeers? The millenninen might come,
ere Ireland could accumulate capital of its own. If
abandoned to itself, it would be mom likely to devour
and absorb the little that it may have. Its sole resource,
then, is in a close union with England, in a bridging
over of the sea which separates them, in a removal
from Ireland of that insecurity which renders its land
unsaleable to the capitalist. We agree fully with Mr.
Maths that ono of the first and chief necessities for
Ireland is the pouring of fresh blood, wealth, num-
bers, and spirit, into the exhausted veins of the Irish
pi.i.si=nss. This remedy, this revolution, can only
be effected by money. And where is money to be
had but in the sister kingdom? We have read in
our time a great many clever arguments against the
repeal of the union, but we certainly never read any-
thing so convincing as this able letter of Mr. SMITH
O'BRIEN's, one of his first manifestoes, as monarch
Young Ireland.

THE Times, in three several numbers, has devoted
four mortal columns to prove that the late decision of
the Court of Exchequer in the cases of WYLD r.
lioeKlNs, and REYNELL F. LEWIS, is incon-
sistent with opinions formerly expressed by
the CHIEF BARON, and also by Baron ALDER-
SON. It is " with inconsistency alone we charged
the Barons of Exchequer in reference to these
railway cases." The Times, therefore, does not
question the soundness of the law, as laid down by the
CHIEF BARON, OR Wednesday last. Why, then, all
this pother ? Assuming that the Times has proved
its case—that the law enounced by two of the rons,
in the course of different trials at bar, has been de-
clared incorrect by the full bench, after duly hearing the
arguments of counsel on either side, is not this a con-
' tingeney expressly provided for by the law which
I permits new trials to be moved for and granted?
There is here no opening of a door for that nneer-
tainty of the law which the Times affects to dread.
Trials at bar, motions for new trials on the grounds of
misdirection by the residing judge, or misconception
of the law or evidence by the jury, and the
deliberate judgment of the whole court, are ,
the legitimate process by which fixity is given to
the doctrines of English law. It is difficult to
imagine what object the Times can have in view
in thus angrily and pertinaciously carping at the
Barons of Exchequer for arriving by regular and for-
mal process of law at a judgment the substantial jus-
tice of which it does not venture to impugn ; unlese,
indeed, it is angry at the learned judges for poaching
on its preserve, and anxious to establish in its own
person a monopoly of inconsistency.

THE coincidence of the decline of agricultural associa-
tione, with abrogation of protection, certain though
prospective, is at least singular, if there be not some
connexion of cause and effect between the two events.
But, in truth, the one is the direct consequence of the
other, for the agricultural societies in nine cases out
of ten were nothing more than covert protection
societies. The Protectionist gentry have now no
object in sustaining such societies, and we find them
very generally absent from the few meetings which
have proved the tenacity of life rather than the
vigorous existence of a few agricultural associations.
Let farmers be fairly dealt with, and they will no
more require to be tempted by premiums—premiums
ludicrously paltry—to farm well, than mitierti, grocers,
or manufacturers need sue h stimulants to exertion.
Indeed, this seems to be now generally admitted, for
the various agricultural associations which linger =this
mortal scene are becoming fat cattle shows, or societies to
promote morality amongst the agricultural labourers,
by prizes of even smaller amounts than were used to

real exttle-shows of any kind,
The fair and the market are the real cattle shows, and
the most unexceptionable judges are the dealers and
butchers who there become purchasers.
The other form into which such societies are chang-
ing will scarcely be more effective in promoting the
avowed object; namely, to improve the condition of
the labourers. They are only sustained by the patro-
nage of a landowner or two, supported, of late, by
some of the clergy ; but the whole is forced, artificial,
and unsubstantial. The very terms in which the
promoters of individual associations refer to their own
condition, bespeaks the weakness of the system. Thus,
at the Eynsford Association, in Norfolk, the Rev. H.
BLAKE
It was a source of muctisfaction to him to have to say that at
present the aroxiation was Ins very flourishing condition ; for while
other sasceiations, formed at the same time as this was, and upon the
some foundation (and he did not mention this as a matter to boast of,
but rather with regret), whilst they were languishing and dying
around than, wine in want of a president, others in want of a secre-
tary, and others in want of subscribers, this association w. haparchpily
in want of none of these support., but was proceeding in Its m
onwards, and maintaining itself in its first vigour.
So the President, who seems to have mistaken the
comments made by the press on such associations to
opposition to them, said :
Notwithstanding the opposition which was given to associations of
a similar character to their own at that season of the year, they were
still prosperous ; the funds had undergone but a very little change ;
the subscriptions were on the Increase, and the interest which was
manifested in carrying out the views of the association was evident
from the number he saw around him. lie was rejoiced to see so
many assembled. but he IrOtali like to hare seen a larger number of
formers present."
This, the absence of farmers, marks most strongly
the artificial nature of these meetings. And the fol-
lowing remark by the Rev. W. HOWARD, the
secretary of the association, shows incidentally the
petty feelings generated in connexion with prize-
giving :
Its hoped also that gentlemen who signed the claims would not feel
angry if the personn dui not gain prizes, as the committee made it an
object to inquire into every case ; and where any person shore claim
was signed and he did not get a prize, he (the Secretary) would
always be hippy to correspond with the parties and aadgn the rea-
son, as every they did was fair and above board.
Such an excuse is in itself the strongest sentence of
condemnation of the system which could be uttered.
And one of the speakers exhibited a sensitiveness
amounting to irritation on the subject of comments
made by the press on these meetings. This is a sad
mistake. If there be any value in such societies, the
remarks of journalists will only give strength to the
resolution of their promoters. But if they are, as we
believe them to be, conceived in entire disregard of the
causes and principles which affect the condition of the
agricultural labourers, they must soon sink into obli-
vion. That many, nay most of their promoters are
actuated by benevolence, we believe, but far more
' masculine means are necessary to remedy the evils of
the condition of the peasantry, than praise and prizes to
a few certified labourers.

THE bulletins from America are this time blank
cartridge with a vengeance. Their contents are an
attack upon Alvarado, from which the Americans
were beaten off; accounts from the most active scene
of operations, by which it appears that the Mexicans,
instead of defending Saltillo, have fallen back to St.
Luis de Potosi, and that General TAYLOR sees no use
in following them, as he must retreat to an altogether
new base of operations. In addition to this General
KEARNEY is reported to have marched off from Santa
Fe to California by an impracticable route! This is
but a poor show of either military glory or science
wherewithal to open Congress on the Ist.

Our French Express of Monday has arrived. The
ministerial organs all recommend, as the great
remedy of the moment, another congress, to effect a
re-settlement of Europe, that made by the Congress
of Vienna being, as they contend, dissolved by the
confiscation of Cracow. Another section is for mere
menacing • measures, and would fortify Huningue,
occupy :Landau, and recall the French Ambassador
from Vienna. The dynastic opposition, holding the
contingent reversion of office, urge the re-establish-
ment of the English alliance as the panacea, declaring
that the only obstacle to its realisation is the
continuance in office of M. Guizot and his
colleagues. Their beau-ideal is a league of' all
the constitutional states of the west, headed by
France and England, as a counterpoise. for the alliance
of the absolutist courts of the North and East. The
Legitimist opposition, represented by the Gazette de
France, prescribes the convocation of a national as-
sembly to decide on the best course ; the anti-dynastic
opposition and republican party rage furiously to-
gether, and issue manifestoes to the democracies of
the world calling for blood and vengeance. Such is
the present condition of public opinion in Paris.
Notwithstanding the fervour of the excitement
produced by the Polish question, no step had been
taken by the cabinet up to Monday last. After
M. Guizot failed in his attempt to obtain a joint
protest with England, he paused till possessed of a
copy of the protest which Lord Palmerston had for-
warded to Vienna. A Cabinet Council was held at
two o'clock on Sunday, at St. Cloud, to discuss the
draft of a protest on the part of the French Cabinet,
which M. Guizot had prepared. The result did not
transpire, but it was generally understood that no de-
finitive course was decided on. The differences exist-
ing between the members of the Cabinet are said to
be appeased for the present. A report prevailed that
Guizot bad previously required the convocation of
the Chambers on the 29th Dec., instead of the 12th
Jan., and that he proposed the reconstruction of the
works at Huningue. Both of these propositions
were reported to have beta waived by him on Sunday.
The ministerial journals, while they disapprove of
the violence of the manifesto which appeared in the
National and the Reform.-, and which was quoted in
our correspondence of Monday. declares that the oc-
casion which provoked it greatly palliated the impru-
dence of its authors. Viakuce, says the Debate, pro-
vokes violence. The act of manifest usurpation. of
the Northern Courts in annihilating a defenceless
town, the last wreck of Polish nationality, could not
fail to excite revolutionary and anti-social passions,
and it adds that the authors of the confiscation of
Cracow are infinitely more culpable than those whose
excesses their injustice and violence may have-pro-
voked.
The Bey of Tunis visited Versailles on Sunday, on
his route to which he stopped at St. Cloud, where he
was entertained with a collation by the King and
Royalga Sunday the fends rose in a slight degree in the
Passage de l'Opks, in consequence of the favourable
state of the English funds. The Three per Cents.
were done at 82.10. The Northern shares at 633.75.
The prevalent uneasiness which we have mentioned
above was sensibly felt at the Bourse on Monday,
where the funds, opening at 82.10, declined above
per cent. One of the main sources of disquietude
talked of at 'Change is the apprehended intervention
of Austria in Switzerland, where a diplomatic inter-
vention of a serious character has already been made
in some of the cantons, and particularly in the Grisons.
To threaten to stop the commercial communication
with Italy on the one side, and with the Austrian ter-
ritory on the other side, is a measure little short of
armed intervention : and this measure has been
actually taken.

The Madrid journals and correspondence of the
24th were received in Paris on Monday.
The elections were in active progress, promising in
general results favourable to the existing ministry.
The Infant Don Enrique was expected at Madrid. A
letter, dated Vittoria, 20th Nov., stated that the expe.
dition of General Florez was compromised. The
depot of soldiers and officers established at Durang o
and that at Ordana, were dissolved in consequence of
disturbances amongst them.
At Seville the party of progressistas proxtented
MM. Olozaga and Cortina as candidates.

SPAIN.—BAYONNE, Nov. 26.—Everything seems
to announce the approach of the long-looked-for Carlist
movement in Spain. All at once money appears to bo
abundant, and arms and ammunition are pouring into I
Navarre, Catalonia, and the Maestri, rgo, Valencia, where
the skeletons of several of the old Cae.ist battalions are being
re-organised.
SWITZERLA,.ND. Thy, ladies of Bile have
taken a decided part in the poV.tice of the day, according to
the Nouvelle Gazette de Zurich, which says :—" A lady of
Bale has, in the name of all the females of the city, protested
against the revision of the constitution, declaring that all the

liturs
er beer be made, Mew um .K.......5,r- „,i, . .
,
revenue be pro- rainit'atousa Bp , from the speeclif4
wagon of loss o . Lip on= nil auStfindutich
needless fear. . Mir s. ' her , the vmv
Lion a most cruel ' t osMr-fatting cattle for prisis hi gaig ch the.]
Ldies. We have wrong tack, and that the true object of the farmer
monopoly which should be, to use the words of Sir THOMAS,. " breeding
ntry, and yilsced in all ,its branches." That sentiment. is pe
Lich treat human `.at, but that breeding stock hill be tromott3
- - •••,--1 --+.l.,a,nws of any kind, is much tube doub
- _.