The Express.
London, England, 1847-11-17 00:00:00

are obliged to take their cue from the public. It is time
the parties connected with, and representing, the tro-
pical colonies in this country, should learn that it is
only by enlightening and adapting themselves to
public opinion—by conceding to the national wish in
some things in order to obtain reciprocal concessions—
that they can enable or persuade even the most
friendly. disposed ministers to support them.
It is in vain to ask the British cation to retrograde
from its decisions in favour of personal freedom through-
out its dominions, and of &steady though not headlong
advance to perfect free trade with all nations. To do
the West Indians justice, the idea of recurring to per-
sonal slavery is altogether banished from theirimagina-
tions. It oon the free-trade question that they
hesitate. They have the sense to see that if they
can contrive to secure a certain amount of free labour,
the exclusion of the competition of free-labour sugars
. will keep their produce at a high value. Bat in this
estimate they overlook the fact that the exclusion of
foreign free-labour sugars is no longer possible, and that
the admission of much slave-labour sugar on terms of
equality with free-labour sugar is inevitable. The
United States are guaranteed by treaties that their
produce shall be admitted on the terms of the most
favoured nation : and the United States de facto in-
clude Texas, and virtually all the sea-board of Mexico.
Have the West Indians faith in the power of Ameri-
can abolitionists to prevent the erection of states in
these regions cultivating sugar by the hands of slaves
from the domestic breeding farms of Virginia and the
Carolinas ? Or, if they are so sanguine, do they think
the nominal free-labour of Java or Siam a reality?
Virtual slave-labour sugar and undoubted slave-
labour sugar can be imported under the existing
arrangement, on the same terms as foreign free-
labour sugar. This concession to the states which enjoy it
cannot be withdrawn without hazarding retaliat ice com-
mercial legislation on their part, if not more serious
unfriendly acts; and the slave-labour states subjected
to the additional duties on slave-labour produce cannot
be expected patiently to endure an exclusion not en-
forced against other slave-labour states. The higher
duties on slave-labour produce are already, to a con-
siderable extent, illusory. By clinging to them, the
West India interests only afford a handle to those
who plead for the maintenance of laws and a policy
inimical to their interests. It will be wise of our
tropical interests to throw themselves at once into
the scale of free trade. It is only by acting thus
that they place their claims to an unrestricted immi-
gration of tropical free labourers on an unassailable
basis. Having taken this step, they can tell the
British government and the British people that it is a
farce to talk about free trade so long as free trade in
labour, the great source of all production, is withheld.
There is another vain hope which the West Indians
must relinquish in disabusing themselves of their
lingering superstitions faith in restrictive duties.
There is no chance of further compensation for their
losses either in the shape of grants or loans. The
public has, indeed, learned that the two terms are
synonimous. When the nation borrows, it is held to
pay to the uttermost farthing; when it lends, some
excuse or another is always found for ultimately
evading repayment. In the matter of borrowing and
lending, the public does not stand on an equal footing
with individuals. As to compensation for losses in-
curred through blundering and precipitate legislation,
if awarded in one case it must be awarded in all.
If the West Indians are compensated for what they
have lost by the stupid manner in which negro eman-
cipation was gone about, our manufacturers must be
compensated for all they have lost by the corn law;
our Brazil traders for all they have lost by our anti-
slavery crusades; our machine-makers for all they
have lost through the prohibition of exporting
machinery. The truth is that every class of the com-
munity has in turn suffered injury by blunders in
economical legislation. Losses incurred by the
stupidity of cabinets and parliaments must, like those
incurred by other natural causes—the weather for
example—be put up with. Individual sagacity and
energy are the only means by which they are to be
repaired.
And if the West Indians will bat have the courage
to collect and estimate their remaining property at
its real value, they will find that they have still
enough wherewith to begin the world again with a
fair chance of success. In Trinidad, Guiana, and
many parts of Jamaica, the Natural fertility of their
soil is unsurpassed. In Barbadoes and the other
older colonies the soil is in reality as mach superior
to what is called virgin soil, as the garden grounds
about London are now to what the same lands were
in the time of JULIUS C.F.4AR. In machinery and
skilful processes for the culture and growth of sugar
the British settlements are, notwithstanding the igno-
rant mis-statements of metropolitan scribblers, far in
advance of any other tropical countries. For
access to the European markets no sugar countries are
so favourably situated es the British West Indian
possessions, except their neighbours in Cuba and
Perth Rico. All that is wanted to turn these advan-
tages to account ie adequate labour and capital ; and
capital only waits the arrival of labour to flow to our
tropical colonies. Let the West Indians, relinquish-
ing all mystification on their own part, appeal to the
British public to support them against the mystifies-
, tions of ill-informed or wrong-headed sentimentalists
on the other, and there is no doubt of their being
placed in a condition to regain the enviable position
they once maintained.

Two conditions only are necessary to ensure suc-
cess. They must in the first place disabuse themselves
of all vain hopes of grants or leans, and relinquish
all attempts at mystification with a view to
perpetuate restrictions injurious to the general com-
munity. In the second place, they must in good
earnest set their own shoulders to the wheel. On this
point oar meaning will be beat illustrated by refer-
ring to a communication which appeared last week in
the Times, from a deservedly esteemed writer, whbse
nom de guerre is " Jacob Omnium." " Jacob " sets
himself to combat the silly prejudice against absentees
as a class which some have tried to evoke against the
West Indians. In the abstract he is right. Were the
affairs of the West Indies in a normal state, the capi-
talist might live in this country, and the head and
hand labourers in the colonies, with great advantage.
But the presentderanged state of West Indian affairs is
such that no capitalists have any chance of retrieving
themselves who do not possess the ability and power
of self-sacrifice to take the management in their own
hands, and take up their residence on the spot. As-
suredly John Bull will not advance money to enable
the denizens of Belgravia to struggle on for a little
longer in the deceptive hope that they can redeem
their affairs without themselves laying hand to the
plough.

THERE cannot be an aim more noble or more useful
than that sought by the " People's International
League." To replace the diplomacy of courts by the
popular knowledge of mutual interests, by the ex-
change of information, and by the carrying on of
amicable discussions between countries, would in truth
be the firmest bond of peace and the greatest aid to
philanthropy. That a purpose so desirable and holy
might be materially furthered by a league or
association of liberal and enlightened cosmo-
polites, there can be no doubt. The mere ex-
pression of the peaceful opinions of a popular body in
any great pending or menacing quarrel might have
immense effect in allaying animosities and replac-
ing rivalry by good feeling. And were similar asso-
ciations in two countries, that were in a state of irri-
tation, to make free communication of the popular
wants, beliefs, and prejudices on both sides, there
could be no diplomacy half so potent or so salutary.
It is impossible, however, not to foresee very great
difficulties in the way of such associations being kept
to the true spirit and the straight path. They could
scarcely exist without sharing in, and being affected
by, the general feelings of the public and the coantry
around them. And thus we fear, that people's
leagues, however called international, would as often
have to vent antipathies as to indulge in sympathies,
to argue for exclusive rights as to plead for mutual
concessions.

We have an example in the debate of the People's
International League, which took place on Monday
night. If there be a country in the world
which could form a corresponding league, and
join England in the communication and expression
of mutual amity, that country is the United States.
And yet we find ose of the able speakers on Mon-
day indulging in a violent vituperation of the Ame-
ricans. We have no doubt, had any other orator en-
tered as warmly and fully into the policy of France,
ho would have found as fertile a subject for animad-
version. If such are to be its themes, what is to be-
come of the league?
Then, again, we hear of books, lectures, tracts,
written no doubt on foreign policy and history. In
what spirit shall these be conceived or composed ?

Liberal, of course, it must be ; but what will be the
shade of liberalism, ,noderado or exallado In most
countries religious questions are mingled up with
political; how will it treat these? Immense diffi-
culties will be found in the way of being at the same
time popular at home and popular abroad ; and the
International League had better contemplate these
difficulties of its task ere it enters upon it.
It will at once suggest itself to every mind ho v
much of the proposed duties of the league the press
might perform. And yet the press, in a majority of
cases, blows the flame of discord and augments
international antipathies. The language of abuse
comes far readier to the journalist than that of con-
ciliation, and more wit is displayed in anger than in
calm argumentation. But even this is not the great
reason for the bitterness of the press ; nor does
this reason lie in any inherent malevolence of
journalists. But public writers are bound to consult
popular prejudices ; nay, will find their interest in
flattering them. Aud as long as blind abuse of the
Yankee, the Frenchman, and the Irishman, gives
pleasure to the English reader, there will always be
found writers to cater to that malignant pleasure, and
to feed and flatter the prejudices by which they live.
If the public therefore desire that leagues and jour-
nals should be cosmopolitan asd philanthropic, it
must begin by being so itself. If it repudiate the
neighbour-hating journal Ist, and scout the war-making
statesman, journalist and statesman will change their
tone. The public may be assured, that most reforms
and all modifications of opinion are in its own power. It
has but to will, and those, who seem to dictate to it,
will be found too ready to obey.

Our Paris deepatches,with the journals of Monday,
have arrived, but contain no domestic news of
interest.

The steam-frigate Magellan, with the remains of
the late Count 13rerson, arrived at Marseilles on the
12th. The Countess Bresson and her son attended
the body, which was to have been brought en route
for Paris on the lath.

The Madrid mails of the 9th and 10th have arrived
A formal act of impeachment against M. Salamanca
to be brought forward in the Cortes, is spoken of
The Eco del Gmercio says it was stated that the
Duke de ltianzares is to be appointed governor of
the palace, in the room of the Marquis de Miratiores ;
the former being considered better qualified . a keep a
constant watch over the Queen, and to prevent her
from receiving advice hostile to the Narvaec cabinet,
for which object, says the Leo, the office was created.

The consequences of the abdication of the Duke
of Lucca in favour of the Grand Duke of Tus-
cany begin to be manifested throughout the states.
The city of Fivizzano, in the Tuscan province of Luni-
giana, was unexpectedly seized by a body of Mode-
nese soldiers on the morning of the sth inst. On the
arrival of the troops the gonfaloniere and grand ducal
vicar protested against the proceeding. It appears
that before adopting this measurethe Duke of Modena,
observing the extraordinary excitement produced
throughout Tuscany by the announcement of the ap-
proaching transfer of Lunigiana from that principa-
lity to -Modena, and apprehensive of serious re-
sistance, went to Vienna to concert measures
with the Imperial government. It was ex-
pected that out of this visit an arrangement
would arise, the more so as it was well known that
the Grand Duke Leopold was ready to offer an
ample equivalent in land elsewhere, and money, for
the preservation of the status quo of his principality.
Nevertheless these hopes have proved delusive.
Before his return from ienna, the Duke of Modena
caused possession to be forcibly taken of the small
places of Gallitano awl Nlontignoso; and, imme-
diately on returning to his c-ipital, and obtaining a
body of Austrian troops sufficient to overawe the
people, he sent his own troops to Fivizzano, and
seized it on the sth.

The intelligence of this arriving at Florence, Pisa,
Leghorn, and the other chief towns of the grand
duchy, produced the most formidable fermentation.
The populace assembled, and cried aloud for arms to
march upon Fivizzano. This excitement was some-
what abated on the 9th, by the publication of a
protest of the Tuscan government against the act of
the Duke of Modena.

The l'atria 'f Florence of the Gth publishes a
decree of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, on the forma-
tion and arming of the active civic guard. The elec-
tion of officers and nab-officers is to take place by, at
the latest, the 25th of this month. Citizens who
have done duty in the provisional civic guard are
authorised to form part of the active civic guard,
although, according to the regulations, they were to
have been incorperated in the reserve. Two compa-
nies of the line, says the Pieria of the Bth, left Flo-
rence for Barga and Pietro. Santa, as soon as govern-
ment bad received information of the military occupa-
tion of Fivizzano by the Modenese troops.
The Diario di Roma of the 2nd publishes the
appointment of Cardinal Altieri as President of Rome
and the Comore& ; Cardinal Antonelli, President of '
the Council of State ; Cardinal Marini, Legate of the
province of Forli ; and Cardinal Bofondi, Legate of
the province of Ravenna.
The following are details of the organisation of
the new Bank of Turin :—The capital is to be
4,000,000 lire (the lire being equal to a franc of
France). The notes are to be for 1,000, 500, and 200
lire, but the last to be limited to one-tenth of the
whole issue. The bank will receive cash in deposit,
but without paying any interest or making any
charge. The business is to be conducted by a director,
assisted by a board of twelve regents and three cen-
sors or comptrollers. In addition to these there is a
council of discount, the members of which are to be
I chosen from among the most eminent merchants of
I Turin. The two councils united are every three
months to make out a table of the liabilities of the
bank, which is to be consulted upon all operations.
Lord Minto arrived in Rome on the 3rd hurt.
Letters from that city inform us that a popular demon-
stration took place there on the 4th, for the purpose of
soliciting Cardinal Ferretti to withdraw his resignation.
It is said, however, that he declared that he would
not hold the place of Secretary of State beyond the
new year. The members of the Constilla di State had
almost all arrived at Rome. The opening of this new
council is to take place on Nov. 15.
Letters from Naples of the sth announce that a
modification of the cabinet was speedily expected, M.
Jarri being on the point, it was thought, of resigning
the portfolio of Finance. There had not been any
fresh excesses in Calabria or Sicily. It was said that
the King intended commuting the penalty of death
pronounced against a part of the insurgents of Mes-
sina and Remo; they are to be condemned to the
galleys only. The intelligence of the reforms effected
in Sardinia caused a great sensation.

Oar Swiss despatches up to the 12th inst. have
arrived without bringing intelligence of any serious
movements on either side. The main body of the
federal army destined to make the Bret offensive
movements were collected around Berne on the 11th.
Colonel Burkhart, who had the command of tho divi-
sion directed against Friburg, did not leave Berne
until the afternoon of that date. It is, therefore,
apparent that no news of any serious attack can be
expected for a day or two. The force directed against
Friburg is a little less than 30,000 men. According
to the journals of Berne they are supplied with an
artillery of 200 guns. Skirmishes between small
bodies of soldiers in the different cantons continue to
be reported in the journals, but there are none of
these sufficiently serious to merit notice.
The Berne journals of the 13th, which bring intel-
ligence to the afternoon of the 12th, state that on
the evening of the 11th, the divisions commanded by
Rilliet Constant,' Burkhart, and Ocheenbein, had
their advanced poets within four British miles of the
city of Friburg, all the approaches to which were
blockaded by considerable bodies of troops. On the
12th all these corps closed round Friburg, and were
to open their tire upon the city and its redoubts on
the same afternoon. L'Helretie says that it was not
expected that the city could hold out for more than
two hours..

The Rile Gazette of the 13th, says that travellers
coming from Berne report that the grand council
of Friburg had assembled, and demanded a suspension
of hostilities till the morning of the 13th, and that
General Dufour had acceded to their demand.

MADRID, Nov. 10.
The government seems to be recovering from the
fright it got on the night of the 3rd. Cordoba and Ron de
Olano-are not the only victims of its first starts of tenor to
whom handsome reparation kat been mode. Jose Concha
has been restored to Me place of Director•Oeneral of the
Cavalry, and made a knight of the grand moo of
Charles 111., while Shelley, who was chosen to replace him,