The Sun.
London, England, 1855-06-05 00:00:00

LONDON, TITE3DAY, JUNE 5, 1855.

The debate has been resumed and adjourned.
The amendment of Sir F. BARING was that nomi-
nally before the House, but really the subject was
discussed in all its varied aspects. All parties
were represented, and we rejoice to say, that, with
few and rare exceptions, the spirit of the obser-
vations submitted to Parliament was far more in
accordance with the true state of public opinion
than that perceptible at any former period since
the accession to office of the Joint-Stock Admi-
nistration. As Sir BCYLIVER LYTTON justly re.
marked, the motion of Mr. DISRAELI had prc-
duced an important effect. "If it had
succeeded in changing the Government, it bad,
at least, changed their tone. It had compelled
them to avow a more decided and honourable
policy than they had previously profes3ed. It
had galvanised them into vigour."
To this motion we are probably indebted for
the closing of the Conferences, the cessation of
the solemn humbug that 'so long acted as an in-
superable obstacle to the energetic conduct of the
War. To that we are indebted for the standing
forth of the clear light in which tlp ABERDEEN or
Peelite policy has been placed, the damaging con-
fessions of Mr. GLADSTONE, and the secession of
a promising young nobleman, Lord Eterro, from
the clique. We have learned that the "Dukery,"
untaught by experience, still sympathise with
Russia, while the people, faithfully represented by
honest Jourr MACGREGOR, are prepared to sub-
mit to any privations in order to brin:,
the War to that which can alone prove
a satisfactory termination, with ample
guarantees against its resumption under
perilous circumstances. The magician's wand,
skilfully manipulated, has revealed the secret
working of the political machine, and brought to
light many of the wires by which the puppets are
moved. And prejudicial to the national interests
as must be avowals such as those made by Mr.
GLADSTONE, Mr. MILNER GIBSON, and Lord
CLAUDE HAMILTON, it will: still be useful to show
how insignificant will be the minority by which
these views are supported, and how generally they
are condemned by all classes of the people.
The speech of. the Right Hon. Gentleman the
member for Manchester was exactly what might
have been anticipated from the terms of the notice
of motion,which was so ingeniously postponed at the
instance of his now avowed allies, the Peelites, his
antecedents as a leading member of the Peace
Society, and his selection as the mouth-piece of
that extraordinary association. It was thoroughly
and completely Russian in every sentiment, and
even expression, and might have been delivered
by GORTSCHABOFF or TITOFF as :a vindication of
the policy of their master. It certainly was better
suited to the meridian of St. Petersburg, or Ber-
lin, or Vienna, than of London. It is but justice
to the Right Honourable Gentleman that he
has been consistent in what, regarding him as an
Englishman, we must' term his inconsistency.
We hope and believe, however, that many of
those whO formerly acted with him will refuse to
do so any longer, and that a large proportion of
the Manchester school will show that they are
actuated by thoroughly English feeling on all
matters relating to the War.

The speech of Sir W. AtioL;sweßTlf was a manly
and straightforward exposition
of the feeling by
which the Government ought to be imbued.
can only wonder that he could have . We
acquiesced in
the terms tendered for Russia's acceptance, but
contumeliously rejected by her Plenipotentiary,
He proved that he fully understood the true cha-
racter of Russia, that she would bully the weak,
but truckle to the powerful—that she would resort
to any artifice or treachery to carry out her nefa-
rious designs. " What," he asked, "has induced
Russia to yield as much as my right hon. friend
Sys she has yielded ? Was it repentance ? She
is incapable of such a feeling ! Was it shame ?
She knows not the
meaning
it the public opinion of the word ! Was
of Europe ? That was ex-
pressed against
her long ago, and she remained
unmoved, insolent, and defying. What

Certain parties are not contented with depriv-
ing the people of refreshments on Sundays—but
they now desire to cut off the supplies during the
entire week, and to enforce a compulsory teetotal-
ism by prohibiting the sale of malt or spirituous
liquors except by wholesale. A meeting has been
held during the past week at Exeter-hall, for the
avowed purpose of obtaining the extension of
" the Maine Liquor Law" to England. In other
words, because some persons abuse that which,
taken in moderation, would be wholesome, all
the well-conditioned and well-disposed persons
who have never been in the habit of approaching
to inebriation are to be subjected to the most
stringent restriction !

We axe perfectly convinced that if such a thing

were at all possible—if the ridiculous notion of
those who got up the meeting could be carried
into practical execution—it would lead to a great
increase in place of a diminution of drunkenness.
It is a tendency ofhuman nature to seek after for-
bidden pleasures, and the very difficulties of the
ease only enhance the ardour of the pursuit.
In France and other countries, where vinous and
spirituous liquors are cheap and abundant intoxi-
cation is comparatively rare, indeed we might
almost say unknown. In proportion as we in-
crease the cost and heap up impediments to ob-
taining that which may be required we increase
the temptation ; and a long-continued compulsory
abstinence acts as an almost irresistible stimulus
to excess. Persuade men, if you can, to restrict them-
selves, or even to profess total abstinence. Every
man may judge for himself ; but the moment you
strive to reduce the people to the condition of a
pack of school-boys, that you endeavour to restrict
their natural liberty, you create a dangerous re-
action, which may lead to very prejudicial results.
An illicit trade will spring up which will aet the
law at defiance, and drunkenness will become far
more prevalent than ever. In fact there will be a
retrograde movement of a very deplorable cha-
racter.

It is not the first time that injudicious advo-
cates have materially damaged the cause that
they profess themselves desirous of supporting,
and we fear that the Earl of HARRINGTON, Sir
ROBERT CARDEN, and their collaborateurs, will
do more to encourage intemperance than the most
extensive distiller associated with the largest
brewing firm. No gin-palace proprietor will
give such a stimulus to the trade as the twaddlers
who insist on its suppression, and strive to make
the line of demarcation between rich and poor
more decided than it is. There is a sturdy
spirit in English hearts that will resist the
unwarrantable assumption. Men will not permit
the Knight or even the Earl to interfere with
their liberty, or to deprive them of that to which
they have been accustomed, and which many re-
quire, on such shallowand frivolous pretences. We
are inclined.to afford the widest latitude for the
discussion of all public questions, but we really
think that these parties have in some degree over-
stepped the legitimate limits in asking for such undue,
and, we may add, slavish restrictions. Let them
do as they like themselves, but not strive to coerce
others or to interfere with the liberty of the people.
If wines or spirits are to be prohibited, they must
be cut off from the wealthier as well as the poorer

classes—if public-houses are to be closed, clubs
must share a similar fate. If labouring men
are to be prevented from obtaining a pint
of beer to quench their thirst, gentlemen, and
Aldermen, and even Peers of the realm, must
submit to a like regulation.
We have not alluded to the question of revenue,
or to the immense capital invested in the trade ;
but some ten or twelve millions per annum to the
Exchequer, and some hundreds of millions of
capital, are nothing to these SOLONS who rush in
so recklessly with their remedies. The people
of England may be led, but they will not
be coerced ; and if the parties are in earnest in
seeking to
put an end to intemperance, let them
join mr. oLIV _
EIR A in his efforts to obtain the
cheap admission of the pure and whole-
some
wines Of France and Spain,
facilities for their distribution.and
the greatest f • •
This will be rendering afford
rdeally good service to the
cause of temperance
aabonlitmoderation. This will
so pathetically laments, but which
sgior farß. tcoAvßtats
on of the evils which
he is at present taking the most effective means to
enhance