The Sun.
London, England, 1855-11-16 00:00:00

TEE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVE WING, NOVEMBER 16, 1855.

ratepayers been—so patiently submissive to the
system of tyranny and extortion practised upon
them by these nobodies—that nothing more hope-
less, perhaps, than resistance on their part could
be conceived. In vain might its iniquity and well
the absurdity of tolerating it be vividly presented
to them from time to time by solitary individuals
unable longer to withhold the expression of their
indignation. All the effect of their remonstrances
was—a recommendation to keep themselves quiet.
The streets were paved, the lamps were lighted,
and other needful things were done—why make
a needless pother about the expense ? Of course
the ratepayers were swindled, they always were,
and for anything they could see to the contrary
always would be to the end of the chapter. And
thus matters have been suffered to go until now,
when, by the efforts of a few enlightened and de-
termined men, the tribe almal jobbers are being
dispersed, and the ratepayers called upon to inau-
gurate a new and better era under the most pro-
mising auspices.

The question to be determined is—Are the
householders of London capable of managing their
own affairs—at least as well as they could be
managed for them—or not ? Is it, or is it not,
to go abroad that free institutions are a failure at
the fountain-head, and that to enjoy liberty of
speech and security from capricious arrest, and
freedom from bureaucracy, it is necessary to be
befooled by petty officials, and made meekly to
contribute black mail to insure immunity from
their insolence?

What answer will be returned ? We have
strong faith in its being such a one as is calculated
to gladden the heart of every intelligent lover of
freedom in Europe. The householders of London
have only to put their shoulders to the wheel to
redeem past error, and insure good local govern-
ment for the future. Let them but take care to
select proper men as their representatives at the
district boards—set the machine fairly agoing at the
outset—and keep an eye upon those who work it,
and they will have more reasons for congratula-
tion than we have yet indicated. The operation
of-the bill will not be confined to administrative
reform, improved sanitary regulations, and,/ all
things considered, a lessening of the burden of
local taxation its remote effects are likely to
surpass all this. Reform in a man's own household
prepares him for the work of reformation else-
where, and with good local government bad Im-
perial administration cannot long be compatible.
Evil is not more prolific
__than good, and of all
good things good government is about the best.
One good result which may fairly be anticipated
from the successful working of the measure we
have yet to specify by way of encouragement.
The division of the metropolis into districts, arid
their connection with a central board, will in all
probability supply muscles and tendons to an
overgrown mass that has long needed them. In
no place is a common effort so difficult of attain-
ment as in London, and nowhere does individual
exertion appear more hopeless, unless it be that
of men of more than average ability. The result
is, there is a world of energy wasted or misapplied
that might be productive of the most desirable
results. This state of things is not likely to con-
tinue unaltered if the ratepayers do their duty.
The metropolis will not for ever lie prostrate be-
neath the burden of its own bulk, but, full of
vital energy, and alive to every obligation, the
inhabitants will find themselves enabled to exer-
cise an influence and play a part worthy of their
intelligence and the responsible position in which
they are placed. The bill is a great bill, notwith-
standing its many imperfections.

SPEECH OP THE KING OF SARDINIA.

The following is the text of the King of Sar-
dinia's speech on the opening of the Chambers at
Turin on the 12th, a summary of which was re-
ceived by telegraph :
SENATORS AND DEPUTIES, . _

This year which is about to expire has been a period
of sad trials for my heart, the bitterness of which, how-
ever, has been alleviated by the tears of the whole na-
tion sympathising with the sorrow of my house. But
in the midst of grief, God bath upheld me in the ac-
complishment of my duties.
Turning my attention to the great struggle which, for
the last two years, has Mai raging in the East, I have
not hesitated to unite my arms to those of the powers
that fight fur the cause of justice and civilisation, and
for the independence of nations. (Applause.)
I have been induced to take that step, both from the
desire of contributing to the triumph of the principles
for which we fight, and inspired with the generous tra-
ditions of my family. (Applause.)
Our soldiers, united to the brave armies of France,
England, and Turkey, and sec ended by the zeal and
activity of our navy, have shared their perils and glories,
and increased the ancient renown of our warlike country.
(Loud applause.)
May i, please God to crown our common efforts by
continued success, and thus soon to render a durable
peace possible, guaranteeing to every nation its legiti-
mate rights. [This passage was received with enthusi-
astic applause.]
The expenses of the war will render a new appeal to
public credit possible.
This scantiness of the harvest and the reappearance of
the scourge of the cholera, added to other unexpected
circumstances, have reduced the public income.
While necessity again obliges us, against the wish of
my heart, to call for fresh efforts from the nation, my
Government, on the other hand, has sought the means
of rendering the weight of some of the taxes more sup-
portable. Bills will be laid before you for the better
distribution thereof, especially as regard those which are
most felt by the poorer classes. (Applause.)
Other laws, intended to improve the political and
economical administration of the, State,. the organisation
of the courts of justice, and puolic instruction, will be
a;ain presented to you for discussion.
SENATORS AND DEPUTIES,
In the important mission confided to you, you will
give proofs of that prudence, activity, and constant de-
votedness to the interests of the country, for which you
have hitherto rendered yourself conspicuous.
We shall thus continue to afford the noble example of
a King and a nation united by indissoluble bonds of
affection and confidence whether in joy or in sorrow—
(loud applause) —and always unanimous in upholding
order and liberty—the two great bases of publio happi-
ness. (Enthusiastic applause.)

Mu. BOCK/TONE IN DUBLlN.—Thatlinimitable fellow
Buckstone, the celebrated lessee of the Haymarket, ap-
peared on Monday last ifr the ,eomedy of "Busy Body ;"
and in his person, Marplot, the curious and the inquisi-
tive, whose misadventures constitute the turning point in
each effective incident, found a most amusing and
laughter-moving representative. Mr. Buckstone ap-
pears every evening, and proves in his own person, that
when the Dublin public get value for their money, there
is no lack of support and sustaitirnent. Miss Reynolds
an artist of the first order, has created a very strong and
striking impression in her favour. The celebrated
Spanish dancers—their novelty and distinctive styie,—
an'l, above all, their cleverness, deserve well of the
public. Crowded houses every night.
GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF GREAT
BRITAIN.—The first general meeting of this society
was held on the 13th instant at the rooms of the
society, 18, Charles-street, St. James-square. Mr.
Edward Walford, M.A., of Balliol College, Oxford,
in the chair. The meeting was numerously attended,
and many distinguished men cf rank and eminence
in literature were present. The report and financial
statement of the society were read al,d adopted,
and it was resolved that a journal of the society's
proceedings should be published early in the ensuing
year. Tile. Chairman, in moving the adoption of the
report, remarked on the regret felt at the loss of
the late Lord Strangford, who had become the
first president of the society, and of Sir Andrew
V. Corbett, an active and zealous member of
the council. He also adverted to the urgent need
cf establishing a library of genealogical and heraldic
works, and suggested the immediate commencement
of one by voluntary contributions of books from
fellows. He also congratulated the society on the ad-
dition of several new fellows and associates, among
whom are Sir Archibald Alison, Sir E. Bulwer Lytton,
Sir H. Vavasour, Sir Arthur Elton, Sir Edward Con-
roy, Dr. Bosworth, Dr. Hawtrey, and other distin-
guished individuals. He Aso informed the meeting
that all chances of rivalry or collision with the Heralds'
College had been removed, and that this society would
be found a most valuable auxiliary to that institu-
tion. A long and interesting conversation followed,
in the course of which the secretary informed the meet-
in that access to many ancient records in public ar.d
private depo-itories had been freely granted to the society
tor the prosecution of its objects. The meeting closed
with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman, and the
re-election •of the Earl of Hark w icke, Mr; W. Long,
ALP.,
Mr. C. H. Frowen, MY., who retired by rota-
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