The Sun.
London, England, 1852-02-20 00:00:00

THE SUN,

tion the papers communicated to it by 11-r
MAJESTY'S command, relating to the Ca: e
of Good Hope, is of opinion that the disastrous
state of that colony is mainly attributable to its mis
management by the Government at home; and that
the attempt of Earl GREY, in his dispatch of the 14th
of January last, to cast the chief blame of the present
position of affairs on the Governor of the Colony, is
uniastifieble." Such is the tenor of the notice, which
was inscribed on the books of the House of Commons,
on the 16th instant by Mr. ADDERLEY. In those few
words the Ministry may discern expressed the most for-
midable accusation yet directed against them, either
within or without the walls of the Imperial Legis-
lature. Through them, as through the folds of the
canopy of DAMOCLES, quivers the keen•edged sword
of destruction. The worst of the Ministerial posi-
tions, moreover, is the fact that it is at once untenable
and unavoidable. The Colonial Secretary, at last, is
doomed to the vengeance invoked for a considerable
time past by his disgraceful and intem-
perate policy in the conduct of that
most important department of the Administration. It
may be that Earl GREY, dismayed at the approaching
exposure of his proceeding, may endeavour to evade
the more formidable arguments which are certain to
be adduced by his antagonists. The herring may
be trailed, it is true, but we feel assured that the
beagles of justice are not to be drawn off the scent
by any such disingenuous efforts at the avoidance of an
alarming difficulty. The words of his Grace the Duke of
WELLINGTON are not to be set aside so very readily
as may be dreamt by the Colonial S-cretary.
There are two or three matters for the consideration
of Parliament in the question at issue, such as must
set at defiance the most artful prevarication.
Foremost among these is the circumstance that
General Sir HARRY SMITH—an officer of conside-
rable distinction in the military annals of our own
country a little further back than yesterday—has been
reprimanded on the plea of incapacity by the civilian
at the head of the Colonial Department, coupled
with the circumstance that his Excellency has
since then been eulogised in the strongest
terms by the most illustrious captain of the
age, Field-Marshal his Grace the Duke of WEL-
LINGTON ! Those two facts alone would be sufficient
to display to the comprehension of the least discerning
the precipitancy and injustice of the condemnation
pronounced upon Sir HARRY SMITH by the Noble
Lord her MAJESTY'S Colonial Secretary. Remember,
however, in addition, and as a point enormously
and deplorably aggravating the cruelty of that un-
called-for condemnation, that the notorious despatch
of the 14th of January contained more than a mere
reprimand. It conveyed to his Excellency the an-
nouncement of his summary and ignominious recal
from the Government of the Cape, together with the
information that as he was deemed unable to cope
with the difficulties of his situation he had been
already superseded by Major-General the Hon.GronGE
CATHCART. It will, of course, be duly remarked
by Mr. ADDERLEY on Tuesday evening that these
very gratifying scraps of intelligence were conveyed
to Sir HARRY SMITH in language of a character so
harsh, so intemperate, and for these reasons so wholly
and glaringly unstatesmanlike that it alone would
be enough, in all conscience, to bring irreparable
disgrace upon the present Government. Besides all
which, the reprimand and the recal were forwarded
to his Excellency in consequence of acts whicit
were eulogized on the sth inst., in the House of Lords,
by his Grace the COMMANDER-IN.CHlET—being
designated by the Duke acts worthy both of the
gallantry of the soldiers and of the military capacity
of the Governor.

Already Earl GREY has, in the most paltry
manner, endeavoured to shift the responsi-
bility of recent occurrences in Southern
Africa from his 'own shoulders to those
of Sir HARRY SMITH, asserting that the latter bad
not made application for that increase of forces
which was 'afterwards found to have been necessary.
An examination of the blue-book, laid on the tables of
the Houses of Parliament on the 3d of this present
February, will demonstrate clearly enough that such
is very far, indeed, from having been a correct state-
ment as to the correspondence between Sir HARRY
SMITH and her MAJESTY'S Government. It will be
seen that the Colonial Secretary was no less
familiarly acquainted throughout with the exact po-
sition of affairs at the seat of war than he was, and
is manifestly the culpable party, from having by his
policy originated and fomented the whole of ,the last
lamentable outbreak in Kifirland. Aware of
the damning evidence afforded against Earl
GREY by the documents comprised in this same it—
estimable blue-book, we look forward with a calm
and imperturbable confidence—a confidence inspired
by a deliberate and unimpassioned conviction, to the
moment when, on Tuesday evening, Mr. ADDERLEY
will introduce the motion already specified to the
consideration of the lower branch of the Legislature.

- The Irish Government, and more particularly its
bead, the Earl of CLARENDON, has been formally ar-
raigned, not merely at the bar of public opinion, bat
before the High Court of Parliament of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The most
able, the most z-alous, the most efficient Viceroy that
ever represented his SOVEREIGN in the sister kingdom,
has been charged with the commission of a high crime
and a misdemeanour "of a nature"—to use the lan-
guage of the Noble Lord who brought forward the
question—" to weaken the authority of the Execu-
tive, and to reflect discredit on the administration of
public affairs," It is true that the LORD LIEUTENANT
of Ireland was assailed only in a " Pick wickian"—
we beg pardon—a Parliamentary" sense. Lord
NAAs expressly declared that "he had the deepest
respect for the great personal qualities, the talent.,
and the private virtues of the party on trial ;" while
deliberately accusing his Excellency of bribery and
corruption, he professed a profound admiration for
his character. The would-be executioner was ex •
ceedingly anxious to dispatch his intended victim
in the most considerate and friendly manner.
He would not injure him on any account ;
it was merely in the discharge of the pain-
ful duties which the exigencies of party
imposed on him, that he exhibited himself on the
melancholy occasion. He therefore extended the
open hand of friendship before clenching it to admi-
nister the most stringent punishment. We must,
however, think ?k ith Lord PALMERSTON, that if it was
not a personal question, we are utterly "at a loss to
understand what a personal question is." It might
have been merely intended to injure the Ministry,
but the blow could only be inflicted through the person
of Lord CLARENDON.

It is to be regretted that Lord NAAS should have
allowed himself to be made the tool of his party on
stieh an occasion ; that he should have so totally
forgotten his own family history as to have suffered
himself to be set up as the stalking-horse on the oc-
'4'l°l; and to make his first appearance as a
political
purist. Does he forget that his father's
predecessor in the peerage, his own great
uncle, Joux, fourth Dirl of Mayo, was for
no less than forty-nine years—from the rather sus-
picious period of the union until his death in 1849—in
receipt of a pension of 1,3321. per annum ?
" Oh wad some power the Ode gie us,
To see ourselves as others see us"
Richard SOUTHWELL, Viscount Nap would not
have yielded to the importunities of the most accom-
plished whipper-in,
or be made the instrument
by
feelings of an amiable, a talented, and an
a complete and
statesman might have been seriously
hurt.
awchc oi cmh ptliii seh e d
was,
The motion however, not only
I'placed Lord CL
unequivocal failure, not only
. was the anticipated re-
sult unaccomplished, but L. . ARENDON
exceedingly suspicious fact
viously occupied. The ..--
in a far better position than that which he had pre
sum, of money
Government
that a public journalist had been pairs ,
for writing in support of the ex a
WAS known. The proceedings of
BIRCH v. SUMER-
VILLE rendered that point but too painfully notorious.
But the circumstances that induced Lord CLARENDON
to fall into the trap laid for him by a crafty and
designing man had not received equal publicity. The
Poison had been administered. Lord NAAS has
now supplied the
,antidote. Lord CLABEZ4DON
may well be proud of the high testimonials
which he received. He had, unfortunately,
been betrayed by his zeal for the public service into
a serious error. We do not deny that it was a grave
I
mistake to attempt to unduly . influence the opinions 1
of a public journalist, and to obtain the !re-

LONDON)

nal support of ev,,n one • f.f tilt, mo't
reputabl, organs of pubic opinion. But if ever
there was a period in the national history when
such a proceedibg could be—we do not say
"justified"—but "extenuated," it was the time
in question. The state of Ireland was
most deplorable. Rebellious doctrines were boldly
circulated in some journals. The writers, despising the
penalties to which they, or some of them, subse-
quently became amenable, put forward the most
atrocious principles. Exulting in their reckless
Audacity, they were restrained by no boundaries.
The best and most efficient methods of dethroning
our Most:Gracious SOVEREIGN, and massacreing her
loyal subjects, were coolly discussed. These incen-
.iiary publications circulated among classes who
never by any chance saw the more respectable news-
napers—to whom the Evening Post Evening Mail,
~r Evening Packet, the Saunders' or Freeman,
were sealed book,—it was, therefore, exceedingly
'lesirsble to counteract the poison in the best
manner practicable. It was at that time that BIRCH
offered his services, and we shall state Lord CLAREN•
DON'S own views in accepting the proffered as-
,istance. His Excellency said,—,
"I then saw Mr. Birch. I then thought I should
have at that time, in respect to the public affairs, failed
in my duty it I did not accept the offices of any person
in support of law and order. I then saw Mr. Birch,
and he offered to write in that sense. I told him that
he might do so; although I certainly did not expect
much to result from his labours. I told him at the
.ame time I wished for no support to the Government,
and that, as far as I myself was concerned, he might
abuse me as much as he liked, as it was perfectly indif-
ferent to me."

It will thus be seen that it was no party support
that was desired by his Excellency. He stated that
" he wished for no support for Government; that as
far as he was Ihimself concerned he (Briton)
might abuse him as much as he liked."
It was merely in support of law and order, which
was so grievously assailed at the moment that any
aid could not be rejected, that he wished
his assistance. BIRCH represented that his own
opinions were in accordance with those of the
Government, but he required some pecuniary help
to enable him to sustain his position. That help was
accorded ; and Lord CLARENDON having com-
mitted the first mistake, suffered himself to be
further victimised and yielded to the extortion
until it became too bad, and it was his duty to resist.
He then came forward boldly and manfully. He did
not shield himself under his high office ; he sub-
mitted himself to the most searching exami-
nation, and candidly acknowledged his mis-
take. We know " the head and front
of his offending," and although we are not the
friends or supporters of the Ministry, we must say
that it is not through the person of the Earl of CLA.
HENDON, by far its most efficient member since the
retirement of Lord PALMERSTON, that we would see
it turned out of office, or in any degree injured.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris journals of yesterday:
They almost all present comments on the Presi-
dential decree regulating the privileges of the press.
The Constitutionnel and the Pays, of course, eulogise
the measure. The Siècle is silent. The Debate re-
marks on the obscurity of the article concerning
"false news," the sense of which", it says, should he
explained by authority. The Assemblie National,
the mouthpiece of M. GUIZOT, commeucts by blaming
the assumption of the press to become a fourth power
in the state. Its proper part is that of simple con-
trol exercised within due limits. The press has the
right to examine, and the Government the no less
undeniable right to see that such right be not abused.
The, Assemblie does not object to the caution money
being douolid, and the stamp duty raised, as the ne-
cessity for the employment of greater capital will
bring men of more responsible character to news-
paper undertakings. The abolition of the jury
does not, in the opinion of the writer, menace the
independence of the press, for juries express
the passions and opinions of the moment. At one
time they acquit and at another condemn indiscrimi-
nately. There is accordingly more impartiality to
be expected at the hands of an independent irre-
movable magistracy, wbo weigh not merely the im-
mediate charge, but look to the general character and
tendencies of the accused journal, and decides accord-
ingly. The writer in the Assernblie looks on the
suspension and suppression clauses of the decree as
totally bad, being much worse than the censorship, as
of course they are. Indeed, argument would be
wasted on such a point. In the following concluding
remarks the writer speaks with a certain spirit which
is not to be found in any other paper :
" We have not hesitated to recognise the abuses of the
liberty of the press, and we have approved of the arti-
cles which go to restrain the exercise of that liberty.
On the other hand it ought not to be forgotten that the
liberty of the press has penetrated so deeply into our
manners and habits, that it behoves every Government
to assign it a place. If suppressed in point of fact, the
public will seek otherwise than in the journals the all-
merit which it needs daily. The eulogies of the Minis-
teml papers cannot make up for the silence of the hide-
pendent
press. The most absurd rumours will go on
spreading and increasing, in spite of the contradictions
vague rumours will end by
co creating
nonsieteoutem,n d
more dangerous than would be the errors, the mistakes,
or the injusriee of the press."
The Monzteur publishes a decree appointing ten
aides-de-camp and nine orderly officers, who are "at-
paced to the person of the PRINCE PRESIDENT of the
Republic."

itear-Admiral MONTAGNES DE LA ROQUE is ap-
pointed Maritime Prefect at Rochefort, in place of
Rear-Admiral LAPLACE.
M. DE MONTALEMBERT, the new Academician, was
yesterday presented in the usual manner to the
PaESIDENT of the Republic by M. GutzoT, D rector;
and M. DE POUGERVILLE. Chancellor, and M. VILLE-
MARL, the Perpetual Secretary of the French Aca-
demy.

Tde Government engage to guarantee the opera•
hops of the Railway Share Bank to the extent of a
million of francs.

An active division of infantry is to be formed at
Lyons under General CASTELLANE, and commanded
by General HERBILLON, who is replaced at Bourses
by General DE MORTEMART.
The Customs duties for January, 1852, amount to
10,287,349 francs—an increase of two millions corn-
pared with 1851, and of one million compared with
1850.

PARIS BOURSE, FEB. 19.—Closing Pricer.—Five per
Cents., 1031. 80.-.; Three per Cents„ 651, 80c.; Balk of
Frances, 2,567 r. 50c.
BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE
LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, FEB. 19.
Boulogne and Amiens, 1I Dutch Rhenish, 3%—.
Namur and Liege, 6—Northern of France, 19%_--Orleans
and Bordeaux, B','.—Paris and Rouen, 25►,f ex d.— Paris
and Strasbourg, 17—Rouen and Havre, 104.

EAST KENT ELECTION,
The folluwing were the numbers at the close of the
first day's poll :

DERING.

Ashford ... ... ... 385
Canterbury ... 426
Ramsgate ... 324
lioran.y ... ... ... 265
Sittingbourne... ... ... 446

--• 1,846

BRIDGES.
Ashford
... 259
Canterbury 770
Ramsgate
... 505
Romney 174
Sittingbourne... 329

- 2,037

Majority for Bridges ... ... 191

THE STRAND THEATRE.—Monday next, we ob•
serve, is fixed for the benefit of Mr. Elward Stirling at this
amusing little place of entertainment, better known now. as
" Punch's Playhouse?' The " bill of fare," besides announc-
ing several other attractive novelties for the night, introduc-
ing new pieces as well as eminent artists, gives promise of a
concert and a grand ballet entertainment. The Lady BbAe
Jackets is among the pieces mentioned for the evening,
when, we doubt not, his admirers will give Mr. Stirling that
cordial support which is but his " due," as one of our most
deservedly popular favourites.
Mx. FLEXMoIteB BENEFIT.—This celebrated buffo
dancer and unequalled Pantomimic Clown has announced his
annual benefit at the Royal Princess's Theatre for Thu, sday
evening next, the 26th inst. The entertainments are to
consist of a favourite play, in which Mr. and Mrs. C. Kean,
and Mr. and Mrs. Keeley will appear; the jovial and suc-
cessful pantomime of Billy Taylor; and an intermediate
ballet in which the beneficiaire him•elf will figure, together
with Mademoiselle Auriul, a lady who, considering that she
is the most artistic and finished of our danseuses, makes her
amuse-
ment appearance but too rat ely before the public. Dir. Fleamore
has n, w been at the head of the pantomimic ana ballet de-
partment eennttitaletd:btheePrerfionrceests's for seven successive seasons,
oc-
casion a substantial throughout which his exertions to contribute to the amuse-
THI3 GLUT have been
of the countless visitors of that elegant establishment
have been indefatigably
OF
order
GOLD.—It is 8 the approaching a l
appreciation y therefore,
successfullyrecei
voef huius
m econtributed,rit
merits.
lie is
.not"outf,rotinhe
authority, that in
il
1.--n
otrhee
bullionfu tu r e iisns usemoaf
in this country,stated on very good
der to stimulate the circulation of gold
it is intendedsi to limit—if not altogether stop
Should this plan be carriedll money transactions than is at present
tphuebßlicanwkillobt
aEvengtulaunsde.
_t thano directorshit h er hitherto.
0 f
this
customary. Some rotes o
stated, also be more limited in numberother denominations will, it i$
the proprietors at
SOUTH-EAtiTFRN RAILWAY n, '
company have determined to recommend
the ensuing meeting, to be held on the 4th
131st January I
March next, to
declare a dividend for the half-year ending
1/
last, at the rate cf 3,2 per cent. per mum,