The Sun.
London, England, 1852-08-27 00:00:00

THE SUN,

2,loo—and was therefore defeated? Possibly
the 500 gentlemen who on Wednesday
evening were munching cold tongue and swilling in-
diffrent wine a*, Thornburg, in honour of Mr.
GRANTLEY BERKELEY, and with so much oat lusiasto
in behalf of Conservative principles, consented to
sacrifice their personal feelings in this manner, be-
cause in the capital of the county Mr. HOPE, the
Tory, was defeated by Mr. PRICE, the Liberal.
Unless the banquet derived its ardour from one or
other of these reasons, w e cannot conjecture why Mr.
BERKELEY'S defeat should have excited such evident
delight among his supporters, or why, of all places
in the United Kingdom, the Conservatives should
have selected for this most enthusiastic demonstration
the western division of the good old county of Glou-
cester.
If the 500 gentlemen assembled together at Thorn-
bury, in honour of the 1 defeated gentleman,displaYed
a rather remarkable (and, everything considered, a
somewhat unaccountable) degree of ardour in their
manner of conducting the proceedings—the 1 defeated
gentleman emulated in a very laudable way the
fervour with which the 500 gentlemen had met to
exult in the name of a conquered candidate in the
cause of Protection. Seldom can the Hon.
GEANTLEY BERKELEY have been in greater feather
than on this singularly auspicious occasion, when he
was felicitated upon his being placed in a minority
for West Gloucestershire. The Hon. Gentleman
seems indeed to have been quite cock-whoop. Re-
ferring to some remark said to have been made some-
where, at some time or another, by Mr. PRICE, Mr.
BERKELEY civilly observed that if Mr. PRICE said
so and so he (Mr. PRICE) was guilty of—a.hem
[coolly and without mincing the matter in the least]
...." a falsehood !" We believe Mr. PRICE is no poacher
—and yet, figuratively speaking, he has decidedly
yernoticeable likes
ondr
come in for " a punch on the head" after the most
approved fashion of the Hon. GRANTLEY BERKELEY.
We wonder how PRICE
peculiarity y
BERKE-
LEY'S address to his admirers
at Thornbury—and a
wonderfully characteristic peculiarity it is too—is the
variety of his family allusions. MATHEWS the elder
was not more frequently "at home" with his au-
dience than Mr. GRANTL EY BERKELEY. The Hon.
Gentleman talks of "his
brother HENRY," the M.P.
for Bristol, from behind
a public dinner table
(with the tickets at so much a head) as familiarly
and confidentially as though he were lounging in his
dressing-gown and slippers. He might as well have
talked about

" My son John,
With one shoe off
And one shoe on"—

for any light that his allusions to "my brother
HENRY" could throw on any of the great political
questions of the age. However, we may reasonably
conjecture that the effect was not precisely as unsatis-
factory to the " good men and true" sitting round
the mahogany at Thornbury. The family revela-
tions, coming to them pleasantly after the " pippins
and cheese," must have been " nuts" to them, cum
grano salis—delightful to daily with while sipping
" old crusted" at 48s. per dozen. For spinning a
good, tough, political, after-dinner yarn—give us the
lion. GRANTLEY BERKELEY !

The Chambers of Commerce, throughout the coun•

try, have it in their power to effect a great deal of
good. They can collect and concentrate a vast quan-
tity of information possessed by individuals, and can
digest and arrange it, by reason of their practical
knowledge and experience. A merchant, a manufac-
turer, an agent, or a shipper, knowing " where the
shoe pinches," may yet be unable individually to
bring this knowledge to bear for the relief of what
annoys, injures, or impedes him. Laid before a
number of other practical men, associated together
for the general good, his information is deliberated
upon and discussed—so that, if any good result can
be worked out of it, that result follows. Representa-

tions from these commercial associations are received
with great attention by the Board of Trade, the
members of which, not being practically acquainted
with trade and commerce, naturally look for infor-
mation from those who are. Ia all the principal
business towns and cities in the United Kingdom
there are now chambers of commerce, and they cer-
tainly effect a great deal, not only for their respective
localities, but for the general good. Their periodical
reports are very interesting, and worthy of annual
collection as a re-publication.

A special meeting of the Belfast Chamber of.
Commerce was held, on Saturday week, to
receive a Memorial to Government (prepared
by direction of a previous meeting) on the
subject of reciprocity with France in re-
gard to the duties on wine. A Committee of the
Chamber at the same time reported, that " the con-
sumption of French wines has diminished to a mere
fraction, in consequence of the heavy duty on its
importation. In 1687, with a duty of about 41 per
gallon, the consumption of French wines, in England
,
alone, was 15,518 tuns, or nearly 4,000 000 gallons,
although the population was then under 6,000,000 of
souls. At the present time, in Great Britain and
Ireland, with a population of 27,619,866, the con-
sumption of French wines averages about 300,000
gallons, and of all descriptions of wines only about
6,250,000 gallons. Ilad the consumption of French
wines continued at nearly the same per head
as in 1687, our population would now use 19,000,000
gallons per year, in place of 300,000; but if we con-
sider the wealth of the kingdom now, as compared
with the former period, we may reckon the consuming
power of the country at 20,000,000 to 30,000,000
gallons. The average export value of the wines sent
from France to Great Britain is 10 francs per gallon ;
while the export value of what is exported to Ger-
many is only one franc per gallon. This fact proves
that only the wealthy in Great Britain are consumers
of French wines, and that the great bulk of the
middle and humbler classes are precluded from its
use. The reduction of the duty to ls. per gallon, if

vernment, would be most desirable. The class o
reciprocal advantage be granted by the French Go.
small coasting vessels which the wine trade would
employ, would materially benefit that portion of the
shipping interest at present suffering from competi-
tion with steamers. The revenue, instead of dimi-
nishing, would, in a few years, be augmented, by the
enormously increased consumption, and the mass
of the peeple Would be enabled to use a wholesome
beverage, in place of the dangerous or doubt-
ful stimulants to the use of which they are
now restricted." The Report further stated
that " the prohibitory duties imposed by France
on the textile goods of Great Britain and Ireland has
it has not, in an equal ratio,
increased the cost of linen and cotton fabrics to the
French consumer,whilst
benefited the French
invariablymanufact riurcearr,asd trades artifi
dally •
supported are
skill than when exposed ton with
lees
economy and
healthful
competition. Linen
in France costs from 40 to 50
thecausedprohi-
bitory enhanced
cost of this one artic.e,
small duty of 10 to 15
from the comparativle
"a proposition
loses a handsome revenue,
1 states that
1Y which they formerly de-
rived
percent. "_ The Report fins. y
from our Government to adroit French
linenwines , cottoat a
n, and
duty, in consideration that our
woollen yarns, and woven fabrice, obtained equal ad-
low
vantages from the Government of France, would
likely meet with a favourable response ; and there
is no doubt that the happiness and wealth of both
countries would be much promoted by such an ar-
rangement."
Accordingly, a Memorial, founded on this Report,
has been sent to our Government, and it is backed by
a resolution that a reduction of the duty of French
wines would be desirable, if the Government of
France would' as an Equivalent, admit the manufac-
Itures of Great
_Britain and Ireland at a corresponding
reduction. Tne Memorial expresses a belief that
Prance would now be inclined to grant this recipro-
city—that not only would there be a great export
from Ireland to France of linen and linen yarns
(nearly shut out by the almost prohibitory duties
which LOUIS PIIILIPPU imposed, by way of " Pro-
tection," -")
in 1,a.,,
, but that the manufacture and
embroidery of muslins—largely
-
carried on in Ulster
—would hence be much increased if they were
mod
admitted into France at erate duties—and that
the reduction, in the United Kingdom, of the duties
on wine, from ss. Gd. to Is. per gallon, would serve,

LOW DON,

rather than injure, our revenue, by the greatly in-
creased consumption which may be anticipated.
The Belfast Mercantile Journal, commenting on
this last expectation, has the following, which is
worthy of being known. " There is no country in
1
the w says the Journal, " where drunkenness,
and all "
the miseries and crimes attendant upon it,
ord
prevail to such a lamentable extent as in our own ;
for we find, from statistical authority, that the con-
gumption of spirits is nearly a gallon yearly, for
every man, woman, and child, which, independent
of large quantities illicitly made, is four times the
quantity, and five times the revenue, derived from
wines. For this paramount reason we are
strong advocates for the reduction of the
wine duty to such a rate as will bring
it within the reach of the ' masses.
A close investigation into the economy of wine-
drinking countries' will convince us that the people
of these localities are much more temperate in their
habits than where strong drinks are used. A reduc-
tion of duty to is. would still be 50 to 100 per cent*
on the cost of much that would be imported, and a
higher rate of duty would prevent that full expansion
of the trade which cheapness alone would produce.
The proportion of the wine drank in Paris is 216
bottles per man per annum ! If, then, we had wine
as cheap as the Parisians—although it would be long
before we should average 216 bottles—it may surely
be assumed that, during the very first year of cheap-
ness, we should reach 12 bottles, or 2 gallons, per
man, per annum, which, with our present population,
would be equal to 54,618,692 gallons, producing, at
ls. per gallon duty, a revenue of 2,730,9341., or an
increase upon the present amount realised of 953,6751.
excluding port, the price of which is artificiallykept up."
All this is clear enough, and shows that, in a finan-
cial point of view, the reduction of the wine duties
would not involve any ultimate loss to the revenue.
The question is—bow and when should the reduc-
tion take place ? By the remission of the duty on
the importation of corn into the United Kingdom
few countries have benefited so largely as France.
On the other hand, France has done nothing for us
in return. We believe that France is well inclined
to take what it can get—to return no equivalent.
What, then, should be done ? Mr. DISRAELI has
plainly said that, except on the basis of reciprocity,
the Government will not dream of admit-
ting French wines at reduced duties. What
will France do ? LOUIS NAPOLEON is under-
stood to be most desirous of carrying into ope-
ration, in France, the principle of Free-trade. But
the manufacturers of France are disinclined to this.
Like our own agriculturists, they cling to Protec-
tion. And so France is to have dear linens, and
yarns, and muslins, with vile cutlery, and Great
Britain is not to have cheap and wholesome wine in-
stead of fiery and unwholesome spirits.
We candidly confess that we have no great expec-
tation of any concession in commerce from France,
unless with the certainty of gain to
Our Government, we are confident, will not
her.
reduce the wine duties, in the vague and
vain hope that France, by and bye, will amend
her hostile tariff. But we are glad, neverthe-
less, that the commercialists of Belfast, by far the
most energetic and rising town in Ireland, have de-
cided on bringing the question in a tangible form
before the Government. We should be glad to see
other towns follow this example, as it will make out a
case on which Ministers can make a proposition to
France for reciprocal reduction of duties.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris journals of yesterday.
" The Government," says the Patrze, " received
again yesterday, by telegraph, the addresses of the
Councils-General. The number of these addresses is
at present forty-nine. They are all conceived in the
same spirit of enthusiasm for the PRINCE PRESIDENT,
and are filled with hearty wishes for the consolidation
of his power."
We read in the same journal—" It was impossible
to mistake the sentiments by which, on the 15th, the
population of Paris and the National Guard were ani-
mated when the latter filed off before the PRINCE
PRESIDENT. Thousands of spectators can testify
this. Some foreign journals, however, in spite of this
striking fact, speak in their columns of lukc-
warmness and indifference on the part of the people,
and of discontent on the part of the Chief of the State.
We will reply to these journals by giving them a
piece of advice—to have better-informed corres-
pondents."
The Moniteur publishes the speech of General
MAGNAN as President of the Council- General of
the Bas-Rhin, at the opening of the session of
that body. After expressing his gratitude to the
PRINCE PRESIDENT for his new proof of confi-
dence in appointing him President of the Coun-
cil-General of the department, General MAGNAN made
the following important communication :—He said,
" Yesterday on my taking leave, the PRINCE told me
that he was engaged on a measure for a strong and
solid reserve of the army, which without compromis-
ing the respect and dignity of France will permit
him to realize the reductions that he desires in the
taxes."
We are assured," says the Patrie, " that news
have arrived from San Francisco, which represent the
situation of the French, and especially that of the emi-
grants of the Lottery of Gold Ingots, in a favourable
light. A great number of the latter, well advised, had
commenced agricultural labours, in which they per-
fectly succeed. They have founded at about 30 miles
from the port, in a very excellent and fertile country,
a new town which has received the name of Napoleon
City, and which appears destined to attain a great
degree of prosperity."
General HAYNAU has arrived in Paris.

Reports were yesterday in circulation (says the
Pays) of a change in high military commands. It
was stated that General DE CASTELLANE, COM-
mander-in-Chief at Lyons, was about to succeed
General GEMEAU in the command of the Army of
Occupation at Rome, and be replaced at Lyons by
General CARRELET.

The Government has received the following tele-
graphic dispatch :
" Bordeaux, August 24, half-past three p.m.
"THE MINISTER OF WAR TO THE MINISTER OF MARINE,

"The review of the garrison has just taken place in
admirable order. The troops filed off to the cry of
Vivo Napoleon!' The whole population was present,
and the spirit which animated it was excellent. The re-
ception thus give❑ to oue of the Prince's Ministers has
an evident signification."

We read in the Pays-1' The texts of the two
conventions concluded and signed on Sunday last be-
tween France and Belgium were yesterday sent to
the Belgian Government, by a superior employe of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ratification of
the two conventions will take place at the opening of
the Belgian Parliament, which cannot fail to wel-
come these stipulations, which are the prelude of the
conclusion of a more extended treaty on the exchange
of the productions of the two countries."
The Constitutionnel, alluding to the announcement
made by General MAUNAN Of the PRINCE PRESIDENT
being engaged on a plan for an army of reserve, with
a view to reduce the standing army, and thus affect
an important reduction of taxation, says

" The respectful wishes expressed by the Committee
on the Budget in the first session of the Legislative
Body, and which we repeated in our article on the
finances—after showing, however, that the Chief of the
State was the best and only judge in the question of
the reduction of the effective of the army—these
wishes expressed on behalf of agriculture, property, ma-
nufactures, and commerce, have been heard by the
tp_raoienicaeePturteusrideeftlo,rfatu.hcoe. Republic. By a reduction of
A telegraphic
_hn. effective of the army, the Prince President will not
Progress
onlyy realise a diminution in the taxes of the country,
but he will further increase public confidence, the
Paris announces and of credit, and the prosperity of manufactures
commerce, which arr, completely reassured as to the
dor at Constantinople The Algiers journals to
the 17th.
hdispatch received on Tuesday in
cest e arrival at Toulon of the steamer
dispatches from the French Ambassa-
Chaptal, with
state that the fete of the 15th I
was celebrated with
wasr solemly inaugurated
statue of Marshal Butr:Eatt Pomp in that city. The
on the Place d'lsly, in
highly complimentar tob the
th:
Governor-
General of the colony, Generaliepresence
n'c e of the
Camp of the IPaINCE-PRESIDzilt` CommanderSPINASSE, Aide-de-
local authorities, and of a vast nut:Thereof ish",
Mar-
GETI sent by the Minister of NVa'r, the
S AN -
the
tants. Speeches the inhabi-
shal were delivered by the Governor,
ESPINASSE, and others. A grand review otythe Generaltro
followed. The day after the Governor gave grand
banquets to the authorities; and to deputations of the
different regiments.
The Union his a short article on the declarations
of the councils of arrondissement in favour of a fixed
and permanent system of government. It says—
" It is then admitted that society has coed of stabi-
lity; and this is our opinion: that stability does not
exist in constitution and in transitory and artificial au-
thority, and this is also our opinion. Here are two
grand points gained for our policy. lye will leave to
T
rrovidence to produce in events the application of po-
litical truths. Power is above the will of ram
; What suffices for us, is that France declares that order
cannot exist with instability. To protest against error
15 already a useful reparation."
The journals of Chalon-sur-Saone of Tuesday state