The Sun.
London, England, 1852-09-17 00:00:00

FRAN CE.

We read in the Constitutionnel, on the subject of
the pretended commercial treaty between France and
England :
The Government, as we well foresaw, has given
another contradiction to the reports circulated by a
London journal of the conclusion of a treaty of com-
merce between France and England. These, rumours
are without foundation; no negotiation of the kind has
been opened between the two countries. The persistence
of the English journals in repeating a piece of news
which was contradicted scarcely a month since proves
the importance which otr neighbours attach to the con-
clusion of a treaty of commerce with us. The French ,
and it may be market is, in fact, a very good one
cod-
ceived that the manufacturers of Great Britain regard it
with an envious eye, There are 36 millions of in-
habitants who are great consumers of coal, iron, steel,
and wove goods of all kinds. Unfortunately this indus-
trious population has, taanks to protecting duties, been
able to provide for all their wants. But what good
fortune would it not be for the English producers, if,
in flattering our national self-love and in persuading us
that we are strong enotgh to meet any competition they
could induce us ourselves to reject the assistance of
tariffs and open our frontiers to British produce. This
is what they dream of on tho other side the Channel,
and it is bnt just to say that we have in France free-
trade disciples who do their best to keep up these chi-
merical hopes. It certainly is not the fault of the Go-
vernment of Louis Napoleon if all these projects still
find some belief. The Prince President himself took
care to make known in his works the principles he pro.
fessed in matters of commercial economy. Faithful to
great Napoleonist traditions he took the defence of
principles which securedd a iegitimate remuneration to
national labour. What has been done since his accession
to power, if it is not on every occasion to give the most
manifest proofs of his lively solicitude for our agricul-
tural and manufacturing interests? It would be sense-
less to believe that Louis Napoleon would destroy with
his own hands a system of political economy which was
ono of the most glorious works of the Emperor, and to
which France owes her prosperity. However this may
he, the two declarations which the Government have
made within the last month cannot fail to evercise the
most favourable influence. It is not only a contradiction
to the assertions of the English journals, but it is, at the
same time, a reply to the declamations and attacks which
our Free traders have recen,ly directed against the pro-
tective regime. Manufacturers require stability. It is
necessary, in order that eperations may be entered on
which require time and capital, that they can rely on the
maintenance of the laws which regulate their move-
ments. They becamo uneasy in the presence of rumours,
which were revived, notwithstanding tha first denial

given to them. This second declaration will restore
confidence. In seeing the Government assume a posi-
tion to candid and so resolute they will redoub it their
activity, and will prove by fresh efforts that ‘y are
worthy of the protection which is given to their eta 'Jrts."