The Sun.
London, England, 1852-04-05 00:00:00

Multi= 'Plut

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LONDON, MONDAY, APRIL 5, 1852.

The decision between the large and theap, or the
small and dear loaf, is to be arrived at by the more
influential constituencies at the next general election.
Notwithstanding his individual predilections in favour
of Protection, Lord DEBBY would not venture to re-
verse the Free-trade policy deliberately adopted by
a mere numerical majority of the representatives of the
nomination-and compact boroughs—where the choice
depends, not on the soundness of the candidate's
principles, his high character, distinguished posi-
tion, or unquestionable qualifications, but on
the length of his purse and the favour of
the patron. Before he enters on a retrograde
course he must be satisfied that " the intelligence of
the country," as well as the great body of the people,
is favourable to the change. In the real state of
affairs he will, of course, be greatly guided by the
electioneering proceedings in the more important dis-
tricts, particularly in the localities which cannot be
regarded 23 either agricultural or manufacturing,
but which can give expression to unbiassed and un-
prejudiced opinions, uninfluenced by considerations
in which every other member of the community not
belonging to either of the contending parties must
be equally interested. Looking on the subject in this
point of view, the judgment of Liverpool—the modern
Tyre—the commercial metropolis of the United
Kingdom, must be anxiously looked'for. The First
Lord of the Treasury is well awarecof
the assistance
that would be rendered to the Protectie
onist cause if
Liverpool could be induced to pronounce its
favour. Accordingly,
every preparation has in
been
made for the contest, and no exertion will be
spared
pas
to secure s victory. The Secretary
of the Treasury
—the adjutant of the Protectionist brigade_the
" whipper-in" of the party, has been selected as one
of the champions, and there can be no doubt that a
large proportion of the fund collected for electioneer- '
ing purposes will be placed at his disposal. With
him has been associated a highly-respectablegentleman
of unimpeachable character and conduct, but whose
opinions on public atfairs are not in accordance with
those of the majority of the electors. But to aid in
the conflict the demon of religious intolerance is
once more to be unloosed to influence the passions
and excite the worst feelings of the people. The
" No Popery" cry has been raised by a Rev. Gentle-
men, and echoed by many of his followers, but we do
...oc 'antic ma; the people or Liverpool will be so very
easily duped, or that they will not clearly perceive
that the point in dispute, the real issue, to be adjudi-
cated on is " Protection," and not " Protestantism."
The electors will not, therefore, suffer themselves to be
hoodwinked, or to have the subject-matter on which
the appeal to the country is really made got rid of
by a side-wind, or determined on a collateral ques-
tion.

If, however, any doubt could have existed as to the
part which Liverpool would take in this important
controversy, it must be completely set at rest by the
magnificent meeting of Saturday, and the cordial and
enthusiastic reception afforded to the Free-trade
candidate by many thousands of electors. The large
building—the Amphitheatre—was crowded to ex-
cess ; the adjoining streets were even densely thronged
b y those anxious to give in their adhesion, or, rather,
to testify their continued attachment to the good
Cause, but who could not obtain admission into the
body etthe meeting. There was, indeed, a firm and
ntflinehing determination exhibited to sink all minor
differences
'rod to accept the broad issue that has
been tendered.
There will be nothing taken into
con‘id.ration but the fitting commercial policy to be
pursined by a coin
rnereial nation. Should our inter-
national trar~ he clogg.
tions, or h uu:(I it remaine 4
and hampered with restric-
if not the only,and unfettered that is,
at less~ f"e
?
and we trust that other the
And
point to decided,
the laudable example icor_ natitueneks will follow
n by the men of Liver-

Tne sp,3) el of the candidates are well worthy of
Uttentive consideration. Mr. CARDWELL showed
worthy disciple of Sir RonEET PEEL,
himself to be a
strongly imbued with the principles which that la-
mented statesman carried into execution by peraonal
Sacrifices which few, indeed, would have been willing
to hate 'encountered. ilia defence of free