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

nal support of even ono of the most dis-
reputable organs of public opinion. But if ever
there was a period in the national history when
such a proceeding 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-
diary publications circulated among classes who
never by any chance saw the more respectable news-
papers—to whom the Evening Post, Evening Mail,
or Evening Packet, the Saunders' or Freeman,
were sealed books—it was, therefore, exceedingly
desirable to counteract the poison in the best
manner practicable. It was at that time that Bixcu
offered his services, and we shall state Lord CLAREN‘•
DON'S own views in accepting the proffered as-
sistance. His Excellency
" I then saw Mr. Birch. I then thought I should
have at that time, in respect to the public affairs, failed
in my duty if I did not accept the offices of any person
in support of law awl 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
same 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 himself concerned he (Maori)
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-
RENDON, 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 Sidle is silent. The Debats re-
marks on the obscurity of the article concerning
"false news," the sense of which, it says, should be
explained by authority. The Assemblee National,
the mouthpiece of M. GUIZOT, commence's 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 doubled, 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 or the moment. At one
time they acquit and at another condemn indiscrimi-
nately. Thera is accordingly more impartiality to
be expected at the hands of an independent irre-
movable magistracy, who 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 Assemblie 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 hive 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 penetiated 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 ali-
ment which it lice& daily. The eulogies of the Minis-
terial papers cannot make up for the silence of the inde-
pendent The most absurd rumours will go on
spreading p
and increasing, in spite of the contradictions
of :he litoniteur, and these vague rumours will end by
creating a sentiment hostile to power a thousaed times
more dangerous than would be the errors, the mistakes,
or the injustice of the press."
The Moniteur publishes a decree appointing ten
aides-de-camp and nine orderly officers, who are "at-
taced to the person of the PRINCE PRESIDENT of the
Republic."
Rear-Admiral MONTAGNES DE LA ROILUE 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
PRESIDENT of the Republic by iII. GUIZOT, Director ;
and M. DE POUGERVILLE, Chancellor, and M. VILLE-
MANI, the Perpetual Secretary of the French Aca-
demy.
The Government engage to guarantee the opera-
tions of the R silway 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 H aRBILLON, who is replaced at Bourges
by General Ds MORTEMART.
The Custom a duties for January, 1852, amount to
10,287,349 francs—an increase of two millions com-
pared with 1851, and of one million compared with
1650.
PARIS BOURS:Et, FEB. 19.—Closing Prices.—Five per
Cents., 103 f. 80c_; Three per Cents., 65f. 80c.; Bank of
France, 2,567 f. 50c.
BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE
LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, FEB. 19.
Boulogne and Amiens, 11% Dutch Rhenish, 316--
Namur and Liege, 6—Northern of France, 19%—Orleans
and Bordeaux, 8 ;4,—Paris and Rouen, 25,4 ex d.--Paris
and Strasbourg, 17--Rouen and Havre, 10;e.

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

DERING.

Ashfora
Canterbury ... ... 426
Runaga.te 324
Sonaey ... 265
Sittingnourne... ... 446

- 1,846
BRIDGES.

Akihford ... 259
Canterbury ... ... 770
Ramsgate ... 505
Romneyi ... 174
Sittingbourne... .... 329

-- 2,037

idatjority for Bridges ... - 191

THE STRAND THEATRE.--niendlty next, we ob-
serve, is fixed for the benefit of hir. Edward 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 Bias
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.
Ma. FLExmcian'S BENEFIT.—This celebrated buffo
dancer and unequalled Pantomimic Clown has announced his
annual benefit at the Royal Princess's Theatre for Thursday
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 sue-
cessful pantomim.,a of Billy Taylor; and an intermediate
ballet in which the beneficiaife him: elf will figure, togetb er
Iwith Mademoiselle. Atuiol, a lady who, considering that el ie
is the most artistic and finished of our dayseuses, makes her
appearance but toe, rarely before the public. Mr. Flexmoi re
has n'iw been at the head of the pantomimic and ballet de-
partment at the Princess's for seven successive season s,
throughout which his exertions to contribute to the annum-
ment of the countless visitors of that elegant establishment
have been indefatigably and successfully contributed. He is
cfaai,riloyn a entitled, therefore,
hison merits.
theittpproaching oc-
TUB GLUT or GoLD.—It is stated on very good
authority, that in order to stimulate the circulation of 6 old
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company have determined to recommend the proprietors at
the ensuing meeting, to be held on the 4th March next, to
declare a dividend for the half-year ending 31st January
last, at the rate of 2% per cent. per annum.