The Sun.
London, England, 1852-03-03 00:00:00

else—scarcely---but the coup Greta, or the massacre
which was no massacre, or the treason of acts ap-
proved of by 7,500,000 votes dropped into the urn of
ballot, the votes of free citizens qualified to express
their opinion through the principle of universal suf
frage. Afterward 3 came the mania about our national
defences, during the height of which it was scarcely
possible to listen to anything but a perpetual gabble
about the minis bullet, or the needle-gun, or the
sword-bayonet, or COLT'S revolver, and when the most
peaceably disposed were seriously thinking of entering
a rifle corps, or of enlisting as volunteers. Gra-
dually the ardour experienced about this, as about
everything else, has been dying out. Even the
uproar about the militia has become lulled by the
very decision in favour of its re-organization, a deci-
sion which led, in the first instance, to the sudden
change of her MAJESTY'S Government. Unless some
endeavour be promptly made by Ministers to extract
from the very fully and extravagance of the panic
the only benefit of which we ever dreamed it might
be productive, namely, that of leading to the improve-
ment of our military, and the extension of our naval
armaments, it will expire altogether without the
nation having availed itself of a very favourable op-
portunity.
Fortunately, there have been several shrewd ob-
servers roused into attention by the recent discussion
about the defensive situation of England. People
have not quite forgotten the threats, and not only the
threats but the active and gigantic preparations, made
for a descent upon our coast at the very commence-
ment of the present century by the Emperor NAPO-
LEON. Neither has the celebrated brochure of the
Prince DE JOINYILLE bean entirely overlooked or
allowed to pass away down the stream of oblivion.
Whispers have been heard, moreover, that a well-
known and gifted African General undertook with
10,000 men to enter London as a conqueror. It has
been said that the proposal was submitted to him by
M. LEDRLT ROLLIN at the time that the present exile
was Minister of the Interior during the regime of the
Provisional Government. It has even been
asserted, and without contradiction, that the
officer who ventured upon the suggestion of
the enterprise was no other than General CHAN-
GARNIER. Aware of all these very serious,
and to Englishmen exceedingly interesting facts,
there has been considerable agitation throughout al-
most all classes of the community—the more timor-
ous talking wildly of getting instantly upon drill,
and the snore sagacious re-cognizing that that, if ever,
was the favourable moment for re-organizing our war-
like system both in the naval and the military de-
partment. Already we have referred to the whole-
some advice tendered by Sir CHARLES NAPIER, ale
conqueror of Scinde, a man whose career,
whose character, and whose achievements qualify
him to speak upon such an occasion, to
the Legislators, and through the Legislators to the
people of the United Kingdom. Alluding to the
probability of invasion, Sir CHARLES NAPIER men-
dons thus nobly and truthfully the merits and the
position of the Prince Louis NAPOLEON :—" I do not
pretend to conjecture," he says, " whether the PRE-
SIDENT of France will invade England, or whether
he will first qusrrel with other powers, or maintain
peace. I neither know his character or his inten-
tions, nor what he niAy be forced to de by circum-
.stances. He may endeavour to make the
Rhine a French frontier. He may attack
Egypt. He may attack Malta. He may invade
England. He may take the Channel Islands. He
may invade Ireland. He may play the part of
WASHINGTON. He may do any of these things. He
has the courage, the abilities, the strength, and the
money necessary." But, adds Sir CHARLES, my
argument is altogether apart from that : I only insist
upon the advisability of showing caution upon
abstract principles of foresight. I don't say—We
are going to have an invasion, and therefore arm.
But I do say—There is just a possibility some time or
other of our having an invasion, and, therefore,
let us not be wholly unprepared. That is the
gist of Sir CHARLES NAPIER'S argument, and it is
an expression of the sentiments which should actuate
every patriot who has a due regard for the value of
prudence, without by any means being an alarmist.
Satisfied of the justice and propriety of this parti-
cular course, eur efforts throughout the recent agita-
tion on the subject of the national defences have
always been made in a similar direction—anxious
as we have long been to witness the re-organization
of our land forces upon a better system
—and solicitous as we must ever continue in
reference to our maritime strength until such time
as we shall behold the regular establishment of a
standing navy, and the recognition by all parties
alike—by the people and by the Government—that the
safety of England (as it was once with Athena) is
still mainly dependent on her •Wooden Walls.

We have to announce " a great fact." The Anti-
Corn-law League has again sprung into existence,
and has already attained an active and vigorous
strength. The sinews of war are not wanting.
Within twenty-five minutes no less than 27,5001.
was subscribed, or at the rate of 1,1001. per minute,
or 18/. 6s. Bd. per second—an event, we believe, un-
paralleled in the history of any previous collection,
for any purpose whatsoever, public or private. Among
the donors were found fifteen persons, or firms, who
put down 1,0001. each, and an equal number who
gave half that amount. There were also numerous
subscribers of 5001, 250/., 2001., 150/., 100/.,
50/., &c. &c. This extraordinary proof of the wealth
and liberality of the individuals assembled on the oc-
casion is the more wonderful when we consider that
there was but little, if any, previous preparation, but
that it was the result of the ardent enthusiasm by
which one and all were animated in their unflinch-

ing resolution to oppose, by every legitimate means,
the re.impoeition of a corn-law, or any tax upon the
food of the people, whether brought forward fur the
avowed purpose of revenue or protection. We say
the " avowed purpose," for the effect and operation of
the impost would be the same in either case—
The rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
And it would not by any means reconcile the hard.
working operative to a small loaf, and a deficiency
of food for his children, were he informed that one
penny out of every shilling extracted from his pocket
went into the National Exchequer, while the remain-
ing elevenpence found its way into the pockets of the
landowners, increasing their rents, and putting an
artificial value upon their estates.
As an unequivocal and incontrovertible proof that
the ancient spirit has not in any way abated, we hail
the resuscitation of the "League" with joy. Could
there for a moment be any doubt as to the feelings
of the community, or of the result of the appeal to
the country, whenever it may come, that doubt
would be removed by " the great fact." It will also
materially influence the forthcoming elections, more
es
pectally if it observe the same strict neutrality on
all political
will
gain
the
e its
questions save that of free trade, which
had ever signalised
of
political
iurt of men of
predecessor. By so doing it
every shade and
variety
differ on other points, are
who, however they may
that the'y awr.ellat least united in their de-
terminationßey class or body of never again pay tribute to
rallying cry at the
their-hstins
fefllow.subjects. The
constituency should be in favour nefve,Ty independent
And we believe the result will be
suctihntaxted food."
the quistion from being even brought forward o . env
tehn t
House of Commons by the present or le
any future
Ministry.
The respected Chairman clearly and distinctly
showed that such was the intention by his
opening
observations. He declared that the council was sum-
moned, not because they hal to deal with a Conserva-
tive Administration, as such, "for the council repel.
(listed the smallest allusion to party politics,
whoever
T
held the reins of office." The Honourable Gentleman
the Member for the West Riding, too, in pro-
posing the first resolution, was equally
explicit, for afier declining that they,. the Leaguers,
had never sought to obtain influence over any Admi-
nistration, or to promote their own personal or selfish
ends, added—" I say this, because in now appearing
again before you I should wish it to be distinctly
understood that I propese in
' in any part I may have to
take in connexion with you in our renewed efforta, if
you should decide we are to renew them, for main-
taining the ground we have already achieved upon
this. question, to pursue precisely the same course. I
have no object in view in appearing here to serve any
party of politicises. I do not come here with the
view of taking any steps which would be likely to dia.,

place one body of men as politicians, and to place in
their situations men of another complexion in poliiics.
I disavow any such intention a hatever. I appear
here merely to advocate a cause which I believe ex-
perience has shown to be wcrtby of a single effort,
end if it please you that we shall renew our labours
we propose that it shall be under the same rules and
regulations which led us triumphantly to victory
on the last occasion, and we shall strictly con-
fine ourselves to the object for which we have now
met together."
There can, therefore, be no doubt as to the
judicious principle on which the society has been
revived. It is simply and solely as a defensive body,
to guard and maintain the position they have
achieved, to prevent any party whatsoever from as-
sailing it, or, if assailed, to repulse the besiegers with
loss and ignominy. In this policy we fully and cor-
dially concur. And our gratification would be
without alloy, were it not for the subsequent part of
Mr. COBDEN'S speech, which indicates a resolution on
his part, at least, to carry on a war of aggression,
and to attack the Government without waiting
for any movement on their side. No respite
will be allowed. The onslaught will be vigorous and
persevering; and Mr. COBDEN avows his intention
of putting the government at once to one of three
courses,—" either they must recant, fully and com-
pletely, the principle of Protection, or they must
resign their seats in the Government, or they must
dissolve Parliament." Such is the course indicated by
the Honourable Gentleman, and we must confess that
we cannot conceive one more impolitic or more op-
posed to the principles laid down in the early part of
his speech, or, we will say, more calculated to injure
the great cause of free trade which he was there to
advocate, and, we may add, the other Parliamentary,
social, and legal reforms so much required by the
country, and so strongly supported by the Honourable
Gentleman himself and his associates and coadjutors.
If ever there was a factious opposition to a Govern-
ment, it would be that suggested by Mr. Corautue.
If ever there was a line of policy directly opposed
to that system of fair play so dear to every English
heart, it would be that recommended by the Honour-
able Gentleman. He wants to control opinion, to
prevent the freedom of thought. The country has
nothing to say to the private opinions of any man, so
long as those opinions are kept within his own
bosom, and so long as he does not attempt to
carry them into practical operation by any overt
act. GOD forbid that we should ever be subjected to
such a tyranny as that men should be catechised as
to their private thoughts. The worst despotism that
ever ground a nation to the dust could do nothing
worse, or more indefensible. Lord DEBBY avowed
his own predilections and individual views
He did so honestly and openly, and although we
differ tote ccelo on these points, we give him full
credit for his manliness and candour. But, at the
same time, he declared that " the question could
only be satisfactorily solved, by reference to
the well-understood and clearly-expressed opi-
nion of the intelligent portion of the community."
He thereby clearly indicated his intention of avoiding
the question for the present, and also i❑ future,
unless there should be a well-understood and clearly-
expressed opinion in favour of his views. Why, then,
should he be attacked until he has brought forward
something repugnant to the general feeling of the
country, until he should attempt to pursue a retro-
grade course ? Mr. COBDEN would endeavour to drive
him from office, that the Whigs might be restored to
power. Let him disguise it as he will—let him
make the most plausible assertions as to political
neutrality, there can be no doubt on the point ;
indeed, he showed it too clearly to admit of miscon-
ception, when he said, " Do not doubt but that the
Government of the country will be carried on. I
do not see any necessity that we should despair of
finding other men as good as the present Ministry
in every other respect, even if they are not as
good Protectionists." We fully acknowledge
Mr. COBDEN'S great talents and the important ser-
vices he has heretofore rendered to the cause, but
still we should not suppose that the Free-traders will
submit to his dictation on every point. We
love the cause too well to suffer it to be
injured even by him, and we most sin-
cerely trust that the League will not now adopt
a line of policy totally opposed to their former
principles, and calculated to disgust and alienate
many of their strenuous supporters, and possibly to
occasion the loss of some of the incalculable advan-
tages they have already obtained for the working
classes, and, indeed, for the community in general.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris journals of yesterday.
With the exception of an article in the Assembdie
Nationale, there is nothing of interest in the original
columns of the Paris journals of this day. The article
of the Assemblie is on the rumours that have been
current of warlike intentions on the part of the
French Government. This journal says it receives
with pleasure, and places full confidence in the as-
surances of the French Government, that it is ani-
mated by a sincere desire to maintain the peace of
Europe, and will not think of war unless it be neces-
sary in defence of the honour and dignity of the
country. France, says the Assemblie, has nothing to
gain but everything to dread from a war of aggres-
sion on its side, and all that has been done during
the present century to improve the condition of so-
ciety would be destroyed, for a war would neces-
sarily revive the spirit of revolution, and at the same
time destroy all the institutions which are worth
preserving, and prevent the establishment of others
called for by the wants of the people and the progress
of intelligence.

The elections for the Seine finished on Monday.
The Constitutionnel publishes the following list :-
Ist Electoral Circumscription—MM. Guyard-De•
lalaiv, 13,310; de Tracy, 5,579 ; Dupont (de l'Eure),
3,044.

2d—MM. Devinck, 12,189; Ternaus, 4,871 ; La-
rnoriciere, 2,343.
31i—MM. Gavaignac, 14,468 ; Duperier, 12,987.
Carnot, 14,744 ; Moreau, 13,511 ; Du-
bai!, 1,139.

sth—MM. Perret, 13,474 ; Goudchaux, 12,687 ;
Moreau, 194.

6th—MM. Fouche Lepelletier, 15,360 ; Bixio,
8,630; de Montebello, 2,727.
7th—MM. Lanquetin, 14,386; Eugene Sue, 7,498.
B,h, Arrondissement of St. Denis—MM
wader, 15,458; de Lasteyrie, 5,346; Mechin' 1,186.
+9, Arrondissement of Sceaux—MM. Veron,
21,371; Garnon, 603 ; de Lasterie, 56,
These results must not be considered as positive
until after the final examination. In the 4th and sth
circumscriptions neither of the candidates appears to
to have had the necessary majority to secure his
election. A very slight error, however,'made in the
calculation of the blank bulletins will be sufficient to
Secure to M. Perret the necessary majority.
It has been stated that M. CUCHEVAL-CLARIGNY,
one of the editors of the Constitutionnel, had come
forward at Valenciennes, in opposition to the Govern-
ment candidate. The Minister of the Interior, says
the Presse, has thought proper to interfere, and the
journals of Valenciennes have in consequence pub-
lished the following telegraphic despatch:—
" The Minister of the Interior to the Prefect of the
Nord—The Cosstitutionnel has very inconsiderately
supported the candidateship of M. Cucheval-Clarigny
for Valenciennes; its articles are contrary to the inten-
tions of the Government. Disavow the candidateship of
M. Cuch,:lval-Carigny, and warmly support that of M.
Leniire."

This is no slight snub to the Constitutionnel, not-
withitanding that its director, Dr. VERON, has been
allowed to be nominated for the ninth arrondisse-
ment of the city.
Returns, favourable to the Government, have been
received from the follohing places :—Bourge3, Dijon,
Blois, Chateauroux, Nievre, Lisle, Valenciennes,
Calais, Rouen, and I'oitier.
MM. KLEBER and DE VALORY, confined for politi-
cal reasons at Belle Isle, have obtained leave to be
transferred to the citadel of Doullens, where they
arrived on the 26th ult.
The Aloniteur contains a decree, which, recog-
nising the immovability of judges, obliges members
of the Court of Cessation to retire at seventy-five
Yg"rs of age, and the judges of courts of appeal and
otherA66tg.
i)magistrates,3
Public
Ln Bourse was more than usually animated, and
tcc•
oritt
is•ciscope.
fo: securities
eeamst
I:rsoafte. a
si
loconsiderably. d
aTll,oo4:l.:l4.oeo.,pfoerr
5 21. 501e1
month; the Three per Cents.. closed at
•
Paris anti LaDyno(df.s:32°,EA7 ;Great Northeirni,4sst9..Br•R°7ubecn.:
Bordeaux, 47014 f
and Nancea, 303..t...11817iN. Paris
cd
LISNA
ar "Gaut sEru,
and
jsL:o9imeo2gf2.:. f ;r67:51..r.5;
LONDON se.:o; crultz9:(s:of.;
BUI3OSuINiognESeS
Parisens,
North Northers oLfyonF3r,an,elyQe,2p9.).i_i:
Straet►onrg, 19 LA—Rouen and
Ila
vre, I(ll,4—Tours and
Nantes, 9. pu:ar'lsts:::7l
ands houen:2l3;_e Sa
:_iienesnaßtaAonl:Djuicigne' 310 t. ;

MARCH LOWESTOI7 =ARCH 2.—A:- ------
tcn miles off ;:iollthViOld. Wreck hL3 been passed