The Sun.
London, England, 1852-08-20 00:00:00

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LONDON, FRIDAY• AUGUST 20, 1852.

It cannot be repeated too often, that upon the can-
dour with which her MAJESTY'S Ministers recognise
the necessities of the times are dependent their con-
tinuance in office and the consolidation of the exist-
ing Government. Hitherto the country has had no
opportunity whatever of estimating the intentions of
the Cabinet so far as to conjecture with any degree of
accuracy the nature of the policy about to be adven-
tured upon by the Administration. For the disci°.
aura of their views we have all of us been anxi-
°ltaly looking forward ever since last February.
Until now, without any other results, save
those o
f procrastination and disappointment. Meg-
nanrait
session L P ompted us during the last Parliamentary
time.,
untilallowthe
the Ministry peacefully to " bide its
in some hueredifficulties of its position had been
measure
zeauished. It was felt that before
any delilea_e ate a
Ministerial Policy could comprehensive revelation of the
be reasonably demanded from
the Earl of Deit"a
to make
colleagues, they should be
first of all permitted
enable a formal appeal to
country, so as to the
proposed plans to 2 them to submit their
new Parliament. .vir'eulLonsideration of a
been now formally elected_was
a Parliament has
w. hat wiser is the
nation at this moment than it walls
Go:e'rZ mouths ago es
the policy of the DERRY
to
le4rllt, of course, that the Cabinet haanelLent? It has
doped the enfJrcement upon the Legisrfaets_slY ahm.
obsolete principles of Protection. But it knees
of. the
ago that such must inevitably be the case_e, long 1
"counted 1
upon that change, and wisely, with implicit confl- 1
deuce. Beyond this i-, knows for certain--absolutely i
nothing. It can only reson in the matter
upon simple probabilities. According to the natural
deductions thus capable of being drawn—it appears
likely that the Cabinet will be in favour of a variety
of important reforms long and fervently desired by
the population. Legal reforms, indeed, have been
explicitly promised by the Government. Sanitary
reforms have been hinted at. Fiscal reforms have
been shown to be already , ' looming in the future,"
according to the
now well-known phrase
of the CHANCELL9L oz
~ . the EXCHEQUER. Fur-
‘.•"-- --„i 1
,LIF-‘'''\
W.\
fr.,.
S•V i:!:„4 ••• . .••.••• 4
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fit
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ther than this, the people have been left only to
conjecture. In several instances it is true
that, notwithstanding the obdurate silence
of the Cabinet, the more discerning speculators in the
future may count with something like certainty upon
the unfolding of other projects by the present Minis-
try consonant with the spirit of the age and compa-
tible with the wishes of the general community. Yet
still, in all this, however plausible may be the aspect
of likelihood, nothing more in the matter is left to the
country than the most unsatisfactorily vague anticipa-
tions. Besides the reforms already specified as of a
legal, a fiscal, and a sanitary character—the best that
can be said of any other is that such and such
a thing is "probable." Surely this dubious position
of affairs has been quite long enough protracted !
Surely its further continuance at indefinite intervals
is precisely the very thing calculated to give rise to
the most disastrous consequences ! And what pos-
sible good result we should like to know can be
expected from these prpetual delays either to the
Ministers themselves or to their supporters in the
new Parliament ? So far from the circumstance
referred to being favourable in any way to the
- Government, it is, perhaps, of all, the most effectual
' means of marring the Ministerial hopes of the mem-
bers of Lord DERBY'S Administration. If continued
much longer, it must necessarily diminish even their
restricted popularity. Everybody seems to be per-
fectly aware of this except her MAJESTY'S Ministers
themselves ! After tantalizigng the community
procrastinat ,
theyby a
hs earvi
ee s
again of the e f
emr
reesat
mageoentiinzign the newly-elected repre-
sentatives until a period in the ensuing autumn when
the year will be too far advanced for any lengthened
or satisfactory explanation.
October must have almost elapsed before the
House of Commons can have assembled in West-
minster, to hear from the Right Honourable
the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER that
the Cabinet will "positively for the last
time"—like a sort of Ministerial Crummles—
delay the disclosure of their intended policy
until the spring of 1853 has again brought the Im-
perial Legislators together for the dispatch of busi-
ness. The public were heartily tired of
this four or five weeks since. They have
come at last to regard it e 3 simply in-
tolerable. Will the Earl of DERBY recognise the
truth of this assertion and the peril of this system,
before its continuance has placed the difficulty of the
task entrusted to his Government beyond the
reach of reparation ? Unless some change
be very speedily manifested in this particular by the
leaders of the Administration, the days of the new
Cabinet must be regarded as already numbered.
The public will not consent to witness with in-
difference the dilatory proceedings by which the
present occupants of office appear to be guarding
themselves against the dangers of a legislative en-
counter with their political antagonists. There is
an old story, familiar enough in itself to be
only hinted at to be understood, about the
ostrich hiding its head in the sand by way of secur-
ing its effectual concealment. Has no ostrich wan-
dered into Downing-street ? Westminster is
just now in all conscience sufficiently a
wilderness ! And, although the luxury of
a " tenpenny nail" cannot possibly be found
very easily in the vicinity of St. Margeeet's—abund-
ance may be readily discovered in the shape of " tax."
Whatever Ministers may think about the convenience
of delays, they will find rather earlier than
they expect the mistake of these postpone-
ments. England cannot submit much longer
to be committed to these amusing evesions on the part
of her more remarkable statesmen. The Cabinet
certain of best securing her sympathies and com-
manding her confluence would be a Cabinet manfully
outspoken, not one cruelly and pertinaciously taci-
turn. The people of these islands like, if possible,
to know what are really the sentiments by which
their rulers are actuated. They become naturally
suspicious of men who avoid, by every imagi-
nable device, the necessity of expounding their
political doctrines to the community. A Ministry
acting thus without intermission " is safe" to acquire
an unenviably sinister reputation. Will the DERRY
Administration consent to dwindle to that
insignificance ? It commenced its existence
with a bet' in g eminently chivalrous. Its
distinguished leader spoke as became a STANLEY
in February. Since which time the Earl of DEBBY
appears to have lapsed into a silence as profound as that
of the ruined Oracle of Delphos. Until the general
election had been completed there was every reason for
this delay of Ministerial explanations. Now that the full
complement of representatives hts bean returned to
that remarkable vessel of the State H.M.S. the Lower
House of Parliament, there remains no longer any
sort of excuse for the permanence of this " silent
system" by the Noble Earl at the head of the Govern-
ment. Let him make a clean breast of it, and receive
—if he can—the national absolution.

The Town Council of Leeds, at their last sitting,
opened a very important questi6n, namely, that of
commercial law consolidation. It bad previously rb-
ceived the notice of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce,
by whom, indeed, the co-op ration of the Municipal
Council was solicited.

1
Sir GEORGE GOODMAN (lately Mayor of Lee3s,
end now Alderman and M.P. for the borough),
opened the question by reading communications
addressed to the Mayor by the Earl of HARROWBY
and others, on the subject of the amendment and
consolidation of commercial law, it being important
that the commercial laws of England, Ireland, and
Scotland, should be made to assimilate. He con-
sidered that by simplifying and consolidating these
laws, and by abrogating the present conflicting
and, in some instances, extremely pernicious
laws, in regard to commerciel matters,
great benefit would be conferred on the
community. Other members of the Council agreed
with Sir GEORGE as to the importance of settling
this question, upon which a conference is to be held
in London, with the co-operation of the Earl of Hen-
Rownv (creditably known, when representative of Li-
verpool, for bis knowledge of commercial matters),
and many leading merchants, traders, manufacturers,
and jurists. The Town Clerk, in reply to a question,
said that he considered that the Chamber of Com-
merce, and the Town Council, was the proper body to
take up questions of this matter, and inform the public
mind Upon its merits. He " thought the Council's
tit" should not be taken up with these questions !"
Eventually
thont common sense prevailed over official and
legala
yands,iseaenndtietnhte._fo,l,loTwbiantg
tmhioet icoonunwoails
will
lried
wi
be
happy to concur with.
pressing upon the consideration
the amendment
cial law of England,
" I do not think," said
Council's time should be taken up
ques-
tions." If it bad been a disputeuPas
lace upon the uniform of a
preference of "shall" mr.reTland, and Scotland."
police in
to "will" •
anything of that sort, it would b
the Chamber
artimofele.nytie Commercei.ay or
and of the Government
conslolidation of the commer-
Clerk, "that the
with these
to the amount of
inapt or the
in a is
~
I import-
ant with it
ant for "the Council's time to be taken
But as it only involves a Reform which cannot fail to.
be of the greabst moment to the whole of the com-
mercial world, it must be cushioned at Leeds 1 we
are glad that the Council had the good sense not to
act upon the dry dictum of their Town Clerk. They'
have unanimously resolved that they will co-operate
with their head Chamber of Commerce in pressing
upon the consideration of Government the amend-
ment and consolidation of the commercial law of
England, Ireland, and Scotland.
The subject might he vastly extended—for why
should not all the general laws of the United King-
dom be in operation in each part of it ? Why
should the legal procedure in each country be dif-
ferent ? Why should written evidence be required
inmost of the civil suits in Scotland, while parole
. evidence is properly received in the English courts of
law? Why should not the laws of marriage and
divorce be the same all through the United King" 1
e principle should
El d n
gtlha the d bankruptcy
upo upon
dora ? Why
s
angyotshteemr bine
on an•
Scotland ? Why,• sameliving under one and the
Government
should not there , and speaking the same language,
ordinances in
evebe community of legal practice and
We are as
much ry part of the United Kingdom ?
we were i
-EL the broken up by this discrepancy es ms
under each petty ruler. In
with different systems
In the words of DOGBERRY, I
~ This is most tolerable and not to be endured:, i

No one can know, except the mercantile and com-
mercial classes, what a vast extent of mischief arises
from the difference between the commercial laws of
England, Ireland, end Scotland. Pecuniary loss,
great as it often is, may be estimated as the
least of the annoyance. Even in the port
of London, the Fellowship Porters have a monopoly
which prevents the unloading and discharging of
ships' cargoes, save by a favoured few. Other ports
have equally absurd and expensive and annoying
practices. But these are minor points. What we
require is the entire amendment and consolidation of
the commercial law of the United Kingdom. The
way of obtaining this does not appear very difficult.
The question must be extensively and publicly agi-
tated. There must be meetings, and speeches, and
resolutions. The Chambers of Commerce should
have unity and industry of action upon it. The
leading points of the question must be diffe-sed
through the press, in the plainest and most unmis-
takable manner. Funds must be supplied to cover
expenses—but the money part is that of which we
have least apprehension. Members of Perlis-
ment must be seen, and solicited, and in-
terested in the matter. The Government, finally,
must be communicated with, and in a manner which
will show them the necessity, on the points of justice
and expediency, of taking up the question with a
view to its being fully and sembingly investigated.
On a public topic like this, when strongly brought
before them, the Government must become " squeez-
able." If the Chambers of Commerce are unanimous,
and firm in proceeding with their " Agitation" herein,
though " the Council's time should not be taken up"
with this question, Ministers and the Legislature
cannot successfully resist or prevent the reform which
is sought for. It is now a mere question of flagrant
evil, involving numerous losses, and vexations and
annoyances, and when such matters reach a certain
head they cannot longer be endured. It is a matter
of time, but its finale is certain.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris papers of yesterday.
M. TRIERS arrived in Paris on Tuesday.
The Moniteur contains a decree from the PRESI-
DENT of the Republic, promoting M. ABATUCCY,
Minister of Justice, and M. BILLAULT, President of
the Legislative Corps, to the rank of officers of the
Legion of Honour.
The illonitcur also contains a decree according to
the St. Germaine Company permission to execute a
railway from the St. Germaine terminus at Paris to
Passey and Auteuil, on the same conditions as have
been already granted for the main line.
A letter from Geneva announces that M. DE
REMusAT, who was in Switzerland when he heard of
the permission accorded him to return to France, at
once set off for his estate in the Haute Garonne. The
same letter announces that M. CHANatoLLE was about
to leave Vevey, where he has keen residing, and re-
turn to France with his family.
The Intera Public of Caen states that on the occa-
sion of theft.* of the 15th the PRINCE PRESIDENT
hag pardoned thirty prisoners confined in the prison
at Beaulieu.
The Archbishop of PARIS, who has left Paris on a
journey into Germany, has taken the Strasburg
Railway, and will, it is said, go through Holland, to
Vienna, and return to France through Belgium.
The PRINCE PRESIDENT, on the report of the
Minister of Foreign Affairs, hes just conferred the
cross of chevalier in the Legion of Honour on the
Maestro VERDI of Parma, the author of Ernani, the
Foscari, and other operas.
We read in the Emancipation of Brussels —" The
opening of the railway from Paris to Strasburg has
been, as might reasonably be expected, the subject of
serious comments among political men in Germany.
A Berlin journal, the IVehr-Zeitung has just pub-
lished an article on the subject, which hrs it is
said, caused some sensation among military
men. Let it be remembered,' says the article
in question, what was the plan of campaign con-
ceived by NAPOLEON in 1800, and afterwards modi-
fied in different points by MoREAtT. The left bank of
the Rhine from Strasburg to Bile WPS to be the basis
of operation of the army of invasion. Strasburg, in
fact, will always remain the principal stronghold,
and the point of support of the left wing of the army.
This place is now only a few hours' distance from
Paris. France may in a few days concentrate an
army behind the Rhine, and all the resources of the
country, troops, money, and provisions, r-e all near
the seat of operations.' There is nothing new in
these remarks. E France can make use of railways
to attack, Germany can also use them to defend. All
the importance of these discussions is in the idea
which might b 3 attributed, if not to the two nations,
at lei ,t to the Governments which preside over the
destinies of France and Germany. So long rs it is
known that Germany is rea-ly to rep 1 with energy
any army which should threaten her ter.:tory, en in-
vasion by Strasburg is not tl be fe?”ed. Besides, the
policy of France continues to be satisfactory."
dTchloes}e'douart-alnod4-I.a-8101ca.iffoprerthCeenentsd.
Government Scnuales were more film at the Bourse
ot cpl -ednaeyd t hate nloy4efs. t6?.or. de
ay.
of the month; the Three per Cents, closed at 755.
65c ; Orleans Rrtilway Shares, 1,4071. 500.; Rouen,
870 t.; Havre, 3651.; Grclt Northern, 657 f. 50c.; Avig-
non, 475 f.; Basle, 302 f. 50c.; Paris and Strasburg,
651 f, 25c.; Paris and Lyons, 757 f. 50c.; Wesiern of
Fiance, 600 f.; St. Dizier to Gray, 5401.

BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE
LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, AUG. 19.
Dijon and Besanqon, 2 %—East Indian, 26 7/B—Great In-
dian Peninsula, 654--Grand Junction of France, 51A
Madras, 2% p.—Namur and Liege, 6%—Northern of France,
26 %—Orleans and Bordeaux,lB Sambre and Meuse, 7.

SPAIN.
We have received Madrid journals of the 14th.
They contain nothing worth extracting.
MADRID BOURSE, AUG. 14.—Three per Cents. 45i ;
Exchange on London, 50 85 paper.