The Sun.
London, England, 1852-04-23 00:00:00

DAILY WEATHER TABLE.

State of the Wind and Weather at each of the following
plam at Nina o'clock yesterday morning.—The stations
are arranged in order of latitude,.

PLystouTH —Wind S.E., calm—rain.
Posasatount—Wind E., strong breeze—partially cloudy.
liasrmas—Wind E.S E., gentle breeze—cloudless.
Sou tnaan-rori—Wind S.E., strong breeze—partially cloudy.
F,rolamrromt—Wind N.E., light breeze—partially cloudy.
as Wind S.E.. strong breeze--ctoudless.
!iILENIVICH—Wind N.E.. gentle breeze—partially cloudy.
E., strong breeze—cloudless.
SVIIMON—Wind S., gentle breeze—cloudless.
9:SI4RTES--Wind E., gentle breeze—partially cloudy.
k..astettmaa—Wind S. E., strong breeze—partially cloudy.
Yams. Guru—Wind S.E , strong oreeae—cloudless.
L.a.‘c.aszEn.--.llfind S. E., strong breeze—partially cloudy.
DA ni.n(GTON—W ind S., strong breeze—partially cloudy.
The returns from the following places indicate the state of
the wind and weather on Wednesday morning at nine
o'clock :

Latuaca—Wind S. strong breeze—overcast_
alba-Low—Wind S.W., hard wind cloudy.
MeLLINGAR— Wind S.W., strong breeze—partially cloudy.
S.E., calm—principally clear.
wormr— Wind S.W., gentle breeze—principally clear.
atauxororr— wind S., gentle breeze—cloudless.
s —Wind S.S.E., calm— overcast.
toarroc K—Wind S., gentle breeze—partially cloudy_

%,
Ize;
4_:,- tt'.:711,'';),,1-:'-,-.CA---4 •:,7;:.'
4.117;; ~,,&1_ -,,.,-.;INf•-
,A?).----\z,.,•14-'ts„l' 74: '''*,,,
4.----, . ..„,--t,), _ .7-3,;(;;;,7,,,,:•,...,.._\_,v.i:4,4--; /VI
''-';' ~, i.,, ^IV ..-.., , g , . • ' Jiitou :4C, ....,..-

4 ,

LONDON FRIDAY. APRIL 23, 1852.

Against the motion which is coming on this even-
ing for the second reading of the Militia Bill, it is
expected that there will he extraordinary opposition.
Not merely is it undentood that Lord JOUN RUSSELL
whi oppose the measure suggested by the ilomt
Sa-
CIIITARY, but there are likewise confident expecta-
tions that the same antwoni,,tic, view will be taken
by other members of the late Administration.
Already have been Int.cribed on the books of the House
Carnmons three distinct notices of amendment, to
be respectively proposed by the representatives of
Westminster, Richmond, and Manchester. Perhaps,
of ell these projected amendments, the moat brief is
the moot comprehensive, that of Mr. AluasEit Gus-
sox, suggestive "That this House is of opinion that it
is not expedient to proceed with the Militia Bill in the
present Parlitunent." The amendment next in bre-
vity, if not also in importance, is the one proposed by
Mr. Itlcif, " That the effective support of our regular
'may will be best maintained, and at the least inter-
ference with the industrial pursuits of the population,
by measures adapted to increase the numbers and
efficiency fit' our„f present reserve force, or battalions
uutT.'•, While the most elaborate, awl con-
sequently the least
calcuiated to prove effectual as an
obstruction to the
JiiSTY'S Governmetl:eature introduced by her MA-
this eveninl:4. s;r+ DE
is that intended to be advocated
"That though iume,iiLate-tcY EVANS, maintaining i
dation 0f the existing militia laws and consoli-
sable, in order to give the (Itt"" may be indispen-
;eorment the ower of !
promptly resorting to the ley
sadden
oft hat
lla
jEsTde,n de-
scription in case of necessity, Rn;
unfore-
seen hostile attempt against her
dominions
will be most economically and efficiently I 3
tro:ilded for,
voizteepursuits
and with least interruption to the indwA
of the people, by regular troops and
Ike. it tbietefiiire _becomes a duty OA the rs and
part Qf the

Government to afford every honourable acceptance,
encouragement, and assistance in respect to the patriotic
offers for the formation of the latter corps." From the
wording of these three amendments, it will be mani-
fest that the most rational suggestion, the only rational
suggestion according to our opinion, has not been
whispered about by those opponents of the Militia
Bill who are still impressed with the necessity of
making some large improvement in our system of
national defences. As we have intimated, however,
the gist of the whole question may be regarded as
comprehended within the compass of the pithy and
suggestive motion framed by the Right Hon. Gentle-
man the Member for Manchester. His argument,
possibly, in adopting this particular course of opposi-
tion, may be that by thus summarily ridding the
country of the chance of an enactment so unpopular
as the Militia Bill introduced by Mr. WALPOLE, he
would not merely be satisfying the anxiety
felt by many lest this measure should actually
become an enactment, but would be indefinitely post-
poning the consideration of our position as an island
presenting innumerable opportunities for invasion
until such time as a really judicious scheme was sub-
mitted to the Legislature by some more regularly
stabilitsted Government.

A standing navy we have long asserted to be the
most rational means of defending England against
military invasions from the continent. This, never-
theless, is not precisely the moment for the
enforcement of the views entertained by us in
this particular. What remains to be decided just
now is, not so much whether the extension, or at any
rate the re-organization of our maritime force is de-
sirable, but whether Mr. WALFOLE'S Militia Bill is
to be read a second time to-night, and subsequently
forwarded as expeditiously as possible through the
various subsequent stages required to be passed by an
Act .of Parliament. Almost every one is agreed
that the national defences are in their present state
altogether inadequate. The necessity for some speedy
and comprehensive change, in the way of being pre-
pared against any continental assault, has for a con-
siderable time past been universally acknowledged.
The Duke of 'WELLINGTON was about the first to as-
sert the peril of our situation—and not very many,
we feel assured, will be disposed to emulate the
Member for the West Riding of York-
shire in ridiculing the sentiments entertained
upon this subject by the brave old veteran. Sir
FRANC IS HEAD entered soon afterwards into a de-
tailed exposition of the propriety of thcse words of
warning which the COMMANDER-IN•CHIEF had
solemnly addressed to the nation through his
memorable letter to Sir Joan BURGOYNE. Little
reason, indeed, remains for any deliberate argument
upon a matter now totally removed beyond the need
of serious demonstrations.
Demonstrations, however, of another kind, have
been deemed advisable, and these consequently
have taken place of late in various quarters of the
United Kingdom. There have been, for example,
enthusiastic meetings in Edinburgh and Liverpool,
in Bath and Birmingham, in Scarborough
and IN olverhampton, besides others in equally
scattered parts of the country, for the purpose
of protesting against the intended enactment
for the re-organization of the militia. Whe-
ther the Bill in question be carried forward
in defiance of this out-of-door opposition is
a point the turning upon which will have to be
decided by the magnitude and energy of this evening's
in-door opposition. As we have all along main-
tained—the advisability of introducing very
considerable improvements into the system of
the national militia is no less obvious than the pro-
priety of extending, in regard to the Royal
Navy and the Marine Artillery, the more im-
portant among our national defences. But
against a measure as arbitrary and ex-
travagant as that propounded by the present
Home SEC BET ARY, it is only reasonable that the
spirit of the whole country should be roused
with indignation. Moderate changes let us
have in the militia, by all means, but not
changes so preposterously unnecessary ; and with
these moderate changes let us also have a standing
navy, and England may then laugh to seem the pro-
jects of invasion conjured up by adventurers in the
French army or in the French marine—projects
hatched by the temerity of a JOIN VILLE or the am-
bition of a CHANGARNIER.

Mr. MILNER Glimam has entitled himself to the
marked thanks and gratitude of the community for
the consummate ability with which he exposed the im-
policy and injustice of the several taxes on know-
ledge. The Right Hon. Gentleman, indeed, brought
forward an overpowering case in favour of the aboli-
tion of these iniquitous imposts. A most gracious re-
ception, too, was accorded to his statement, which
distinctly and unequivocally proved the state of
feeling among men of all parties on these interesting
questions ; but there was a circumstance of even still
greater importance perceptible during the discussion.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, by his ob-
servations, showed that he himself was fully sensible
of the e►ils of the existing system, and that, if his
tongue were sealed for the present, by the official
etiquette which forbids a partial revelation respecting
fiscal matters until the whole Budget be brought
forward, his feelings and wishes are strongly in fa-
vour of the removal of these obnoxious charges.
The difference between the Financial Minister of
England and his immediate predecessor could not have
been exhiiii!ed in a stronger light. Mr. DISRAELI,
in place of relying on the obsolete fallacies in
which Sir CHARLES WOOD rejoiced, and
largely availed himself of, declared at the very
commencement of his speech, not only for himself
but also for his colleagues, that they " had no fear or

apprehension with respect to the influence of the
press." They did not participate in the " sinister
feelings" by which others were actuated. They re-
garded the propositions merely in a financial point of
view, admitting the great hardship of the case, and
willing to take into their best consideration any prac-
ticable mode of relief. This candid and fair confes-
sion considerably clears the ground for future occa-
sions. It gets rid of the principal argument relied
on by the sticklers for ancient abuses, and allows each
of these questions to rest on its true foundation. We
shall henceforward hear no more twaddle respecting
the licentiousness of the press, or the necessity of re-
pression—of something, in fact, approaching to a
censorship. The subject must rest on a very differ-
ent basis, and there can now remain but little doubt
as to the ultimate result.
On one of the points, indeed, the Right Honourable
Gentleman, although giving no pledge, so clearly and
unequivocally intimated his views, that we may almost
already congratulate the country on the speedy repeal
of the advertisement duties. The amount realized
by the Exchequer from the last-mentioned unequal
and oppressive charge does not exceed 160,0001. per
annum. Its repeal may, therefore, easily be accom-
plished without the necessity of procuring a substi-
tute, while the larger proceeds of the other charges
require much greater care and consideration.
The simultaneous announcement that the financial
statement would be definitively brought forward on this
day week entitled the Right Honourable Gentleman
to the indulgence which he claimed, viz., that
until after that general exposition be should
particularo
not be hampered by a vote on a
subject, which should be dealt with not merely
on
its individual merits, but in reference to the
general fiscal question. Men of all parties re-
cognised the justice of the demand, and a
feeling of general gratification was apparent.
It was Mr. WAKLEY that proposed the adjournment
of the debate, which was seconded by Mr. Conners,
and unanimously adopted. All were pleased—and,
for thc time being, at least, satisfied. Whether they
will remain so, after Friday, the 30th inst., is another
question ; but it is something to know that on that day
we shall be enlightened on every fiscal point. We shall
know what is to be done and what must be left un-
done ; what relief will be granted and what met be
left to a future time, and also the comparative chances
of the different remedial measures which Lava
each and all their respective admirers and advocates.
it would scarcely be fair to anticipate or to deprive
the Right Hon. Gentleman of the merit of intro-
ducing his own Budget. We may, however, without
arrogating to ourselves any extraordinary powers
of vaticination, venture to assert that the
advertisement duty will be altogether repealed, and
that some hope, at least, will beheld out as to the mo-
di6ellti?4 e9F,,,1)94094_ 91, per duties and

stamps on journals. We also believe that there'
will be a considerable alteration in Schedule
D., that the income-tax will be materially
modified. Mr. DISRAELI has not as yet been suffi-
ciently exposed to what, judging from the conduct of
some of his predecessors, we can only term the " de-
moralising" influences of his office, to dis-
regard every feeling of justice and honour.
He will not lend the sanction of his name
to gross and palpable " confiscation," for inequitable
imposts deserve no other title, merely because they
produce so many thousands or even so many mil-
lions per annum. The entire state of the finances
will be ably reviewed, and although he
may not be able to go to the full
extent of his wishes, or of what the exi-
gencies of the case demand, we shall at least
then have some indications to enable us to judge of
the general fiscal and commercial policy of the
party, now that they have unequivocally abandoned
every idea of a bread tax. We await that state-
ment anxiously, prepared to make every allowance for
the difficulties of the position in which the Right
Honourable Gentleman is placed. But it must in-
clude a repeal of the advertisement duties and a mo-
dification of Schedule D. With those, and no effort to

impose additional Customs duties, and the indications
of a sound policy, the nation may be well contented.
The people will then see that they did not sustain
any great loss in the expulsion of the Wnigs,
and that those who deprecated a factious opposi-
tion to the existing Government were not betray-
ing the popular interest. One thing, at least,
is certain. The Whigs will be greatly improved by
their temporary secession, and the community will
receive benefits which they could never have obtained
but for the change.