The Sun.
London, England, 1852-02-19 00:00:00

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LONDON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1852.

Fortunately for the country, there are no lack of
opportunities for bringing about the destruction of
the present most inefficient and unpopular Govern-
ment. In various departments the members of the
Administration have shown their inefficiency. Con-
spicuous, however, among those remarkable delin-
quents are, of course, as is very well known, the
COLONIAL SECRETARY and the CHANCELLOR of the
EXCHEQUER. With the "financial imbecility" of
the latter the community is unhappily but too fami-
liarly acquainted. The "Brick-dust Budget," for
one thing, was bad enough, but even that was sur-
passed last session by the double budget, so long, so
!oudly, and so deservedly ridiculed by the population.
It would have been well for the political reputation
of Sir CHARLES WOOD had his tenure of power been
as brief as that of the present Earl of Ripon when
Lord GODERICH. The people would not then have
been afforded such reiterated and damning evi-
dence of an incapacity now notorious throughout
the United Kingdom. Such, however, has been
the lamentable destiny of the Right Hon. Baronet,
the Member for Halifax, that his shortcomings as an
administrator have been made miserably apparent by
a series of the most blundering acts ever adventured
upon by a:Chancellor of the Exchequer. Earl GREY
has obtained a no less unenviable unpopularity,
though his has been acquired by a very
different course of proceeding. Instead of the
do-nothing system of Sir' CHARLES WOOD, the
Noble Lord at the Colonial-office has adopted a
policy of the most interfering character, a character
at once remarkable for its display of precipitancy and
intemperance. Insomuch has this been the case that
the affairs of the several dependencies of the Crown
have become more or less embroiled at intervals
during the period of his singularly mistaken admi-
nistration. Perhaps the most melancholy instance of
this is the one recently afforded by:,the outbreak of
hostilities once more between the authorities at the
Cape and the natives of Kafirland. This revival of
war in Southern Africa, as the people of England
are already aware, is entirely and directly attribut-
able to the course pursued by Earl GREY in the con-
duct of our colonial administration. Yet, though
himself the culpable party, the Colonial Secretary
has taken upon himself the responsibility of recalling
a distinguished officer like Sir HARRY SMITH, an-
nouncing his degradation from the rank of Governor,
in terms justifiable, we conceive, under no circum-
stances whatever. The recal of Sir HARRY we look
upon as the certain means of ultimately;and we think
also speedily, leading to the equally peremptory dis-
missal of the Colonial Secretary himself. A more
flagrant case of injustice cannot be recorded against
her MAJESTY'S Government. The cruelty of the
tone in which Earl GREY'S notorious dispatch was
couched removes from our mind, moreover, all
anxiety of wounding the feelings of the Noble Lord
by the manner in which all parties should now, we
conceive, unite in bringing about his own discom-
fiture.
By the harshness of his official language, by the
unpardonable injustice of his course towards the
late Governor of the Cape Colony, by his disinge-
nuous arguments, by his precipitancy, his indelicacy,
and his (we fear wilful) misrepresentation in.the mat-
ter at issue, Earl GREY has removed himself alto-
gether beyond the limits of the popular sympathies.
The opinions, moreover, which have been expressed by
his Grace the Duke of WELLINGTON, opinions in the
strongest manner commendatory of the military
proceedings of the very man whose capacity as a
commander has been so ungracefully assailed by
the Noble Civilian at the head of the Colonial
Department,
place the latter statesman in a
positiono
yet more painful and extraordinary
ambarrasstaeat Already
than once te• Iready we have referred more
pube miicatter here again brought by our-
selves under
question to revert
to
the subject
; but we are in-
ducedu e tt ai
mt becauseniesnsatus
issue at
cease
s f
se
ehovau el
reiteratingrlr every
e na svea
witnessi ol
.f
its importance ; and we
shall
resignation our views upon the
;chat is yet more desirable, the collect'
of power by Earl
either
ropportunity
individual
I
bweth
foundole of the existing
G R
EElsewhere resignation o of
willth eGovernment.ive
in ithpre, • this
evening of this
evening a letter (in reference to the dismissal of
Sir HARRY SMITH from the Government of the
Cape), addressed to ourselves by an esteemed and
valued correspondent. Viewing the case in Point
dispassionately, the writer is compelled to regard the
harsh and intemperate dispatch of Earl GREY an-
nouncing the recall of his Excellency, as affording
another and a crowning testimony of the rashness
and incapacity visible in the whole conduct of
our Colonial Administration. From the lucidity
with which the various stages of this most
lamentable transaction are enumerated in due se-
quence, from the candour with which the whole pro-
ceedings have been recounted in the communication
here specified, we are sanguine that is will be pe-
rused with the attention to which it is eminently en-
titled, more particularly as, in addition to this, it
will render all who may happen still to be dimly and
inadequately acquainted with the facts of the case
aware of their full import and their general ten-
dency. With our correspondent we look forward

with eager anxiety to:: ;the ulterior result of this
shameful, and yet, at the same time, shameless in-
stance of the despotism indulged in by the Colonial
Secretary.

We have repeatedly directed attention to the pro-
priety of establishing a public prosecutor, who should
conduct, at the public expense, all cases of import-
ance. Owing to the absence of such a functionary
there might very possibly be a failure of justice,
through the inability of the injured party to sustain
the heavy expenses incidental to the efficient conduct
of the proceedings. Such things have but too fre-
quently happened, and are of almost daily occurrence.
There are but few persons who, having already
sustained heavy pecuniary losses, will look
to the benefit of the community, rather than their
own private interests. Propositions for settlement
will, therefore, be listened to even at the eleventh
hour, and it is unfortunately but too notorious that
private arrangements, if judiciously introduced, will
receive the sanction of the Court, and be rendered
effectual.

There are, however, sometimes to be found indivi-
duals who, disregarding every selfish feeling, look
only to the public advantage, who will devote time
and money to the exposure of a swindling system,
by which they have been, and other persons simi-
larly circumstanced may be victimised, who with
the true John Bull spirit, will sacrifice themselves
for the good of their country. Such persons, how-
ever, may sometimes be found, and it is really too
bad that they should be subjected to serious ex-
penses for their patriotic exertions. They contri-
bute their proportion to the liquidation of the na-
tional liabilities and the maintenance :4 the na-
tional establishments, and are, theoretically, entitled
to full protection for person and property. Prac-
tically, however, if injured in either, the second loss
may prove the greater of the two ; and more may
be expended in bringing criminals to •justice than
the party may have, originally lost by their mis-
conduct.

The subject to which we have alluded received a
strong illustration in a case—the QUEEN v. FEUILLAN
and DENlS—which was tried yesterday at the Guild-
hell, iu the city of London. Two persons named FEUIL-
LAN and DENIS were indicted for obtaining goods under
false pretences from Mr. H. SILVESTEE, a corn and
flour factor, having a stand at the Corn Exchange
and an office at 59, Fenchurch-street, in the City,
and also for a conspiracy to defraud that gentlemen.
It appeared that FEUILLAN had figured under various
names, as LAFITTE and Co., and BEETTE and Co.,
that he had been indicted at the Old Bailey, and
was under the surveillance of the Trade Protection
Society and of " detective" officers. peels,
the other defendant, had previously maintained
a good character, but it was shown in
the course of the trial that he bad been repeatedly
cautioned as to the character of FEUILLAN, apprised
that he was a swindler, applied to respecting debts
which the former had incurred, and actually sued
on a bill of exchange, of which he was himself the
drawer and FEUILLAN the acceptor. Notwithstanding
these repeated warnings, Mr. DENIS still persisted in
vouching to the high character of his associate and
his perfect trust worthiness and responsibility.
Among others, Mr. SILVESTEE, was selected as a
victim. FEUILLAN, who had, through the high cha-
racter given to him by DENIS, obtained an agree-
ment for a lease of a house at No. 87, High-street,
Marylebone, looked at some samples belonging to
Mr. SILVESTEE, and expressed his high approval.
He gave a reference to DENIS, who was a wine
merchant, carrying on business at Lime-street,
in the City, in order that the owner might
be satisfied as to his solvency before he
gave the usual credit in the trade, one month.
The prosecutor appears to have exhibited the greatest
caution. There was none of that reckless seeking
after business that has so often and so justly been
condemned by judges. Never was a compliment
more justly merited than that which the LORD CHIEF
JUSTICE paid to the prosecutor, when, after speaking
emphatically of the paramount importance of the case,
he said that the public were deeply indebted to Mr.
SILVESTEE, not only for instituting, but for the manner
in which he had conducted the prosecution, sparing
no labour or expense to elioit the truth, while the
offence had not been occasioned by any error on his
part. The most prudent man might have fallen into the
trap that had been set. Mr. SILVESTEE went to DENIS,
who was supposed to be a man of high respectability,
and who produced a number of unimpeachable wit-
nesses to speak to his exemplary character. He
omitted no point worthy of notice—inquiring why it
was " that a baker gave a reference to a wine-mer-
chant"—to which it was answered that
the party had only recently entered
as a baker, having previously been engaged in the
wine trade, which was " rather overdone." He then
heard statements as to FEUILLAN's having a lease of
his premises at 701. per annum, when it was
shown that he had only an agreement at a
rack rent of 1401., and that the lease was not
mortgaged or ;encumbered in any manner ; also
that ,he was a person perfectly free from debt,
and certain to succeed from the many ad-
vantages he possessed. The most sceptical indi-
vidual could scarcely hesitate under such
circumstances, but Mr. SILVESTER, in order to
" make assurance doubly sure," saw FEUILLAN,
and received his assurances in corroboration
of every statement made by his confederate
DENIS. Afterwards no payment could be ob-
tained. In vain Mr. SILVESTEE, remonstrated,
letter after letter remained unanswered, and his ap-
plications to DENIS did not produce a more satisfactory
result. The searching investigation which he insti-
tuted showed him that the parties were in
collusion, that there was a deep-laid conspiracy to
defraud the public. When he had arrived at this
conclusion his course was clear. Bills of indict-
ment were preferred and duly found. Every obstacle
was thrown in his way—the case was removed
by certiorari, thus materially increasing the expenses.
These impediments, however, did not discourage the
indefatigable prosecutor. He followed it up to
the last, and obtained a conviction, under
which the parties were respectively sentenced
to two years and one year's imprisonment, with hard
labour.

The majesty of the law has thus been vindi-
cated, but at what cost ? Although in such cases
the nominal expenses—very different, how-
ever, from those actually incurred—are granted,
it his considered that there is no power to allow the
expenses of a trial in banco, when it has been re-
moved by certiorari. Mr. SILVESTER will therefore
receive no return for his heavy outlay, unless his
fellow•citizens should recognise the propriety of
saving him from pecuniary loss in consequence of his
efforts to break, up one of the most formidable
conspiracies that had been for many
years concocted against the merchants and
traders of London and its vicinity. We trust that
the parties who have received this valuable service
will show their sense of its vast importance by the
manner in which they recognise the conduct of Mr.
SILYBSTBR in the transaction.

THE SUFFERERS BY THE AMAZON.—" A Benefit"
for the widows and orphans of those who unhappily perished
in the loss of this splendid steam-ship, has been for
some time announced as in preparation. It is at length,
we are gratified to observe, fixed for Monday evening
at Drury Lane Theatre, when an unusually crowded
attendance may, we believe, be looked forward to with con-
fidence—not merely because of the all-powerful motives of
benevolence, but because likewise of the very attractive cha-
racter of the entertainments. One of the most distin-
guished actresses of the day—in some respects the greatest
genius now "treading the boards"—Miss Helen Faucit
(herself a "host" in attraction) will on that interesting
occasion repeat, by general desire, • her celebrated impersona-
tion of Juliet. Added to which, there will be given,
after the tragedy, a grand miscellaneous concert
in which the principal artistes of Old Drury, with Mtn's.
Favanti, and several other auxiliaries of high reputation, will
arpear. As affording a crowning value and interest to the 1
performance, the whole is announced as under the patronage
Of her Most Gracious Majesty, the Queen. Under every
circumstance, therefore, we conceive ourselves justified in
looking forward, as we say, with confidence to the entire suc-
cess of the entertainment:
•
streltretr,asilsyooenzhaiabltrerdanagtemhiesnitastecarnesbideemncaedein for QtuheeepnuArpuonse-
e.
J. W. Turner's pictures, which he has be-
tieueautbbie.cd to the nation, will, by his own express directions,
His executors hope to be able to accomplish this during the
ensuing season. The country will thus have an opportunity
of seeing, at an early period, what a noble bequest has been
made in its favour. —Art-Jo-la-n(2l.
A subscription has been opened in Liverpool foi
the sufferers by the Holnafirth catastrophe, and a meeting
for the came purposei about to be t eld in Manchester.
with hailstorms of
considerable violence yesterday, by Which
much
damage
was
The metropolis was visited
done in diffterat

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris journals of yesterday.
The Moniteur publishes a " communicated" note,
declaring that there is no truth in the rumour of
menacing demands being made on foreign Govern-
ments by France, or of its warlike intentions ; and
that the Government had not taken any one step that
would show a change in its pacific policy.
Lord COWLEY, the new British Ambassador to the
French Republic, arrived in Paris on Thursday night.
He alighted at the Hotel Bristol, Place Vendome.
Lord NORMANBT left Paris yesterday morning on his
return to England.
It appears that the letter which appeared in the
Moniteur, purporting to bear the signature of M.
BANDSEPT, ex-representative, was a forgery. The
Moniteur now publishes the following from M.
BANDSEPT, dated London :
" You publish a letter by which I am represented as
having addressed to M. Louis Bonaparte a request to be
allowed to return to France, promising to abstain en-
tirely from political affairs. I have never written any
letter of this kind; it is an infamous imposture, against
which I protest with the greatest energy and the most
profound indignation, without being able to explain to
myself how it has made its appearance in an °facial
journal."
The Gazette de France states that the PRESIDENT
of the Republic is about to form a body guard, to be
composed of men chosen from the Gendarmerie
Mobile. _ _ _

M. DE LA GUERONNIERB, chief editor of the Pays,
is the Government candidate for the second electoral
division of the department of the Centel.
M. FARQ DB LA TOUR MAUBOURG is the candi-
date chosen by the Government for the first electoral
division of of the department of the Haute-Loire ; M.
BARTHELEMY DE ROMEUF, an ancient chef d'esca-
dron, for the second division of the arrondissement of
Puy and that of Brionde. M. MATmen, a barrister,
has been proposed by several electors in opposition to
M. DE LA TOUR MAUBOURG.

The followingaretl;;;;liMes of the candidates re-
commended by the Government to the electors of the
Pas-de-Calais :—M. Plicbon, Mayor of Arras, late a
Representative and Member of the late Commission
Consultative; M. Lequien, late Sub-Prefect and a
Member of the late Commission Consultative ; M.
de Herambault, late Representative and Member of
the late Commission Consultative; M. Lefebvres
Herman, an ancient Deputy ; M. Wattebled an
anoint notary.
The Bourse was firm. The Five per Cents., opened
at 103 f. and rose to 104 f., bnt fell subsequently
to 103 F. 65c., at which they closed for the end of the
month; the Three per Cents. closed at 65f. 60c.;
Orleans Railway Shares, 1,130 f.; Rouen, 650 f. ; Havre,
266 f. 25c.; Great Northern, 590 f.; Avignon, 230 f.;
Vierzon, 527 f. 50c.; Basle, 213 f. 75c.; Bordeaux,
445 f.; Paris and Stratbargh, 482 f. 50c.; Tours and
Nantes, 301 f. 25c.; Amiens to Boulogne, 30(if.; Paris
and Lyons, 585 f.
BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE
LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, FEB. 18.
Boulogne and Amiens, 111,42—Luxembourg, 3 ex d.—
Namur and Liege, 5% —Northern of France, 19%—Orleans
and Bordeaux, BL;—Paris and Lyons, 9—Paris and Rouen,
25A ex d.—Paris and Strasbourg, 17—Rouen and Havre,
10 tk—Tours and Nantes. 8114.