The Sun.
London, England, 1839-10-31 00:00:00

SUGAR TRADE IN FRANCE

The distress in which the sugar colonies of France
have become involved, through the increase and suc-
cessful competition of beetroot sugar, has on more than
one occasion been noticed under this head. Some re-
lief has recently been afforded to the colonial producers
by a reduction, of the heavy import duty, but
this reduction effected by ordinance, has not satisfied
them, being, as contended, far below what in jus
tice they are entitled to. The beetroot sugar-
makers, on the contrary, whose interests have already
been somewhat damaged by this reduction of duty
on colonial sugars, although somewhat more, per-
haps, by the great extension of sugar-works of late
with the occurrence of an unfavourable state of ma-
nufactures and trade, by which consumption has been
affected, not only complain of the favour already
shown, but contend vigorously against the claims of
the colonies to any further consideration in the shape
of a remission of impost, which in its consequences
must, it is urged, prove entirely destructive to the
home industry. As the late regulation of the duty
was by Royal ordinance, it may be assumed that the
reduction was a temporary expedient, until the whole
question of the two interests could be brought before
the Legislature for final adjudication. The opposing
parties, therefore, are exercising respectively all their
activity and influence to procure such a result as may
be most favourable to their own views, and hence a keen
contest is carried on through the press, by pamphlets,
and before the commission of inquiry. For a proper
comprehension of the subject here, a few of its leading
points on both sides may be stated.
The sugar colonies of France are four in number, viz.
Martinique, Guadeloupe, Bourbon, and Guiana. The
whole population amounts to 360,000 individuals,
and the production of sugar is estimated at 80,000,000
kilogrammes. The value of manufactures and other
commodities exported to the colonies is stated at
50,000,000 francs. This exportation is stated to em-
ploy 250 vessels, with crews of 3,000 men in the
whole, and averaging two voyages in the year. From
this are inferred the great benefits derivable from
the sugar colonies by the parent country, by the
profits of trade, the revenue from the duties levied,
the encouragement of merchant shipping, and the
training of seamen for the Royal Navy. Against these
representations is objected their gross exaggeration.
For of the whole population of the colonies, as stated,
77,000 only are free, and the rest slaves. Of this
number of free men 45,000 only enjoyed the quaky
of French citizens. But, in fact, so far were the
whole of these interested in the making of sugar
that out of 7,852 plantations devoted to the production
of colonial commodities of various kinds, such as sugar,
coffee, cotton, cocoa, spices, provisions, &c., the sugar
estates amounted only to 1,318, or about one sixth of
the whole. Taking the same proportion, the number
of Erench colonists interested in sugar cultivation would
be one•sixth of the French population, so that from
7,000 to 8,000 only would be the number.
The beetroot sugar-works in France are stated
actually to number 600, which, assuming ten persons
each to be directly interested in them as partners,
these works being very generally established by com-
panies en commandite or otherwise, would give the
total number of 6,000 persons paying direct taxes,
consumers of products and manufactures, and liable
to be called upon for military service by the law of
conscription. Adding to these the agricultural and ma-
nufacturing labourers employed, all free and personally in-
terested in the labour of their hands, a further number
of 175,000 persons are found dependent on the beetroot
sugar industry, at the rate of 350 workmen being
necessary for the fabrication of 100,000 kilogrammes
of sugar, taking the whole production of 1837-38 at
50,000,000 kilogrammes. Assuming for their families
an equal number with these labourers, then the total
number of persons directly interested in the beetroot
sugar industry in France would be 350,000 individuals,
which is a number almost equal to the whole population
of the colonies, where the proportion concerned in and
dependent on sugar cultivation alone is so much in-
ferior.

In respect of the 50,000,000 f. value of merchandise
exported to the colonies, it is affirmed that the larger
proportion of that sent to the Antilles, or West India
Islands, is destined for re-exportation, whilst much of it
is not the real produce of French industry and agricul-
ture. _ The advantages resulting from the employment
of merchunt shipping and the rearing of seamen for the
4oyal. navy are attempted to be depreciated upon rca-
son►ng which does appear very conclusive. For where
loss occurs upon sugar, it is asserted not to be borne
by the colonist who sells and delivers on the spot, but
by the shipowner, who brings it to market, and has to
take his chance of profit or loss. The Royal navy, it
is urged, is supplied chiefly, if not altogether, from the
crews of coasting craft, and not from vessels engaged
in long voyages, from which no recruits could be taken
without endangering the navigation of the vessel.

For the beetroot sugar interest it is urged, that it
has already taken such an extension, that 50,000,000
kilogrammes yearly are produced, giving employment to
356,000 workmen. The cultivation is established in 37
departments, in 47 it may take root, in 3 only it is re-
fused. It contributes to the prosperity of agriculture,
and is eminently favourable to the moral habits and the
social improvement of ail engaged in it. To the beet-
root sugar is owing the reduction of price, which in
1815 was for refined if. 80c., and now only about 78c.
At the commencement of beetroot sugar-making the
price of colonial sugar was 3f., at present the pr.ce is
38e., from which the tax of 51 cents. is to be deducted.
It is objected that colonial sugar is burdened with a
duty of IG. cents. ; but in return it may be observed
that the colonsists pay no direct State charges, and
the colonies cost annually to the State 8,917,0001.,
nearly all to protect the whites against the negroes,
whose labour is indispensable in the making of sugar.
The beetroot sugar industry, it is averred, is now in
such a situation that either it must be totally ruined,
or permitted to spread without further discouragement.
The return on capital invested in it is said to be now
more than from four to five per cent. ; but through tile
gradual perfection to which the refining process is
reaching, it is considered that very shortly one per
cent. more will be obtained in crystalised sugar, when it
will stand no longer in need of protection, may be placed
on the same level with colonial sugar, and will alone be
able to furnish the whole quantity required for con-
sumption, now divided with the colonies.
Three plans are proposed to reconcile these conflict-
ing interests, and to give relief to the market, at pre-
sesent surcharged with large unsaleable stocks. The
one is to allow exportation direct from the colonies to
other countries than France, re-exportation from France,
and a reduction on refined sugars. The last is more
especially urged, that this would enable the refiners to
support the competition with other nations in foreign
markets. and would cause the absorption of 20,000,000
to 30,000,000 kilogrammes of colonial sugars, to the
refined produce to which it is proposed the reduction
, should alono be applicable.

It is unnecessary to pursue this subject into the im-
portant bearing these facts have upon our own colo-
nies. They will strike at once every one connected
with them.—Times.

(WEDNESDAY EVENING.)
CHRONICLE.—The prevailing subject of jute-
- rest to-day has been the intelligence brought by the
,overland mail from Bombay to the 12th of September,
containing the accounts of the capture of the fortress of
Ghuznee by assault, and,:of the entrance of the British
army into Cabool. These events are looked upon as
affording assurances as to the stability of British power
in the East, and have had a favourable effect on Indian
Stock, which has advanced nearly two per cent., but no
alteration of moment was produced in the British
Funds. We understand that advices are in town by
this conveyance, bearing date the 24th of June, from
Canton, 27th of that month from Macao, from Singa-
pore the 25th day of July, from Calcutta the 31st of
August, and from Madras the 2d day of September
last. These mails arrived at Alexandria on the Bth of
October last, but did not leave that place until the
13th, because there was no British steamer there to
forward them. At legth they were dispatched by the
Generoso, belonging to the Paella, which vessel per-
formed the voyage to Malta in 5} days.
By this mail we have received a copy of the supple-
ment to the Singapore Free Press of the 25th July,
which states that since the issue of their paper that
morning they had perused private advices from Macao
to the 27th of June, giving an account of the total de-
struction of the surrendered opium. Two edicts had
been issued by the Canton authorities—the one prohibit-
ing all native vessels from trading with foreign ships
outside in any description of goods, 'under penalty of
death, and forbidding any foreign trade, except Portu-
guese, to be carried on at Macao ; the other, ordering
all foreign ships to enter the port within five days, or to
take their depatissre aloog here4o(l tkteatening them
with exterminfirtifi'hY fire-ships, 'should they fail to
comply. The chief Superintendent had taken up the
Cambridge, Captain Douglas, to act as guard-ship for
the protection of British property—said to be chartered
at 6,0001. for four months. There were about 60 sail
of shipping detained outside, independent of others still
expected to arrive. We have also a copy of the Im-
perial Edict respecting the destruction of the surren-
dered opium, dated the 29th May, as follows :
" The report of Lin and his colleagues states that the
receiving ships have delivered up the whole of their
opium, and prays that the same may be sent to the ca-
pital in proof of their report, and there to be destroyed.
We know that the settlement of the opium affairs has
on this occasion been faithfully performed. We have
no suspicion of any concealment or evasion of duty.
Moreover the transportation (of the opium) to so
great a distance would draw heavily on the people's
strength. It is inexpedient, therefore, to send the
opium to the capital, and we commit it to Lin and his
associates, (when the surrender is completed) to assem-
ble the local officers, civil and military, and to cause it
to be destroyed in their presence. Thus will the people
of the sea side and the foreigners atCanton be made to
see and tremble. Respect and obey." In compliance with
this imperial mandate vats or trenches of stone were pre-
pared, in which the opium was dissolved with a preparation
of lime and salt. A correspondent of the Singapore Free
Press states, that on reading the proclamation he pro-
ceeded to the Bogue, and on arriving there at noon on
the 17th of June sent a card to one of the naval
officers of the Cherupee station asking permission. The
card was conveyed to the imperial Commissioner, and
the request promptly complied with. This gentleman
then gives a detailed account of the process of destruc-
tion, from which no doubt exists that the work was
performed with rigid faithfulness. The chests of
opium, after being re-weighed and broken up in the
presence of high officers, were brought down to the
vats. A large number of men were employed in ma-
cerating the balls for some days with long rakes, until
the whole had become a fetid mud, when the sluices were
raised and the vats emptied into the river.
A meeting of British merchants was held at Macao
on the 12th of June, and resolutions passed to ask of
the Superintendent whether the public notices issued by
him were to be considered as embargoes on British ship-
ping and property by the Government of Great Britain,
and whether he thought it likely that an arrangement
would be soon made, so as to admit of British property
being sent within the Bocca Tigris. Captain Elliot an-
swered this requisition on the 14th June in the negative,
and warning all her Majesty's subjects in the most em-
phatic manner, that the entrance of British ships and
goods within the Bocca Tigris in the present state of
affairs, appeared to him perilous in the highest degree.
On the 21st June Captain Elliot issued a public notice,
detailing the whole proceedings that had taken place to
that date, in which we find the following important
passage :—.‘ What will be the feelings of the most just
prince of his illustrious dynasty when it is made mani-
fest to him, by the command of her Britannic Ma-
jesty, that the traffic in opium has been chiefly
encouraged and protected by the highest officers
in the empire, and that no portion of the
foreign trade to China bas paid its fees to the officers
with so much regularity as this of opium ?" A private
letter says that in the event of the Commissioner taking
hostile measures with regard to Macao, British residents
there will find it necessary to seek shelter on board of
ship, as the Portuguese do not possess the power to
protect them. Sales of the drug reported at 750 to
780 dollars per chest, and the trade still going on along
the coast. An opinion was current that the effect of
Captain Elliot's declaration would cause the Commis-
sioner to stop all foreign trade for a time.
The Hong merchants were large holders of British
manufactures of most descriptions, but could not find
buyers at the prices they had paid. The native holders
of Cotton had made sales at three mace less than was
asked the preceding week, it having become known to
them that transhipments were making from British to
American vessels outside. Purchases had been made
in teas for American vessels at Lintin, and the Tea-
men were more firm. The surrendered opium was con-
sidered worth 20,000,000 dollars to the Chinese treasury,
if it had been exposed to sale. The Chinese have now
shown that they were in earnest, and the Superintendent
has exhibited equal determination. We wait with
anxiety the next act in the drama. -

TIMES.—The commercial aspect of affairs at Cal-
cutta on the 24th of August, by the last overland de-
spatch, remained without improvement. Considerable
business had been done in raw silk for shipment to this
country, but at reduced prices. Purchases in cotton
were on a limited scale. Mule twist was rather in de-
mand, but the rates offered were so low as to prevent
operations. Cotton and wollen cloths also were in-
quired for, but without any improvement in prices. The
rates for bills on London were for Treasury bills 2s. ()id.,
for bills against consignments, with or without docu-
ments, 2s. 2d. to 2s. 21d. per Company's rupee.
By way. of Singapore, advices had been received at
Calcutta from China to the 27th of June. Tao edicts
had been issued by the authorities at Canton, one
containing prohibitions against native vessels trad-
ing with foreign ships outside in goods of any
sort under pain of death, and also forbidding any
foreign trade being carried on at Macao except
by the Portuguese, and the other ordering all the ships
to enter the port within five days, or to quit the coast
altogether, with threats, in case of non-compliance, of
destroying them by means of fire-ships. The Cam-
bridge bad' been taken up as a guard ship for the pro-
tection of British property by Captain Elliot, the super-
intendant. Dealings in opium were still going on along
the coast, and sales were reported at 750, 780, and as
high on the east coast as 1,000 Spanish dollars per
chest. Sixty sail of shipping were detained outside,
exclusive of numbers still to arrive. The destruction of
the opium surrendered was proceeding at the rate of
300 chests a day. The private advises state, that
several American ships had gone up to Whampoa, and
it was expected their consignees would consent to the
opium bond. Considerable quantitis of British goods
were on board these vessels, mostly on British account,
but, to some extent purchases on American account, and
transhipped from British vessels outside.
The Canton market was well stocked with British
manufactures, but the Hong merchants, who were large
holders, could not find buyers at cost prices. The
dealers were fearful of the large additional supplies
which might be expected from Whampoa by the Ame-
rican vessels, and therefore indisposed to make offers.
Woollens and imports generally were in a depressed
state. Canton silk was on sale at low rates since
the demand for India had been cut off. Purchases of
teas had been making for American vessels at Lintin, I
and the holders weae firm, under the impression that
other vessels might soon be expected in the river, and
that indirectly, perhaps, the export would go on as
usual. Bills on London were in demand, and the rate of
exchange was steady at 4s 9d. to 4s. 10d. cash.
out Ao
singuthelar
psiupmecualffaatiiro.n has
A s takenort
of
sittsocrkisehaa4
its
made Calcutta i
t s
appearance in the money market there called
beenle"freely
Opium
Scrip," in which business appears to have
transacted. This "scrip'' founded upon the re-
ceipts given by Mr. Superintendent Elliot to the
sienees of the opium given up by his orders to the
e(7'lniinese authorities, and represents the value of
the several parcels for which delivered, and for the
amount of which they have the guarantee of in-
demnity by Government, so far as the Superintendent
might be authorized to pledge it. If anything like an
approxiinative value can be realized for these curicus
kinds of inve,tment, it may prove a seasonable relief
to some of the parties interested least able to re-
main out of funds for a period so lengthened as
the settlement of the promised indemnity in all like-
will prove. This is the more, if not the only,
favourable result of what, after all, is only another spe-
cies of gambling in opium scrip, scarcely more moral

FIOM THE MORNING PAPERS OF THIS PAY.
(From the Morning Chronicle.)
We yesterday announced the entrance of the Anglo-
Indian army into Cabool. The official details of this
important event will be found in another part of our
paper. It appears that on the 3d of June the last divi-
sion of the troops marched from Caudahar, and on the
20th the whole force was before Ghuznee, the snost
formidable fortification in Asia. On the morning of the
21st the attack was commenced, under a heavy fire,
and in two hours the 13th and 17th regiments were
in possession of the citadel. The loss of the British
in this brilliant affair did not amount to 200. Of
the besieged 500 were killed, and 300 were takes
prisoners. An unsuccessful attempt to repair the
effect of this defeat was made by Dost Mahomet,
who, however, was obliged to flee, with but 300 fol.
lowers. After the capture of Ghuznee, the British
force advanced and took possession of 'Cabool. Thus
may be said to have terminated this war, from which
so many of our Tory Contemporaries, coinciding with
certain liberal and patriotic opponents of Govern-
ment, had anticipated such disastrous results. Now,
however, it is discovered that " our 'lndian empire
has been.. saved for many years to come." The policy
which a few months ago was the subject of such un•
measured censure, now thatits • success has been so
signal,. will no doubt be viewed-in It very different
light. And yet what had its failure or success to do
with the merits of the policy adopted by Lord Auck-
land ? Had the triumphant course of our army
been less brief and brilliant than it is de-
scribed in Sir J. Keane's despatches, would the measure
of Lord Auckland have been one jot the leas prudent
or the less necessary ? It was impossible, after even Ale
most cursory glance at the state of our relations with
the powers beyond the Indus, not to see that a decisive
blow must be struck at once, or our empire in India be
placed in the most imminent peril. To those, how-
ever, whose highest ambition in the discussion of
public affairs is to convert every event, no matter
how deeply it may happen to involve the interests of
their country, into an implement of party warfare—
to them neither the objects nor the necessity of the
course adopted by Guveinment was matter of the
slightest moment. It was " a Government mea-
sure," and this was enough to call down every species of
violent and premature attack. The strongest argument
urged against; the measure either in Parliament or by
the press, was the great probability—the almost cer-
tainty of its failure! And this injustice answered the
purpose of the moment effectually enough. That pur-
pose was served before it could be possible to contradict
the unscrupulous statements which were put forward to
support it. The same system is adopted in every other
case where it can be adopted with the same chance of
success. Only let the material of con, rqiction be re-
mote, and your Tory controversialist never stops at the
rankest untruth ; his prudent calculation being that the
falsehood will have done its work before the truth
can be ascertained—and when it is ascertained the
subject will have lost its temporary interest. such
seems to be the political morality of Tory leaders as
well as Tory newspapers. They illustrate it at the very
time we write, by the reckless way in which they re-
fer to the negociations, which, from their very nature,
must be protracted, in which the Government may
happen to be engaged. They know that no declaration
of the progress of these negociations can be made until
they are completed ; and they also know that, even
from the geographical position of the parties engaged in
them, their completion cannot be the work of a day.
They are welcome, however, to whatever advantage
they can derive from this unfair species of hostility.
The public, we feel assured, will be contented to abide
the issue of other measures of policy with a certainty
that their confidence will be repaid by success, if not of
a similar character, at least not less signal than that
which has just crowned our arms in India.

(From the Morning Advertiser.)
Fresh laurels have been added to the wreathed glories
of British arms in India. The important and re-
putedly impregnable fortress of Ghuznee was stormed
and taken, after a brief but tremendous conflict of two
hours, by the force under the command of Sir J. Keane,
whereupon Dost Mahomed Khan retired from Cabul,
which was immediately afterwards, together with a
large amount of artillery and stores, taken vpessession
of by the British troops. Thus has that most unlucky
of men, Shah Shoojah,after an exile of thirty years, beet
restored to the Afghan throne. The result of the ex-
pedition, as far as the honour of British arms le con-
cerned, is most triumphant : but there Is niiother question
to be considered, of which we trust the inititiOn will be
equally satisfactory, namely, the purpose of the Con-
quest. To oppose the intrigues of Russia, when she
incited Persia to besiege Herat; as the commence-
ment of an attempt against the whole Afghan'empire,
was a proceeding dictated by the soundest policy, but
the wisdom of making an onslaught on Ghuznce and
Cabul in favour of a prinee driven from his country, not 1!
by a foreign foe, but by internal revolution, affords but
too just grounds for controversy. It is true Dost Ma-
homed and his brothers of Ghuznee and Candahar were
usurpers, but since the death of its founder the Afghan
empire has acknowledged no sovereign right but that
of the strongest. Even Kam Rham of Herat, the heir
of the Royal branch, has maintained his positieu
only by force of arms ; therefore, to attempt to re-
instate in a country so circumstanced, by military
force, a Prince exiled for SO years, is by no means cal-
culated to establish its enduring tranquillity. We shall
' not, however, dwell on:the objections to this proceeding,
because it is above all things necessary that Great .Bri-
tain should take and enforce a leading position in
Eastern affairs ; and even when that position is not
chosen with the best discretion, we prefer the vigorous
assertion of a policy, which in some respects we may
deem erroneous, to a course of vacillation and uncer-
tainty, which leaves the national interests a prey to the
machinations of foreign enemies. The death of Runjeet
Singh, which exposes the Punjab to the same dissen-
sions which broke up the empire of Afghan, makes an
energetic policy on the part of England, at the present
time, pre-eminently imperative. The proceedings of
' Lord Auckland have been not only vigorous, but so
far successful, and even though we cannot to tie full
extent concur in the propriety of making a foisted So-
vereign, Shoojah Moolk, the representative of British
interests, yet we consider the proceedings and result of
the recent Anglo-Indian policy a subject of fervent con-
gratulation.
The Sun of Monday evening contained some excel-
lent observations on the factious purposes to which the
late unfortunate mistake at Court has been turned by a
portion of the Tory Noss. In so far as the ladies of .'
the Palace and Sir James Clark are concerned, we
promised not to return to the subject, their vindication
being now admitted, on all bands, to be as complete
as their greatest friends could desire. But , the 'name
of another party, and that party the most illusttious
personage in the land, having been most unwarrant-
ably mixed up in the matter, we feel it due to our
Sovereign, due to our country, and due to the great
interests of truth and justice, to makes a few further
remarks on the subject. It cannot fail to have struck
the public mind as a curious circumstance, that the
very party, namely, the ultra section of the Tories, who
arrogate to themselves the credit of not only being the
most loyal persons in the land, Is ut as being the
only loyal persons in it—it is, we say, a curious
fact that this very party should have proved,
in connection with the late occurrence, the most
virulent and persevering traducers of their Soy,
reign. The conduct of such persons must, under any
circumstances, have inspired a feeling of the deepest
disgust in the mind of every right-thinking person in the
country ; but when it is remembered that the Sovereign
who, for eight months past, has been thus so grossly as-
sailed, day after day, is a maiden lady of the tender age
of twenty, and of the most amiable dispogsii‘t,iiehnguanddegmuaante-
ners, language is felt to be incapable of
e
slightest
whether
vteii swellshneyseltsiatpa rtrni
ctiinstance
sureer)odsriereoavenal
thateol
sndrr yytdto"
,pvtri
odhretr:%u, a
an-
nalssoy
other Sovereign
edrowfeti''gi
nation,rs beeca intnmlugyna skt
oAthn
civiliza-
tion or Christianity, will be found to contain a parallel
case. W hat aggravates the injustice and indecency of
the treatment which the Queen has received in this mat-
ter—if it be, indeed, susceptible of aggravation—is the
fact, that the very pa-ties who have been the mosmostac-
tive and and unremitting in calumniating her Majesty,
are persons who, in addition to their claiming to them-
selves an exclusive as well as excessive loyalty, belong,
for the most part, to the class of individuals who also
claim
y rangemtot
'the report re
y
se
Tory
traducers toicneorpsnol tolficaQil uteneenplileatvye,oidfn the
ee
laashns-du.nnicazTi htfhe
at
her shadowl‘i
joefs
tp; proof' toth justify tthoe i r
originatecon
pregnanchy. of the
widelate Lady
ore unman'
we would stigmatieb the
• than this. Were it not, indeed,
cruel, or more tin
I;PleocrtainHg astthinegss."NpVoesekdnovincroefnnerootusm:mg
cof ineld,ividualwron
jgumsrtneraetduer,,s,
our respect for our
persons in stronger terms. These
conduct
calumniatorsoch f their Sovereign know full well that they
way traduce her Majesty with impunity ; hence the
cowardice of their conduct becomes the more glaring. The
other parties whose characters have been assailed, have
st,veraey published statements in self-vindication ; but