The Sun.
London, England, 1863-11-10 00:00:00

duty by bestirring ourselves in the beginning of this
year to enlist the feeiings,and opinions of Europe
in favour of the Poles. That effort was so tar
crowned with success. Almost every Government,
great and small, addressed remonstrances to the
Cabinet of St. Petersburg ; but the general concord
of earnest representations, and the special interfe-
rence of some of the greater Powers, have alike re-
mained absolutely fruitless ; vet, in spite of the
failure of moral force and the proved utility of per-
suasion, there still remains the vague hope that '
moral force and persuasion may yet bring about a
restoration of peace in the East of Europe upon the
principles of equity and justice. For ourselves, we
do not believe in tile efficacy of these means. We
think that either the Poles will be utterly
crushed and trodden out as a nation, or that
their protracted struggle for existence will
ultimately involve other nations in the conflict.
An English Minister, however, has only his duty to
his own country to perform. He cannot make war
for ideas, nor take up national causes from merely
chivalrous motives. His highest prerogative is to be
the exponent and interpreter of the will of the
great majority of his countrymen, and there can
be but few who will dispute that the course of the
Ministry with regard to Poland has been in strict
accordance with the wishes of the people of Eng-
land. It is no doubt very strongly felt that Poland
is a far distant land, with which we have no inti-
mate relation or concern ; that the lighting up of a
great European war is an overwhelming responsi-
bility; that some alliances are difficult and others
dangerous; and that the objects for which we
should have to contend are in the highest degree
indefinite, if not visionary. Such being the popu-
lar sentiment, a Ministry would only court its own
ruin which should attempt to run counter to it ;
and there is every reason to believe that the Ad-
ministration has thoroughly appreciated the weight
of public opinion, and both the difficulties, and
respcnsibilities of the situation. Lord Palmerston
can therefore only reiterate the fact that Russia has
drawn upon herself the condemnation of Europe,
and can only look to future events for some pos-
sible chance of effecting a favourable settlement.
In respect to the great American war the position
is absolutely unaltered. The Minister knows of no
prospect of peace, and still proclaims our steadfast
neutrality. This policy, again, whether in itself
most wise, is no doubt most approved of by the
people of England, and a Cabinet thoroughly pos-
sessed of the will of the public can have no choice
but to maintain the strict line which has been so
unswervingly observed. Turning, however, from
foreign affairs in their various unpleasing aspects,
it is pleasant to have to record the increasing pros-
perity of our own country. We have indeed
fairly left other nations behind in the race after
wealth. In spite of trials which few could have
borne, our budgets have flourished, and Lord
Palmerston was able to state that the commerce
and material prosperity of the country were never
so great as they are at present. It is deeply felt
that the happy condition of this country is in no
small degree owing to the wise and temperate con-
duet of public affairs by the present Administration.
The whole people may be said to have placed their
confidence in Lord Palmerston, and to feel that,
whilst he guides the helm, the general welfare is
in the best and ablest hands. That this confidence
is not misplaced is shown by the flourishing state
of matters at home, and by the general approval
which is accorded to our foreign policy. While
such is the case the administration of the eminent
statesman who presides over the national councils
will continue to run its beneficent and popular
career.

COUNTRY MARKETS.

.I,

COLCHESTER—Nov. 7.

There was a moderate supply of wheat to-day, and the
demand was good, the rates of last week being is per qr
higher. Barley of fine quality realised top prices, and
other sorts sold slowly. Beans and peas were at about for-
mer rates.

Wheat, white 44s 48s Beans,Mazagan..33s 36s
red ..42s 46s middle & small,3ss 42s
Barley
Oats