The Sun.
London, England, 1865-03-21 00:00:00

rious, so modest, so devoted." In no one instance
has the reign of the present EMPEROR been more
distinguished, or more justly commended, than for

the great improvements that have been made in
roads and railway communication. French indus-
try has taken a new start and derived a fresh im-
petus from the spirited style in which public works
have been conducted and public transactions carried
on. Therefore, the passage in the address is an

appropriate one, which refers to the great benefits
accruing from the improvement and development of
every kind of ways of communication, " the neces-
sary corollary of liberty of traffic." Too much care
cannot be taken that this endeavour to promote ex-
tended and increased communication from one part

of the kingdom to the other shall be continued with
zeal and ardour. In this great undertaking the
French have shown considerable perseverance of
late years, and the beneficial effects of its workings
have been abundantly proved in the prosperity of
the country. The address agrees heartily to the
proposition of the EMPEROR in the matter of
furthering " commercial operations," and in this

we must recognise the good sense and discernment
of the Corps Legislatif, for in France this element
has been conspicuously wanting, and in consequence

a great source of prosperity has been neglected. It

is fortunate that at last this want has been recog

nixed, and determined efforts made to remedy the
deficiency and rectify the mistakes of previous
politicians. The welfare of the working-classes is a
subject that has occupied an increased share of atten-
tion, and this accounts for due respect being paid to
it in the address. Hitherto the laws have been op-
pressive which have related to this important order
of the community, and it speaks well for the intel-

- -
ligence of the authorities and legislators that now
the vexatious restrictions are in a great measure
being removed from the classes which have suffered
so greatly from them. The improvements that have
been proposed in judicial matters have received the
approbation of the Chambers, and it is fortunate
that this should be the case, for no doubt they will,
when carried out, conduce greatly to-the welfare of
the community. Another praiseworthy proposal is
that which bears reference to public education, and
in this endeavour all must sympathise. " Emi-

nently useful in every variety, education is
essential in those communities based upon uni-

It was

versal suffrage," is truly declared here.
mentioned by the EMPEROR in his inaugura
address, that he desired " every citizen should know
how to read and write." This sentiment has met
the approbation of the Chambers, and its adoption
cannot but be productive of vast advantages to the
general body of the people. Public education has
not hitherto been so cultivated abroad as in England,
although private instruction in France has often
exceeded our own in point of precision and minute-
ness. It is here mentioned that there is no ground
for anxiety concerning " religious questions," and
this announcement is so far satisfactory, since there
have been many important topics detailed, and
numerous controversies entered into, since last the
French Chambers were assembled. The " pacific
solution" of foreign affairs of difficulty is the
subject of favourable mention, and also the
non-fulfilment of the proposed Congress is
deservedly lamented. The longer opportunity we
have to observe the effects of recent manoeuvres, the
more may we rest assured that a great deal of mis-
chief would have been averted had the EMPEROR'S
desire been acceded to last year by our Ministers,
and the laissez aller style of their proceedings been
changed for active demonstration of principles, and
the fixed resolves of united nations assembled
in conclave. Mexico offered, of course, a subject
of congratulation which the Corps Legislatif could
justifiably indulge in. Making due allowance for
national vanity, there does not seem. much reason to
question the validity of the sentiments herein ex-
pressed as to the successes and triumphs which the
French have met with. When the EMPEROR is
thanked for the " part which he has given France
in the world" we cannot but contrast the position
of our neighbours with our own in no very flatter-
ing manner to ourselves. It is to be hoped that our
authorities will take the lesson to heart and endea-
vour to follow the example set them in foreign
affairs by their quondam rivals, but recent friends.
Also, it may be said that great advantages
would accrue to the French if their ruler
would condescend to copy some of the customs of
that land where he so long sojourned in exile, and
none more beneficial could be followed than the
freedom of the press, which would be indeed a
privilege worthy of a great Emperor and a mighty
people.