The Sun.
London, England, 1865-03-10 00:00:00

instances.

It is tO be hoped that the influence of his
lordship will prevail to such an extent that this mea-
sure will become law, and that the benefits of its
introduction may amply realise the expectations of
those who have framed it. There are ample grounds
for believing that this bill will not interfere with
the views of the committee who are now considering
the subject of the Bankruptcy Laws, and therefore
one objection of a very important nature will be
removed from the arguments of those who may ob-
ject to its passing. It will be a satisfaction if the
present Parliament, which has been so notorious for
its do-nothing qualities, should, in the last year of
its existence, distinguish itself by the introduction of
seforms which have been long wished for, and yet
hardly expected, in consequence of the antipathy
too well known to exist in the matter of these
changes. It is too bad that year after year should
go by and no progress be made in the rectification
lof abuses.

Lord PALMERSTON, who has not yet displayed
his usual readiness to enter upon the discussion of
affairs this session, last night spoke with some
energy and decision in connection with our diplo-
matic relations with Brazil. Mr. WHITE, having
asked if the Government intended to bring in a Bill
for the repeal of the Aberdeen Act, the noble lord
replied that it was certainly not their intention to

do so, and for that refusal gave a very satisfactory
reason :—" If the Act were repealed the slave trade
between the Coast of Africa and Brazil would be
resumed to any, even the most unlimited, extent."
Such a statement is, indeed, conclusive, for it would
be a deplorable calamity if, after all the sacrifices
and exertions made by this country for the purpose
of putting down the slave trade, it should
'be suffered again to resume its dread pro-
portions and flourish in its infamous traffic.
Lord PAL3IERSTON further explained that the Bra-
zilian Government would not be able to prevent the
recurrence of the slave trade, no matter how good
their intentions or strenuous their efforts, because
circumstances would be too strong for them to con-
tend against. This is proved by the instance of
Cuba, where the Captain-General is known to be
much against the practice, and has displayed his
sincere wishes to put a stop to it, but is constantly
thwarted in his praiseworthy attempts by the con-
duct of his subordinate officers. It is difficult to
realise all at once the whole bearing of a case, and
one is often led to expect and desire this or that
change or alteration without perceiving the conse-
quences that may ensue therefrom, doubtless with
the best intentions. Mr. WHITE has asked if the
repeal of the Aberdeen Act was to take
place, so that friendly relations with Brazil may
be established ; but it has been shown on compe-
tent authority that such a thing cannot be done
without producing great evils, and defeating the
very object which has been a cherished one by the
people of this country for years. It is easier to
make an alteration than to do away with the in-
jurious effects that .it may produce, and it is., wise
of her Majesty's Minister's to hold fast by pre-
vious arrangements, and abide stedfastly to their
present treaties, unless they see good and sufficient
grounds for altering them. In questions of this
kind Lord PALMERSTON may be considered a very
good authority, and perhaps in some respects the
best guide in the house, for he has had large expe-
rience, and his connection with the Foreign-office has
naturally familiarised him in all the various details
that relate to foreign countries. We may there-
fore rest assured that this difficult matter will be
in safe hands, and that he will not be led away
by the appearance of expediency to grasp the
shadow for the substance, but weigh well all the
different and conflicting claims. At the same
time, it is very satisfactory to find that the noble
lord has informed the house that negotiations are
going on through the intervention of the Portu-
guese Government, " with a view to the re-esta-
blishment of friendly relations between Great
Britain and Brazil." Such an announcement can-
not but be acceptable in every respect, and we
may be justified in the expectation that a favour-
able issue will attend the good offices of the me-
diators.