The Sun.
London, England, 1838-08-30 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 1838.

general want of interior communication, whether a com-
prehensive system under the management of Government
would not be preferable to separate speculations of cern-
panies. If the probability were as great that the Govern=
ment would do the work honestly, and on reasonable terms,
as that public companies with their own funds so largely at ,
stake would do so, there can be no doubt that by a sys-
tem of combination much might be saved. But whatever
the opinion of liberal Whigs may be, and however
well they may be satisfied that while their party has
the Government, nothing will be so satisfactorily done as
that which is done by the Government, we confess to
a prejudice against the interference of our political rulers in
affairs of popular convenience, which might as well be
exempted from the acerbity of political associations. Whig
government may be a blessing—as indeed many things
doubtless are, which to ordinary human vision appear to be
exactly the contrary—but still one may have too much of
it. Granting the possibility that the commissionerships,
secretaryships, surveyorships, inspectorships, and so forth,
which the Whigs have contrived to create in such won.
drous abundance, are all for the good of the country, and
by no means for the sake of gaining adherents to a Govern-
ment which exists upon the no-patronage principle, still it
may be doubted whether the country would be anything the
better if the Government were saddled with the fresh re-
sponsibility of appointing hundreds of engineers and sub-
engineers—thousands of railway inspectors—tens of thou-
sands of artificers in wood and iron, and hundreds of thou-
sands of excavators. It may also be worthy of a passing
thought, whether the independence of certain town consti-
tuencies would be much improved by the consciousness
• that it was io the power of Government to cause the rail-
, way line to pass by their town, or to diverge to another, of
which the Parliamentary Representatives possessed more
, easy access to the Minister. The more that any one will
consider this subject the more abundant will the stock of
- reasons become, why in a country that is somewhat jealous
of too much Government, the railroads should net be added
• to the amount of trouble which the present rulers of the
country are good enough to be willing to undertake on the
popular behalf. If, however, there should be any one who
l entertains a doubt of their perfect disinterestedness in this
regard, we beg it may be remarked that it is only where
F they could have an opportunity of serving the people by
appointing them to good berths of one kind or another,
. that they volunteer their interference. It will be observed
that with respect to cur foreign relations, and to those
• Reforms of our internal institutions which do not demand
any new appointments to carry them into effect, the
. Government does quite as little as the most jealous
of Ministerial interference could possibly desire.—Morn-
in g Post.

line-of-battle ships, more than half as many heavy frigates,
with 30 steamers of war, manned with crews in the highest
state of discipline, and equally efficient for military as for
naval purposes, are within two, three, or four weeks' sail of
the British Islands, and that the whole of our defensive
force along our own coast consists of seven sail of the line
and some smaller vessels, without even their full comple-
ment of men on the peace establishment. The Russian
fleet in the Baltic, according to the official report of Captain
' Craufurd, an eye-witness of its manoeuvres, consisted two
years ago of 27 line-of-battle ships, 19 heavy frigates, three
corvettes, and a numberof smaller vessels,and three more line-
of-battle ships were on the stocks. This was independent
of the Black Sea fleet of 18 sail of the line. According to
the statement of the Secretary of the Admiralty in 1836,
the French marine in active service this summer must
amount to 28 ships of the line, to which may be added 36
frigates and 36 armed steamers. The squadron of Mehe-
met Ali, which lately sailed for the coast of Syria, was com-
posed of nine line-of-battle ships, which are as completely
at the disposal of the Emperor of Russia, as are the navies
of Holland, Denmark,and Sardinia, together with the ma-
ritime population of Greece which, during six years, with-
stood, single-handed, the squadrons of the Sultan, Mehemet
Ali, Tripoli, Tunis, and Algiers. We are informed, how-
ever, by Lord Minto, " that our arrangements are such
that we could send at a very short notice a large
feet to sea. Now, that was the state in which the
navy was, and he could say, that there was no call so
sudden but that we could, with the greatest ease and
expedition, equip a very large and powerful fleet."
Does his Lordship mean to say, that anticipating the
possibility of aggression against England, he would re-
ceive notice of a meditated attack in time to prevent the
simultaneous capture or destruction of every arsenal, every
port, and every vessel in the United Kingdom ? Or that,
under any circumstances, he could equip a fleet equal to
the Baltic fleet within a month? But, grantieg the prac-
ticability of such a measure, how far on its way to the
conquest of the East and West Indies, and to the acqui-
sition of Constantinople, would be the Russian armada
with its 30,000 men and its four months' provisions, before
any fleet, however large and powerful, could be despatched
in quest of it The advantage of a single day's start down
the Channel places our whole colonial empire at the mercy of
a power, of whose aggressive designs no further proof needbe
required than its formation, in profound peace, within awe
landlocked seas, of a navy more than six times the strength
of that which its maritime ally maintains for the defence
of its own shores. But the Noble Lord, whilst making
this assertion, adds, " that be had not received any informa-
tion which led him to believe that any additional naval
force was required for the protection of our commerce in
any part of the world, not even in any of these places to
which the Noble Duke had referred." " The blockade of'
Mexico had been regularly announced and effectually main-
teined by the blockading power," and " he must remark,
that it was not necessary to the legality cf the blockade
that any previous notice should have been given to this
country." Hero, therefore, we have from the lips of a Ca-
binet Minister the avowal that a blockade is not the ex-
ercise of a bellegerent right, and that no previous notice,
hewever short, is necessary to render is a legal act. Wiost,
then, is to prevent the declaration of the blockade of the
British islands or of any of our distant colonies in a time
of profeunl peace, and the interruption of the commerce of
every n mtral power bound to their shores? Has not such
a principle obtained during seven years the prescriptive
sanction of Lord Palmerston in the Black Sea? Has he
not ertln-ceil it in the book axle of the ports of Hui-
lawi ansi Guatemala ; and does Le not contioue to
enforce it against Mitish commerce along the coasts of
Spain? Lord Minto's statement admits, what oe have all
along maintained, the collusion of our Government in the
pohey and principles of Russia, and we cannot conceal our
surprisco that, with the txc'pticn of Lord Lyndhurst's al-
lusion to the lc-Fs of our position in the East by our sub-
miss:on to the the treaty of Unkiar 'Skelessi, not one of
the Akrobers who spoke on the occasion, though all were
mott' in admitting our national degradation, attributed it
to the troe cause—the connivance of our Foreign Mi-
t:ister from the first hour of his appointment in the policy,
principle;, and designs of the Cabinet of Sr. Petersburgh.
Of oar physical inability to contend with any third-rate
na‘ at power unless through an intimate alliance with Sul-
tan Mahmoud, and the presence of our pennants in the
Black Sea, paralying the aggressive action of Russia
throughout the world, ample evidence will be found in the
letter of a naval officer inserted in another portion of cur
columrs : nor can we conceive a question more sitaliy im-
portant to the interests of mankind than an inquiry into
the application during the last twenty-two years of repose
of the sum of 137,719,606/. exclusively devoted to a
branch of our national defence, on the efficiency of
which alone repose the hopes of p-aee, the balance of
power. the security of commerce, or the independence of
any single state.—Times.
Thanks to the Tories, and especially to the House of'
Lords, the people of Great Britain are not soon likely to
experience a dearth of materials for agitation. While he-
reditary legislation exist, the agitators may always rely upon
basing an abundant supply of grievances with which to ex-
cite the public mind. There is an eastern story wherein the
idnister of a despotic and warlike Prince, whose delight was
in devastating his neighbour's territories, is represented as
pretending to his master to understand the language of
birds, and being asked to give a specimen of his skill, by in-
terpreting a conversation at the moment taking place be-
tween two rooks, after affecting to listen for sonic time,
stated that they were congratulating each other on the
glorious prospect which the sovereign opened to them, as
during his reign rooks would never want ruined villages
in which to fix their residence. Of a similar character
is the service which the Tories confer on professional
agitators, to whom they afford an unfailing supply of ma-
terials for the exercise of their occupation. So profuse
are they in the distribution of wrongs, that men, whose
first desire would otherwise be to keep aloof from poli-
tical strife and pursue a course of industrial exertion,
are coerced by oppression and injustice to coaibine in
the general struggle for a redress of grievances. Agitation
is no longer confined to a few discontented spirits sup-
ported by the reckless and improvident, in the hope of
reaping advantage amidst the convulsions of society, but
maintained by the most wealthy and industrious classes,
its action is impelled by the power of a whole nation, and
its sphere of operation is from the centre to the circumfer-
eace of the British isles. Were the prospects of parties
to be estimated by the proceedings within the walls of Par-
liament, the result of the present political struggle might
indeed appear doubtful ; but when we look without—when
we see the people in all parts of the kingdom—every county
and town in England, Ireland, and Scotland—actuated
by the same spirit, meeting, organising, and combining
for the accomplishment of a common object, all doubt
as to the result must be set at rest. It would be a
mistake to suppose that the ultimate object of the
people in all parts of the united kingdom is not the
same, though the difference in the amount and degree
of their respective wrongs may exhibit some discre-
pancy in their several proceedings. Ireland, for in-
stance, is claiming full and perfect equality of laws and
rights with England, while England is seeking a new
" charter" for the people ; but should the question be
brought to issue, it would soon appear that the difference
of purpose exists only in name, and not in reality, and that
both countries are struggling to effect the same consumma-
mation—Justice for the people. A public meeting, we
perceive, is to be held in the Palace-yard, Westminster, on
the 17th of next month, to take into consideration the pro-
priety of petitioning Parliament to pass into law the " Peo-
ple's Charter," as drawn up by the Working Men's Asso-
eiation, and of adopting the " National Petition," as
agreed to at Birmingham, Glasgow, and other towns.
' We understand that the High Bailiff of Westminster
has consented to take the chair, and that a number
of influential Reformers from different parts of the
country are expected to attend. There is no doubt the
meeting will be one of the most important that has
for a long time been held in the metropolis, and having
assemblediproposed e
rbeay h i
at Birmingham,
et
ae pa rhundredsa paramount
o unini f
Glasgow,u e thousandsnce of
aonndthe
eh e personsrp r places,
celately
proceeding
n g ts
for its object the accomplishment of the same ends as were
of the next Session. The " national petition" already
has received an amount of signatures that would appear
incredible. I ikl liinognds
kingdom, that
men already
arecalled
go organized
throughout the
day to have simultaneous meetings, as has been proposed.
to assist in promoting the common object, an array would
be exhibited, which, however peaceable in conduct, would
be fearful and appalling in its very magnitude. This is the
on which the Tories may thankand
prospect congratulate
themselves. With such a vista before them, their darling
hope of office must be rather distant of realization. Were
not the people so intelligent and orderly as they have on so
many occasions recently exhibited themselves, such im-
mense assembl iges could not be contemplated without the
most fearful apprehension. As it is, fortunately, the mul-
titude has felt its moral power to be its most efficient
agent ; and in this feeling is the best guarantee of the pub-
lic safety. But though there be no danger of commotion,
nor of society resolving itself into its original elements, a
great change is at hand. Parliament having disappointed
the public expectation, its power is passing away, and the
people are virtually re-assuming what otherwise they would
be content to delegate—the sovereign authority. In feet,
the body politic cf Great Britain is at the present moment
in the transition of is peaceful revolution.—morn. Adver.
There is groat reaeon to fear that on Saturday next the
two ferrale victims cf that Christian and humane proviien
of the Whig Poor-law, which has the effect of a Noun'}
offered upon iefo t:eide, arc destined to perish by the hands
of the eeecetionc.r, to 1 x‘,l°Pl4 the I)lQ•sed effects of ties:
-€ the great Whig "boon" seMell wee more espe-
portion o.
• the " female population. 'to
eialiy conferred ueon • !@ .4ff•in"

STRANGE MARRIAGE AT HULL.—On Monday
wee married, at St. Mary's Church, Mr. William Clarkson,
eerelwaine,r, to Miss —. An unusuel sensation was created
by the above event, the bridegroom being a deformed person,
about thirty years cf age, and three feet six inches in height,
whilst the btidc was a blooming girl, much taller, and sup-
posed tube yet in her teens. The couple had no sooner en-
tered the church than crowds of the lower orders, chiefly
women f,om the adjacent lanes lied alleys, flocked into
the sacred edifice, and conducted themselves in a manner so
disorderly, that it was deemed prudent to lock the doors to
prevent the intrusion of any more. Numbers, however,
continued to arrive, and quickly filled those parts of Lowgate,
Chapel-lane, and Low Church-alley, immediately contiguous
to the church. The ceremony being performed, the couple
prepared to depart, but a death-like pal,:ee3s came over the
visage of the bridegroom, when, on turning rimed, he beheld
the middle aisle crowded with spectators. Prefrring a quiet
tnereat to the doubtful ree, ption of so great acid rude a mul-
ttude, he advanced with his partner to one cif the sic aisles,
but was equally dismayed on finding that that also was
blocked up with human beings. A peesage was at length
suede for the egress of the connubial pair, and they proceeded
through the aisle amidet the loud cheers and exclamations of
the congregation. The scene, which was somewhat serio
comical, raised for a time a smile on the countenance of the
minister, but this was shortly changed to a graver aspect.
The conduct of the parties who had obtained admission into
the church was truly disgraceful. On approaching the door
a sailor, who had perched himself upon a slight eleva-
tion, to have a better view of the affair, leaped down
from his situation, and throwing both his ems round the
neck of the bride, saluted her with a kis., end let her go. A
salutation still more unwelcome awaited the happy bride-
;iemen for it those within the church had acted rudely, those
outside appeared determined not to be outdone by their corn-
recites in misbehaviour. Acts of violence were immediately
inflicted or attempted upon the person of the little man, who
gladly enough made the best of his way from the assailants,
while some of his friends voluntarily returned the compliment
to those who were fisty inclined. The poor shoemaker could
not travel very fast, but in his fashion lie ran, followed by a
great part of the crowd, up Lowgate, Market-place, North
Church-side, and took refuge in the Church of Holy Trinity,
where another marriage was then celebrating. The Church,
however eflorded little sanctuary for him. He was closely
attended by the rude throng, which increasing even there
upon him, he soon retreated again, and was chased through
several other streets, until he either found a quiet hiding place
or his pursuers grew tired of their frolic. "We believe the lady
who so recently plighted to him her troth deserted him not in
all these adventures.—Hull Observer.

A BRILLIANT BIT OF BLARNEY.—Women of
Kilshindy ! the feelings of my heart irresistibly impel me to
address myself to you. lam come to render homage to your
numberless perfections. I lay my devotions at your feet ; I
implore your sympathy, your aid. I solemnly protest that I
would far prefer the loss of my election, if supported by your
influence, to success the most brilliant and decisive if acquired
through the energies exclusively of men..--( Hurrah.) But
this,
my lovely country-women, is a totally impracticable case,
for your magic aid will invest me in a panoply of proof, and
wreathe my brows with victory's luxuriant laurel.—(Great
cheering.) My adorable countrywomen I does not the genial
are of patriotism animate your breasts ? Oh yes ; it glows
within the sacred temple of your swelling bosoms with a lustre
more intense than our ruder sex can possibly appreciate. Wo-
men of Kilshindy ! you are all either married, or you hope to be
married.—( Roars of laughter.) Would you not wish the hus-
bands of your choice, the beloved companions of your lives, to
bear upon their fronts the proud stamp of Liberty ?—( A tor-
nado of applause.) Would you not wish to transmit to your
posterity the glorious inheritance of freedom ? 0, I know
you would. The elevating sentiment sparkles in your glance,
and beams upon your smile. Exert, then, in the cause of
Catholic Ireland, the magic fascinat'on of the female eye—
( Shouts of laughter)—the irresistible witchery of the female
tongue ; make the arch boy Cupid auxiliary to our patriotic
efforts--.(A storm of laughter)—exert the thousand charms
which Nature has so kindly lavished on you, and if these
don't produce the desired effect, congeal your melting maiden
tenderness to ice ; darts frowns of horror and reproof upon the
man who would perpetuate the stamp of servitude which ty-
ranny has branded on the manly brow of Irishmen. Rouse
the electors of Kilshindy !—excite theta to national exertion,
by fair means or rough If possessed of the aid of your
tillery, my beloved countrywomen, I confidently promise that
my struggle will be brief, glorious, and triumphant.—The
Wife-hunter.

SHOCKING BIGOTRY.—The following morceaux
served up in the columns of the Carlow Sentinel, shows the
sort of garbage on which Orangemen feed and fatten :—" A
few weeks since we stated that a child belonging to a man
named Thomas Donelly, in the employment of Mr. Sly, had
been exhumed by some barbarians and removed to another
place, because the parent, who is a Roman Catholic, continued
in the employment of Mr. Sly. The case was fully inquired
into at the Tullow Petty Sessions on Saturday week, when the
bench ordered informations to be sworn against P. Donelly, W.
Doyle, and John Byrne for the offence. It appears that Donelly
se ore he had paid a certain Priest to bless the clay If before he
laid the body of the child beside those of his ancestors ; but,
notwithstanding this, the blind fanatics charged with the offence,
being instigated by some demon to commit tke deed, forthwith
dug up the body, lest it might corrupt the " ashes" of the " faith-
ful." The Parish:Priest of Clonegal denies all participation in the
deed, but admitting his accuracy to the fullest extent, he does
not deny that some neighbouring Priest did not employ these
wretched bigots to exhume the body. The committal of such
offences in the 19th century is disgraceful to a country pre-
tending to civilization, and forcibly reminds us of the awful
demoralization of the lower classes, when the monks possessed
unlimited dominion in this country. Such anti.christian acts
are in strict conformity with the doctrines inculcated by Dr.
M' Hale, who, in consecrating the churchyard of Addergoole,
declared, " That as a spoonful of poison would spoil a churn
of milk, so would a small dust of Protestant clay poison the
entire graveyard."
ROBBERlES.—Yesterday information of the follow-
ing robberies was communicated to the police:—On Sunday
night last, or early the next morning, the premises of Mr.
Dodd, Norwood-green, Southall, were entered and plundered
of a quantity of valuable plate, consisting of dessert forks,
soup ladles, spoons of different descriptions, and other articles;
a ring, supposed to be a diamond one, was also carried off, to-
gether with a purse containing some cash. On the same night
Hadley 's Hotel, Bridge-street, was robbed of twelve silver
table forks, seven ditto table spoons, and three ditto dessert
spoons, all marked " Radley's Hotel," and " G. K.," in a
circle. On Friday night two young women, named Priscilla
Bitten and Emma Bitten, absconded from the house of Mrs.
Hall, Little St. Mary's-lane, Cambridge, stealieg and taking
away with them 16 sovereigns and a large quantity of wearing
apparel ; it is supposed that the females drugged some beer,
of which Mrs. Hall partook previously to her going to bed,
and that they then took from behind her pillow the key of the
drawer in which the cash was deposited. The eldest of the
fugitives (one of whom, Priscilla, was Mrs. Hall's servant) is
no more than 16 years of age. They have been trsced to
London, and it is supposed they have proceeded to Dover with
the vices of embarking for the Continent.

ExTRAoRDINARY CIRCUMSTANCE..—..A woman
carryin,t• a dea,l child was on Tuesday night brought to the
Gl,s-f ow police office for examination. She had been ob-
served in Blythswood.square in a state of intoxication by t
oo
ladies, who saw the child drop from her arms upon the
sn.cet. On going roarer, the ladies discoTored that the in-
t.:int, which was abut two monilis old, was dead. Vacther
h.:d been alive previc;lis to the fill, could not be ascer-
tained, hot, as the mother was oh erred applying its lips to 111.2
,deast, after she had li%ed it, the likelihood is, that it xy,-is
Jive, or at least, that she was not r.ware of life being extinct.
Th, surgeon gave it as his opinion, that death was the effect
of disease.,--Tilinburgh c9urani,

• ‘,'