The Sun.
London, England, 1853-12-20 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE GUN.

SIR,—If the deliberate statement in the Times that
Lord Palmerston has resigned his seat in the Cabinet
solely because Lord Joh❑ Russell's Reform Bill is too
liberal, too extreme, be untrue; it is certainly a very
clumsy lie, and one much more likely to be troublesome
to the Government than to damage Lord Palmerston.
This is certain, that the Liberals, indeed all parties, will
await with extreme interest the advent of this despe-
rately Radical Reform Bill, which has frightened the
Horne Secretary from his seat in the Cabinet, at the
very time when his presence is the most required—when
not only England, but Europe, depends upon his expe-
rience and patriotism to curb the daring attacks of
Russia, and when, too, the energy of his administration
as Home Secretary is gaining for him daily increased
popularity. As a Liberal, convinced that a comprehen-
sive reform bill is necessary, I hope that this reiterated
statement of the Times is true, for it will argue a very
great change for the better in Lord John Russell ; but I
must say that I am inclined to accept your view of the
subject, and to doubt that Lord Palmerston would hesi-
tate, Tory though he may be, to subscribe to anything
emanating from Lord John Russell in the shape of re-
form. Of the two statesmen, certainly Lord Palmerston
has not proved himself the lesser Liberal. Unless the
present Government are prepared to bring forward a
reform bill, much more liberal and comprehensive than
expect they will with Lord Aberdeen the Prime Minister.
this reason brought forward with so much éclat by-the
Government journals for the withdrawal of the Home
Secretary must render their resignation inevitable, for
it will be the only way to baulk the natural antioipa.
tions of the people.

When the present Ministry has crumbled to pieces,
as it must, it is to be hoped we shall have a Govern-
ment presided over by Lord Palmerston, worthy of a
great nation—a Government that will gain the confi-
dence of the people by deserving it.—Yours, ttc.
C. fr. S.

SPORTING NOTES.

A NOTE OF PREPARATION.
The coming of the racing season 1854 is already va-
riously indicated. Clerks of courses are actively en-
gaged in preparing their respective programmes, and
setting forth the attractions of their meetings in the most
" taking" and effective manner. Long lists of staked
to close on the 2d of January have been advertised ja,
the last two numbers of the "Sheet Calendar," and
among them are several new races, the conditions of
which have been framed on " popular principles.
Among the recently established events the most impor-
tant is unquestionably the GREAT NORTHERN HANDIOAtr•
Of late the muster of the " betting brotherhood" at
The Corner .has been very scanty, and the business
transacted has been limited and insignificant. For the
Derby, however, KING Tom, after a temporary "dd'
pression" has been brought with increased force into the
market, and a commission to " get on" remains only
partly executed. Virago, an animal in old John Days
stable, is in strong demand for the Chester Cup, and is
likely to become an extraordinary favourite. So nume-
rous have been the investments on Miss Mowbray for
the Liverpool Steeplechase that scarcely 10 to 1 is ob-
tainable about her. On this occasion her party have
not, Ads said, been forestalled in the market. The mare
has been taking regular exercise, although the present
frosty weather has somewhat interrupted the work 0
preparation. Considering, however, that the nomine'
tions, weights, and acceptances have yet to be declared.
lWiss Mowbray may prove a dangerous favourite for
both backers and layers.
Tattersall's Subscription Room will, I believe, be
closed during the ensuing week. Measures, too, ere•
about to be adopted to prevent the assemblage of per-
sons in the Sale-yard on Sundays—a custom mere
honoured in the breach than in the observance.
Dec. 19. A FRESH MAN'.