The Sun.
London, England, 1836-06-27 00:00:00

THE NEXT MOVE OF MINISTERS~

(From the Forthcoming Number of Pas Magtriine.)
We are not prone to rash counsels, We perfectly Com-
prehend all the petty inconveniences which limy attend he
Tories venturing into power for even three Oreks; iffy iinqt
must be their utmost term, three monthg. We understand
the full value of keeping out the Tories —but if the timr
has come when the public cause can be better adVancbcd hT,
having them in than out, then we say!, Thi,c4 k,);!istl,
doors—let in the Tories !In nutting desthictiOn fob them-
selves, they at present oppose a barrier tel. the ,viiiaChinb of
to rush upon power—that is, u
the State, which cannot be got rid df; kit lliStifterihe them
we left off ---- P" ion. Last month
...ving—" A crisis may arise, and that suddenly,
which would completely vindicate the Ministry in thevolun-
tary resignation of office. If the Tory Lords persist in
throwing obstructions in the way of every liberal meßsure
sent up to them, it becomes evident that the Whig Govern-
ment (whoever is Premier) can no longer carry on the bu-
siness of the nation in consonance with its just expectations,
and with pledges given by the Government upon different
important questions; and then comes the time to resign
with dignity, and effect, committing the issue to the King,
the Commons and the People." Before .these pages can
reach the public, the crisis then foreseen will in all proba-
bility have arisen—and if the time has come, we hold to
our deliberate opinion, which we make no question is that of
the immense majority of Reformers. Nor can we perceive
any tenable ground of hesitation, assuming, which we cannot
doubt, that the Lords will hold to their text, let the Mi-
nistry and the House of Commons do as they will.
There remains, then, no alternative save Resign or Dis-
solve ; and many considerations make the first the prefer-
able course. Were a dissolution of the Peel Parliament
demanded from the King by the present Ministers, it is not
easy to guess upon what pretext that which might have
been obtained when they took office, would be refused now.
, Yet the policy of dissolving a Parliament by which the Go-
vernment is so well supported, is questionable ; and it is
evidently ungracious. Inconvenience must attend whichever
course is adopted ; but surely it is better that the retainers,
underlings, and expectants of Downing-street should suffer
disappointment for a time, than that so many Liberal mem-
bers and constituencies should be put to great trouble and
expense, and the whole country be convulsed by a general
election. A dissolution is, in fact, a virtual resignation,
without any of the attendant advantages of prompt and de-
cided tactics.

We are unwilling to listen to the sinister rumours afloat.
We turn a deaf ear to reports of Whig hesitation, vacilla-
tion, and ultimate truckling. We refuse to believe that
what so lately wore the imposing semblance of vigour and a
manly determination to persevere in the good cause, was, in
reality, nothing more than bluster, and swagger, and talk-
ing " big words in the breach." It would be humiliating,
indeed, to find that a demonstration of firmness, which the
country hailed with transport, and to which it is still
responding, is to end in nothing, save proving—what the
Tories have all along tauntingly asserted—the indecision
and total imbecility of the Whigs, as often as the time for
action arrives. For what would Ministers wait or hesitate ?
The Lords, in this Session, do not pay them, or the House
of Representatives, the poor compliment of disguising their
their fixed resolution to oppose to the mitrance all their
primary measures, and to annoy, thwart, and baffle them in
every way possible. Do the House of Commons and the
Gorvernment wait from month to month, and from Session
to Session, that their opponents may have time to consoli-
date their forces, and, by practice, gain skill and courage in
playing that game of opposition, in which they are already
far greater adepts than they were two years back ? To do
their Lordships justice, they have rallied immensely since
their first grand defeat. Yield they must, sooner or later,
whatever course the Government may adopt ; for, this the
country wills ; but they will not be panic-striken a second
time, and much less subdued by a flourish of big words,
ending in smoke. The Government ought to know that the
time has come for deeds, and that their sole choide lies be-
tween wise and magnanimous daring, in which they will
be supported by every true Reformer in the empire, and
and still larger majorities in the House of Commons—or
abject, or irretrievable submission ! The battle between

the nation and the House of Lords may last for some time ;
but a few months or weeks will settle one question ; and
that is, whether the progress of political and social improve-
ment is to be directed for many happy years by a Whig
party, acting on liberal views, or, if that party, sorely
crippled and dismembered during the administration of
Lord Grey, and now strong only in its Radical allies, and the
confidence inspired by the belief of its fair intentions, shall
sink, and for ever disappear, amidst the scorn and contempt
of Radicals and Tories alike. It is worse than idle to beat
longer about the bush. The Ministers have a plain open
course to pursue. The House of Lords will, we have no
doubt, solemnly and formally, a second time, reject a measure
of justice, to which the Ministry are doubly pledged—one
which was promised by the King in his message to Parliament,
and which is now pressed by the nation in innumerable pe-
titions. And is the House of Commons and the Govern-
ment to submit ? We will not think of it. The whole
country disclaims so mean, so dastardly, so pusillanimous
and impolitic a course. This is the crouching line of po-
licy which invites spurning and trampling upon, and which
richly deserves what it invites. For what purpose did the
Marquis of Lansdowne and other Peers make a
stand in the House of Lords ? For what purpose did
the House of Representatives reject the Lyndhurst Bill,
and waste the time of the nation in constructing another,
worse to the palate of their Lordships, if all must end in
vapour ? Was it only to swell the triumph of the Peers,
and confirm them in the infatuated course which must ulti-
mately bring their House about their ears ? The ill-consi-
dered words of Lord Brougham, which gave so much just
offence to the nation, seem to have been prophetic--" If
little has been done in this session, less will be done in the
next." And, in the next, and the next again, little indeed
has been done. The nation, which has been more trusting
and indulgent to the Melbourne government than to any
previous Administration that ever existed in England,
begins to discover that a " great cry and little wool" Mi-
nistry would be even worse than the obstructive or stag-
nation one which previously held the reins. The Grey
Government did nothing ; but the Melbourne Administra-
tion actually plays into the hands of the hereditary enemies
of the People, as often as a blustering demonstration shall end
in nothing, save sneakingly drawing the horns, rashly put forth,
back into the shell of Downing-street, until the time serves
the Tories for crushing togeter the shell and the reptile
within it. If the Grey Government did nothing, they, at
least, by prudent forbearance, avoided spewing how power-
less they were, to carry the measures in which the Mel-
bourne Government are in such imminent danger of break-
ing down, only from inherent cowardice. If they shall
tamely yield now—and to hold office in the face of their
duty to,the country, amounts to almost treacherous yield-
ing—we are constrained to say that they have taken im-
mense pains to prove their own imbecility, and the strength
of the Peers. This last may be the diseased energy of
maniacs ; but it is not for that the less dangerous, until it
shall be put under restraint. And how much longer time
is to be lost in dealing with these cunning lunatics ?
The advocates of an unwise and craven policy are cry-
ing, " Oh ! wait a little longer ; only just stay till their
Lordships shall have played a few more fantastic tricks, and
given such striking proofs of their determined hostility to
every good measure. which the Commons may devise, as
shall force the country to see that the Upper House must
be reformed. Give them rope." Now, their Lordships
have both gotten and taken rope. The public mind is fully
ripe for the decided course which it has become the duty of
a Liberal Government to follow. If there be any demurring
or disinclination, it exists within the Parliament itself—it
lurks in the Cabinet—and finds no place among the peo-
ple. The Government will commit an irretrievable blunder
if they act upon the mistaken idea that John Bull still en-
tertains sonic mysterious veneration for the House of Peers,
or that he will not, with all his might, second any real turn-
up, or sincere opposition to their lordly perversities, how-
ever indifferent he may seem to a sham-fight or idle flou-
rishing with foils. The fact is, that the People, the masses,
arc upon this question of reform of the Peers, as far in

advance of the House of Commons and the Government as
they arc upon that of a Free Trade in Corn, short Parlia-

ments, or the Ballot. The country is fully ripe for every
good measure, and only requires to sec honesty and deter-
mination in the Government, in order to put forth all its
latent power. This silly game has already been persisted
in for three years. How much longer would the advocates
of delay wish to play off and on ? Can any fairer occasion
of going to the country arise than the present ; or any one
in which the personal interests, prejudices, and bigotries of
the Peers are lest intimately involved ? What measure more
just or more broadly-based can be imagined, than that upon
which the two Houses have come to collision and a stand-

—..— -
still ?—or that can more strongly stir the generous feelings
of the people ? The present Government can only, by
boldness, decision, and promptitude—and by keeping
clear of the craven policy of clinging to place
under all circumstances, which none save dastards or
traitors can counsel—ascertain what is the true

measure of their power, while they continue to act
like men and statesmen, whether out of office or in it. They

must not suffer the opinion to get abroad? that they kindly,
though perhaps unconsciously, hold Downing-street as a
barricade to cover the safe advance of the Tories to

power, when the convenient season arrives. That may suit
the cautious Sir Robert Peel. It has not yet come. But
were the supplies once voted, and the indispensable busi-
ness of the session got through, with the help of, the Whigs,
autumn might find" the pear, ripe ;" and a Tory govern-
ment (which could not go on for a month at this early stage)
fairly seated in power, which, whether held under the im-
pudent pretence of liberality or not, would assuredly be
employed to subvert all that the country has gained by so
many years of struggle and sacrifice.
W. have not adverted to the bare possibility of the Lords
•5

THE S'tTN, LONDON, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1838

One sergeant, a corporal, and six gunners of the Royal
Marine Artillery are ordered to be embarked-on board the
Pluto steam steam-vessel, on her arrival at this port, on her
way to the north coast of Spain.
At Spithead—Vanguard, Bellerophon, Pembroke, Asia,
and True Britain, free trader.
In Harbour—Britannia, Excellent, Royal George, Ma-
dagascar, Buffalo, Beacon.
Appointments—Captain Sir Josias R. Rowley, Bart., to
the Cornwallis, vice Captain Festing, who reigns from ill
health ; Commander John M'Dougall (b) and Mr. R. H.
Mattacott, master, to the Salamander ; Lieut. F. Syer to
the Pluto ; Lieut. W. Boys, to the Columbine ; Lieut.

Joseph Tailor, to command. the Hornet revenue cutter ;
Mr. G. B. Harvey, to be second master and pilot of the
Magpie ; Mr. E. Mallard, to be second masterof the Corn-
wallis ; Lieut. Powys, vice Otway,.. and Mr. W.'Bligh;
mate, to the Madagascar ; Mr. J. L. Weal!, assistant-
surgeon, to the Pembroke, Mr. W. G. Herbert, volunteer
Ist class, to the Asia ; Mr. W. F. Lower and Mr. W.
Moorsom, midshipmen, to the Excellent ; Mr. IL Deans,
assistant-surgeon, to the Britannia.
Mr. James Alexander Dunbar, son of the late 'Captain
Sir James Dunbar, obtained the first medal, and Mr.
Alexander George West, son of Adniiral West, the se-
cond medal, at the half-yearly examination of the students,
on Tuesday last, at the Royal Naval College.
In consequence of the length of service and consequent
inefficiency of several officers in the higher grades in the
corps of Royal Engineers and Royal Artillery, his Ma-
jesty has, it appears, on the recommendation of the Master-
General of the Ordnance, graciously permitted four officers
from each arm of the service to retire on the full pay of their
rank. We sincerely hope that upon the same ground this
boon will be extended to the Royal Marines, who are
equally, if not more entitled to it.
During the stay of the Pearl at Oporto, the most
marked and hospitable attention was shown by the inha-
bitants to Captain Nurse and his officers. On their arri-
val, the principal merchants called on board the Pearl, and
a succession of invitations were given to the officers for ten
days. A ball was given in return by the officers on board
the Pearl. On the quarter-deck was constructed a Persian
tent, 40 feet by 28 feet, formed with the ensigns of diffe-
rent nations ; the deck was decorated with flowers, boat-
loads of which were sent from different quarters in the
neighbourhood. Between the fore and main-masts was
placed a table 40 feet by eight, on which was served a very
splendid supper. The company, between 90 and 100, kept
it up till 4 o'clock, and were highly delighted with the en-
tertainment.

PLYMOUTH, JUNE 23.—0 n Tuesday arrived his Majes-
ty's steamer Flamer, Lieutenant Potbury, from the West
Indies, in a disabled state, unable to make use of steam ;
she was towed into harbour this afternoon, by the Bruns-
wick steamer, to have her defects made good, in order to
enable her to proceed to Woolwich. Sailed on Saturday
last, his Majesty's packet Linnet, Lieut. Downey, for Fal-
mouth. The Minden, 74, Captain Sharpe, C. 8., was
paid two months' wages in advance, on Tuesday last,
and will proceed -to sea to join the Asia on her appear-
ing off this port. The Columbine, 16, Commander Hen-
derson, went out of harbour into the Sound this day,
and will shortly proceed to the coast of Africa. The

Hope and Magnet, 10, were undocked this day, hav-
ing had their defects made good, and fitted for commis-
sion as packets. Lord Wilton's yacht, the Xarifa, was
taken into dock this day, in order to have her lines taken.
The Wellesley, 64, and Druid, 46, under repairs, are
in a great state of forwardness, and will be completed in
about eight weeks. The Agincourt, 74, Belleisle, 74, and
Implacable, 74, ordered to be fitted as demonstrative ships,
are suspended for the present. Colonel Sir John B.
Savage, the Deputy-Adjutant-General, and his assistant,
Captain W. Burton, arrived here on Saturday last, in the
Brunswick steamer, and commenced the periodical inspec-
tion of the Plymouth division of Royal Marines, which
took place on Monday last on the Hoe, when the various
evolutions were performed with the utmost precision, and
did great credit to that distinguished corps. The battalion
was very small, there being but few men at quarters, who
were commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel-Hornby, on Tues-
day. Sir John afterwards inspected the barracks and in-
firmary, &c., and on the following day took his departure
for Milford.

(From the Deronpo.rt Independent.)
The Hamoaze lighter arrived on Thursday, and the
Tortoise on Saturday, from Falmouth, after weighing,
examining, and relaying the moorings in Garrick Roads,
for the Packets, and th Astrea.

The Swaile lighter arrived here on Sunday from Fal-
mouth, with condemned packet stores.
H.M. Brig Columbine, Corn. Henderson, went out of
harbour on Thursday. Thirty boys were drafted on board
for the ships on the North Coast of Africa.
The Minden, 74, Captain A. R. Sharpe, C.B. was paid
advance on Tuesday ; and it is rumoured that on the ap-
pearance of the Asia, 84, 'off this port, from Portsmouth,
she will get under weigh, and both ships will proceed im-
mediately to the north coast of Spain.
Captain resting, of the Cornwallis, 74, has resigned the
command of that ship from the ill state of his health.
Captain Daniel Pring is spoken of as likely to be his
successor.

The Mulgrave is fitted with jury-rigged gear, for con-
veyance to Pembroke. The old Gibraltar will be broken
up at Pembroke.
Should the wind prove favourable, the Aretbusa, Laza-
rette, will sail this flay under the charge of Mr. Walker,
and a party of riggers and men from the Ordinary, for Li-
verpool.

The African steam-vessel, Lieut. West, is ordered home
from the Mediterranean, her boilers being defective.
In Harbour—Royal Adelaide, Imogene, Magpie, and
Flamer steamer.

In the Sound—Cornwallis, Minden, and Columbine.

PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS.-Mr. George Har-
vey, Second Master of Cornwallis, to be Second Master
and Pilot of Magpie ; Mr. Edward Mallard, Second Mas-
ter, to Cornwallis ; Mr. J. Hawker Luscornbe, Midship•
man, from Cornwallis to Madagascar ; Lieut. W. Boyce,
to Columbine ; Mr. Edwin Grant, Master's Assistant, to
Columbine (Mr. Hilliard, Master's Assistant of ditto dis-
charged) ; Mr. Hawkins, G. Ayscough, Mate of the Pre-
sident, to the rank of Lieutenant ; Licuts. T. Stephens,
P. Baskerville, and W. Harvey, to be additional Lieute-
nants of the Melville ; Mr. C. Hoffmeister and Mr. W.
Crawford (a) Mates, to the PeMbroke ; Lieutenant It. J.
Otway, Messrs. G. H. Clarke, and R, E. Atkinson, Mates,
Mr. W. L. Peyton, College Mate, Mr. Sinclair, Mr. J.
Hawkins, Midshipman ; • P. J. Maitland, College Midship-
man, J. S. Dureil, vol. first class, J. R. Duncan, Master's
Assistant, W. B. Scott, Clerk, to the Madagascar ; Mr.
Arthur Lowe, Mate, and Mr. R. D. Dutton, of the Larne,
College Midshipman, to the Excellent ; Mr. R. T. Davis,
Mate, to the Seaflower ; Mr. R. Hoskyn, Acting Master
and Pilot to the Beacon.
A Parliamentary Paper of the sailing, sea-boat, and
man-of-war-like qualities of the Vernon, Barham, Castor,
Pique, and other ships has been published.
The Skipjack schooner left Jamaica for Chares on the
9th of May.
His Majesty's sloop Gannet arrived at Nassau on the
16th of April, bringing in 'a large schooner, the-Creole, sail-
ing under Portuguese colours, which she captured to the
westward of St. Domingo, having upwards of 300 slaves
on board, which were landed on the following day. ' The
crew of the Creole were committed to prison The height
of the slave deck was represented as only two feet !
The Sparrowhawk arrived at Valparaiso, from Cobija,
Bth February, and sailed 19th for Coquimbo. The Blonde
arrived at Valparaiso, from Callao, 22d February. The
Racehorse arrived at Barbadoes, from La Guayra, Ist
May. The Gannet sailed for Demerara 28th April ; and
Vestal for St. Kitt's, sth May. The steamer Columbia
arrived at Jamaica, from Barbadoes, 25th April, and Sa-
vage, from ditto,' 6th May, The Wasp sailed for Cartha-
'ena, 27th April, -

- -
tempering with d iittl istiirktinn;,an&
passing the amended Bill of' the Commtni§, IKre bp'ryb they
will not ; for a final rupture must come ; and might at a
worse; because a later period in the session, and probably
lipbtu rtioreApen tq dcbate than that upon which
all afe j#lll/4:.
. .

NAVAL* ii4T.FittliCihiet:
(Prom Ol'e
Asia;,B4,'Capfain Fisher;
i,lri9r4ljtc; pithead -01;?)11 the Minden ;
tut for wild porpo6e iqbt fiTiq follocgd to
Plymouth the moment the wind is fayourabld.
The Seaflower cutter, Lieut. Roche, arrived on Tuesday,
with newly entered men from Sheerness : she returned on
the following day.
The Buffalo, Capt. Hindmarsh, K.H., will proceed to
South Australia (of which intended settlement Capt. Hind-
marsh is appointed the Governor) on the 10th of next

month.
The Westminster, American packet ship, Capt. Moore,
sailed on Thursday for New York, with 300 passengers
on board, principally agricultural labourers, &c. She took
out also a large cargo of silks, 100,0001. in specie, part of a
loan contracted for in this country, and 140 tons of railroad
Capts. Hornbrook and Morgan, Lieuts. Churchill.
Wright, and Langford, of the Plymouth division of Royal
Marines, have been ordered to hold themselves in rer...:ljayss
to join the battalion in Spain. They will proceed in the
Pluto. Four officers of the Woolwich division, and 100
men, it is understood, have also received orders to be ready
to embark in the Pluto steamer, it is supposed for the two
frigates about to be commissioned at this port, there being
scarcely a sufficient number of men at these bead quarters
to fill the casualties that may occur in the fleet at Spit-
head.