The Sun.
London, England, 1849-01-31 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

am the son of an agricultural labourer,
being one of a family of eleven children. The
privations and difficulties the family had to encounter
may be assumed.
At an agricultural meeting, some ten years ago,
my worthy father obtained a prize of three pounds
for good conduct (that is for saving the parish funds,
he not having touched the parish cash). The owner
of a sow at the same meeting obtained ten pounds.
How much better the sow than the man. My father
is now, from old age, and the infirmities which
severe labour brings—in the union poor-house. My
mother, thank God, is dead ; and I find myself at
thirty years of age treading their steps, with no
better prospects. I ask myself was this intended by
the Great Ruler of all ? Or is it man's doing ?
Some tell me it is free trade ; some a want of Bishops
and churches, and some the want of the Charter, and
some taxation.

With free trade, I cannot think to a consumer,
which I am, of all I earn, cheapness is an evil.
With Bishops and churches, I cannot understand
what good they will do to me. I see many churches
with small congregations. With the Charter and its
points, I think they are not unjust ; but as a
remedy for me distant. Taxation comes home to us
all. ;;Ty earnings are from ten to twelve shillings
per week, which I find expended in meal, groceries,
clothing, &c., an.d which cost is increased by taxation,
right and jofus I
myt
dittheism
4s. or more. Now' I joknn,oawn-
should nay for protee!
rights as a man against She more powerful and against
anarchy : for this and conducting of government I
should be called on to pay per: laps ls. or is. 6d.; but
that I should be forced to pay 2s. 6d. also
for the payment of the interest of a debt called
national, incurred before I was born, and for unjust
wars, and for what is by some called keeping ilown
that class to which I belong, I think very unjust.
Now, show me I am in debt ; the just laws of on."
country between man and man, say if you do not
receive assets, you are not compelled to pay your
father's debts. If this debt, contracted during the
life of my father is his, which God knows he had
nothing to do with, from him I had not any-
thing. But suppose they had the right to burthen
the present time, by easing their own shoulders;
of which they were the judges—see the absurdity,
pursue their course, and borrow for our present
wants, and leave it to the future to bear. Ido
not deny there is a debt owing to the national
creditor, say A, which B contracted, but I deny the
justice of making C pay it. The dishonesty of
snaking C pay that which he does not owe, can only
be equalled by B not paying. What I call upon' the
property of the country to do is to make an effort and
arrange with the national creditor, and no longer rob
me of honest earnings at the rate of 2s. 61 per week
or more.

I am, Sir, &c.,
A PLOUGHMAN.

RELIANCE MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETT.—The
half-yearly meeting of the members of this society was
held yesterday at the society's offices, ' King William-
street, H. F. Prinsep, Esq., in the chair. The Secretary
read the report, which stated that the number of poli-
cies taken out during the past year exceeded that of
the previous year, whilst the cases in which the pay-
ment of premiums had been discontinued were fewer.
The directors congratulated the members of the society
on the fact that during the year not one life had lapsed
so as to create a claim on the funds.—The Chairman
said it afforded him great satisfaction that he was able
to state that the society was in a prosperous condition.
The property of the society might bo stated at 25,0004
and of this amount 17,0001. was invested in the public
Funds. As a proof of the caution exercised by the
directors when insuring lives, he might state that they
had declined proposals to the amount of 29;0001., and
that the average age of the members of the society was
only 40 years. He was happy to inform them that the
business of the society was not confined to the United
Kingdom, for one agency had already been established
in Germany, and another in India.—After some further
business had been disposed of, the report was adopted,
and a vote of thanks having been given to the Chairman
and Directors, the meeting separated.
MASTER BOOT AND SHOEMAKERS' PROTEIIIRNT AND
BENETOLENT INSTITUTION.—Yesterday OVOlting the
thirteenth annual general meeting of the done, and
subscribers of the above institution was held at tne
Freemasons' Tavern, to receive the report, elect officers,
and on general business; Mr. Robert Taylor, presidents
in the chair. The report stated that the subscription%
and donations, including the previous year's balance,
amounted to 3091., whilst the expenditure, including
121/. 13s. 4d. paid to six annuitantst:left balance of
12/. ss. 9d. A piece of ground had also been pup
at Mortlake, Surrey, for the erection of an /80101 u
pable of containing twenty-five habitations,
earls
kitchen.
ling to contain a sitting-room, bed-room, and
and in
3,1001. had been already invested for thiso_ pbu;Pose
which timo
ttc-k d wel-
April next operations will be commenced,
taioi ec!
raise an additional
the committee expect by eollec2 tooonz
The business of the
1,0001. The annuity
evening cncluded byfuthaed iSleCtion, without contest, of
f will de
:eT. he males receive 204 and
accomplished
t'n Colchester,
am=
twoth females additional
l 5 /P.
ep
ne
nn
ne run
ga gang 0
well to beware of the
now in the to
London sharpers who are .
Farmers and othetzlnokviosio;
of their designs by
Iva, and who have
shown the naturevisiting several
to • d
houses and trying induce unwary public
them at cards. Some
counterfeit
y persons to
Play. with at Colchester, Of • unterfeit coin is also
in eirculation which the public will do
to take heed. A base half-so •
well
half-sovereign and shillin
were attempted to be passed on Saturda bg
periment in these two instances was y, ut the ex-
Essex Herald. not successf •-
DERADEUL ATTEMPT AT
SELF-DESTRIICTION ---
On Friday last, the 19th
Pole, of Shute instant, the lady of Sir John
house, precipitated herself from her
bed-room window, on the third floor, and sustained con-
tusions of such a character that serious apprehensions
were entertained for her life, but we hear from her
medical attendants that, although pronounced out of
danger, her Ladyship's rash attempt will render her a
cripple for life. Various rumours are in circulation as
to the cause which could prompt a lady in her elevated
station, and surrounded with every apparent comfort, to
contemplate such an act.—. Devonshire Chronicle.
PROVINCIAL BEGGARS.—The London magistrates
are daily sending begging impostors to prison, that they
may suffer that which they heartily abhorz—hard work.
Meanwhile the routed mendicant army seems to have
made a descent on Liverpool, and our streets are in-
fested with tribes of sturdy vagrants, who crowd the
doors of hotels, confectioners' shops, and theatres.
Those who frequent the places of public amusement are
the most annoying. No sooner do they observe an indi-
vidual who from age, obesity, or weakness, cannot pass
quickly over the ground, or, better still, a gentleman
escorting a lady (for ladies walk slowly), than they join
the party, and pertinaciously pursue or keep company
till they attain their object. An individual reading, or
two or more individuals standing in earnest conversa-
tion, are capital game for them. Upon such unfortu-
nates they incontinently pounce, like hawks on helpless
chickens, and there is no alternative but either to run
away from them, thus perhaps relinquishing the busi-
ness in hand, or, to dismiss them with a gratuity—that
is, to- bribe them to discontinue their petting importu-
nity.--Liverpool Albion*

THE NEW NOVELS.
Now Ready at all the Libraries.
LUCILLE BELMONT.
3 Vols.
2. The DIAMOND and the PEARL. By Mrs. Gore.
3. The DISCIPLINE of LIFE. Second Edition.
4. MILDRED VERNON. Second Edition.
5. The MIDNIGHT SUN. By Miss Bremer. 1 vol.
6. ADVENTURES in BORNEO. A Tale of the Sea. 1 vol.
Henry Colburn, Publisher, 13, Great Marlborough-street.

Nov ready at all the Libraries, in 2 VON., post Svo.
PEREGRINE SCRAMB'LE;
Or,
THIRTY YE.IRS' ADVENTURES of a BLUE JACKET.
By Srß. HENRY V. HUNTLEY.
Richard Bentley, New Burlington-street,

UNITED SERVICE MAGAZINE,
And NAVAL and 31ILITARY JOURNAL,
for FEBRUARY, NO.
CONTENTS:
Military Education. By Dloclides.— Field Artillery in the Princi-
pal European Armies.—The Sadler f Lague. By Prince Louis Napo-
Lson.—African Crutzer. —Smuggs —Conquests of the Dutch
in the Indian Archipelago.—Superstition Afloat,—Last Campaign and
Death of Hefer.—Notes on the History of Horse-shoeing.—Chapter
upon Ireland. —A Hint on the Navigation-laws.—Half-pay on the
Pave.—Detachment Duty in the North.—Privileges of the Gaards.—
War in the Punjaub—Stations of the Army and Navy—Promotions
and Appointments.
H. Hurst, Publisher, IClmg William-street, Strand.
ST.

JAMES'S THEATRE.

Season 1849.
FRENCH PLAYS and OPERA COMIQUE.
THIS EVENING,

The Perfortaanceswill commence at Eight o'clock precisely, with
Bole Mien's popular Opera,
LA DAME BL ttiCHE.

Gorgea, Mons. Bannamy ; Anna, Mdlle. Charton ; Jenny, Mdlle.
Guichard. _ .

Mr. Mitchell begs also +o announce that, notwithstanding the in-
creased expenses of the present entertainment, the prices of admis-
sion are determined as follows :
Boxes ss. Od.
Pit 3e. Od.
Amphitheatre 2s. Od.
Subscriptions for the season may be arranged at Mr. Mitchell's
Royal Library, 33, Old Bond-street ; Mr. Sams', St. James's-street ;
Mr. Andrews', New Bond-street and at the Box-office of the
Theatre, which is open daily from eleven till five.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Mr. B. Webster, Sole Lessee and Manager, Old BrOMptoll.
The public is respectfully informed that this Theatre has, during
the recess, undergone very extensive repairs and alterations and the
Whole re-decorated.

THIS EVENING,
Will be performed HAMLET. Hamlet, Mr. C. Kean ; Queen, Mrs.
Warner ; Ophelia, Mrs. C. Kean.
To conclude with an Arabian Nights' Entertainment, entitled
CAYARALZAMAN AND BADOURA. ; or, The Pert who Loved
the Trinut. Characters by Messrs. Bland, Keeley, Mrs. Keeley, Miss
Horton, and Miss Reynolds.

THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI.
rnder the direction of Madame Celeste-
During the ReCeS3 this Theatre has been entirely re-decorated, the
original designs by Dl4by Wyatt, Esa , executed by Mr. Sang. A
new Stage, Curtain, Act Drop, and Chandelier. An approved sys-
tem of Ventilation, &c., &c. The Private Boxes enlarged, Backs
added to the Seats, and Stalls rendered more comfortable.
THIS EVENING
Will be performed a new Drama, founded on Mr. Dickens's Christ-
mas Book, entitled THE HAUNTED MAN. Mr. Redlaw, Mr.
Hughes : the Phantom, Mr. 0. Smith ; A. Tetterby and Co , Mr.
Wright ; the Boy, Miss E. Chaplin; Milly, Miss Woolgar ; Mrs. Tet-
terby, Mrs. F. Matthews.
To be followed by SWEETHEARTS AND WIVES.
To conclude with THE ENCHANTED ISLE. Alonzo, Mr. Paul
Bedford; Prospero, Mr. 0. Smith ; Ariel, Miss E. Chaplin.

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.
Under the Management of Madame Vcstris.
Sole Lessee, Mr. Charles Mahe :vs.
THIS EVENING.
Will be performed a new and original petite Comedy, entitled
WHO SPEAKS FIRST?
After which, a new Fairy Extravaganza, entitled THE KING OF
THE PEACOCKS. Characters by Messrs. Harley', John Reeve,
Selby, H. Hall, Marshall, and H. Marshall ; Miss Kathleen Fitz
'lam, Miss L. Howard, Mrs. Macuamara, Miss Marshall, Miss L.
Marshall, Miss Coleman, and Madame Vestris.
To conclude with AN APPEAL. TO THE PUBLIC.
Dress Boxes, ss. ; Upper Boxes, 4s. ; Pit, 2s. ; Gallery, IS. No
kalf-price to any part of the house.
The New Box-oftee, No. 2, Wellington street, is open to the
public every day, from Ten till Slx.

PRINCESS'S TREAT ttTI,
Mr. 3. M. Maddox, Sole Lessee and Manager.
During the Recess this Theatre has been re-decorated and embel-
lished In a superb and costly manner fy Mr Hurwitz. A new Chan-
delier has been fitted, and the best arran no men is have been raade for
the due Ventilation of the Theatre, and the coutiort and convenience
of the audience.

THIS EVENING,
Will be performed a new Ballad Opera, entitled ROBIN GOOD;
FELLOW. Characters by Messrs. Charles Braham, Weiss, Honey,
C. Fisher ; Miss Poole, Miss G. Smithson, Miss lieuworthy, Mrs.
Weiss, and Miss E. Stanley.
Te cencluds with a new grand Pantomime, entitled BLUFF
KING HAL ; or, Harlequin and the Charmed Arrow. Harlequin,
Mr. Bologna; Pantaloon, Mr. Paula; Clown, Mr. Fleamore ; Sprite,
Mr. De Barr ; Columbine, Miss Fawcett.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Proprietor, Mr. W. Batty.
llnler the Patronage of her Majesty the Queen, his Royal Highness
Prince &lbert, &c.
Anormous success of the Holiday Novelties, the most astounding in
the Metropolis.—A gorgeous Spectacle.—Brilliant Scenes of the
K Arc:la.—A new comic Pantomime.
THIS EVENING,
The eurtain will rise at a Quarter to Seven o'clock precisely to the
magnificent Spectacle of the
WARS OF THE JEWS ; or, The Fall of Jerusalem.
To be followed by an inimitable display of SCENES IN THE
CIRCLE, supported by the first Equestrian talent of the day.
To conclude with a new Equestrian Pantomime, entitled BOLD
ROBIN HOOD ; or, The Pretty White Horse and Enchanted Prin-
cess of Sherwood Forest.
Box-office open from Eleven till Five.
Stage Manager, Mr. W. West.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
No communication can be attended to unless autheati.
cated by the name and address of the writer.
Rejected communications cannot be returned.

THE WEATHER.--Strs OFFICE, JANUARY 31.
THEIMONITZII, Lowest, 34; Highest, 44; 1 0011, 44.

BAilc METER, 30.23.
WIND W. ; fine weather.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tars DAY —Morning, 25 min. after 6 Evening, 49 min. after 6
To-Mow:tow—Morning, 15 min. after 7 I Evening, 43 min. after 7

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