The Sun.
London, England, 1831-08-04 00:00:00

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LONDON,
THURSDAY EVENING, AUGUST 4, 1831.

DISSOLUTION OF THE FRENCH MINISTRY.

n
✓lt is just as we predicted—the Ministry of
CASIMIR PERIER is at an end ! The first
week of August—nay, the first day—has wit-
nessed its dissolution, and most deservedly,
for M. PERIER was forcing on the Go-
vernment, entirely at variance with the ma-
jority of the French people, and contrary
to the spirit of the revolution. We hope this
may be a warning to the KING, for Louts
PHILIPPE since his elevation has conducted
himself more like any other continental monarch,
than as KING of the French. His Ministers—
and how many of them has he not had since
his accession ?—have all been selected more for
their anti-national character, than for any fitness
to direct the conduct of a great and free
nation. And what is now the mortifying
result ? After so many changes, his MA-
JESTY is reduced to the necessity of beholding
another—and must soon experience the humi-
liation of naming yet another, unless he choose
men who possess more of the national confi-
dence, and are truly representatives of the na-
tional feeling and opinion. It is idle for
the KING to hope that he can arrest the
vast current of public sentiment, so frequently
and so unequivocally expressed. The French
people have spoken out—and the KING will
do wisely by endeavouring to lead, not to thwart
the national will.

The downfall of M. PERIER was occasioned
by the election for the Presidency of the Cham-

her of Deputies, which though nominally de-
cided in his favour, was yet in effect against
him, the majority being only five for the Mini-
sterial candidate.
There seem to have been two elections and a
scrutiny for the important office. At the first,
the number of Deputies amounted to 355. The
result of the ballot stood thus :

For M. Girod de I'Ain, the Ministerial candidate 171
M. Lafitte.
M. Beranger 8
Dupont de l'Eure
Odillon Barrot 1
Mo bourg 1
(Three votes were lost by being illegible.)

But none of the candidates having obtained the
absolute majority required by the law (178),
a new ballot took place, when there appeared
(the number of Deputies present having in-
creased to 358) :.--
__ _

For M. Girod de l'Ain .
M. Lafitte
Dupont de l'Eure 1
Majority for the Ministerial candidate -5 !!

When we consider that the Chamber of Depu-
ties was, on this occasion, far from being com-
plete, only 358 out of the entire number (459)
having been present, notwithstanding all the
exertions and influence of the Court and the
Ministry; and that out ofthe 101 Members neces-
sary to complete the Chamber, 34 remain to be
elected, in consequence of the double, triple,
and even quadruple nominations of some Mem-
bers, it is clear that the Minister was guilty of
great folly in meeting the Chamber. But he has
paid for his temerity.
As to his successor all is yet doubt and un-
certainty. The Correspondents of the Times
and Herald are at variance on thetpoint. Count
MOLE is named, at the suggestion of M.PERIER
—rather an ominous recommendation ! One thing
is however clear, that no Ministry can last any
time, which does not act in accordance with the
strong current of public feeling now so indig-
nantly expressed in favour of the brave Poles,
who have so long fought the battle of France
and of liberty single-handed, against the cruel
warfare of Russia, and the still more cruel hos-

tility of Prussia. But the day of retribution is
now at hand

It is said, but we have not yet had authentic
accounts, that hostilities have recommenced be-
tween Holland and Belgium. We shall not be
at all surprised should this take place ; but we
think the report has originated from the cir-
cumstance of the armistice having expired,
and notice to that effect having been given
by the King of HOLLAND. Possibly the
change in the French Ministry may cool
his Dutch MAJESTY'S appetite for war,
as, should events in Paris lead to an inter-
ference in favour of the Poles, he may have
more warlike operations than he likes nearer
home.

A Cabinet Council was held this day, at one
o'clock, at the Foreign Office, in Downing-street,
at which were assembled most of his MAJESTY'S
Ministers.

The populous and influential towns of Green-
wich, Sheffield, Sunderland, and Devonport,
with their contiguous districts, were last night
admitted within the pale of the representation.
This is as it should be, though we do not see why—
anti in this solitary instance we find ourselves to
our infinite astonishment, agreeing with Sir C.
WETHERELL—CheIsea and its vicinity should
not be admitted to the same privilege. Within
the last few years this quarter of the metro-
polis has increased in wealth, not less than
in population, to an extent inconceivable to
those not acquainted with the locality. What
six years ago was Chelsea Common, a vast
tract of low, uninclosed ground, is now a city
in itself, comprising its streets, shops, and ma-
nufactories. What scarcely five years ago was
another equally extensive tract of waste land,
better known by the name of the " Five-fields,"
is now Belgrave-square, the most splendid quarter
of London. Besides this sudden and surprising
increase of building and population, Chelsea corn-
prisegyulham, Battersea, Pimlico,Putney,Barnes,
and probably Hammersmith, so that, all things
considered, we really think it is entitled to its
due share in the representation. We offer this
merely as a suggestion to Ministers, and will
not dwell further on the subject, lest it might
be supposed we had a desire to assist in throw-
ing obstacles in the way of the Bill. This great
healing measure progressed last night in a
more satisfactory manner than usual. Still
more satisfactory was the amendment of
Lord ALTHORP, that in future Saturday would
be added to the working days of the House.
This is the proper mode of doing business, and
convincing the people that Government are really
sincere, unanimous, and energetic in their deter-
mination to press the Bill through Committee.
Previous to the discussion on the great ques.
tion, Mr. HUNT moved an amendment to a
proposal by Lord ALTIIORP that 10,0001. per
annum should be added to the income of the
Duchess of KENT, for the purpose of providing
for the education of the Princess VICTORIA.
The lion. Member's amendment was that
the grant should be diminished to 5,0001.
which was lost by a majority of 223, over—
nothing, that is,
over Mr. HUNT himself, who is
thus, literally as well as metaphorically, a mere
cypher. We question if such a minority was
ever before seen or heard of, even in a House
famed from time immemorial, for all sorts of
grotesque changes and exhibitions. It is the
very incarnation of insignificance. We would
advise the Hon. Member for Preston to try his
hand at no more divisions. He is a political
Unitarian, of the most unpopular class, and had
better therefore keep his heterodoxy to himself.

The City Members distinguished themselves
last night in the House of Commons. Alder-
manWArrumAN abolished Lord VA LLETORT ;
Alderman WOOD " took the shine" out of that
Cambrian Philomel Mr. WYNN ; and Alder-
man ThomrsoN, resolved not to be behind his
colleagues in prowess, did equal justice to Sir
C. WETHERELL. Who, after this, shall say
that Aldermen are no Solomons ? Lord