The Sun.
London, England, 1849-12-04 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY El/ENING,

ment of flogging for the cause mentioned, namely, for
an infirmity of nature, in other words for a disease,
is in the highest degree cruel and inhuman." In his
noble work on "Military Law," Sir CHARLES NA-
PIER has said (see page 157), " It is to be lamented
that those who are so eager to abolish flogging sol-
diers seem to be indifferent to the disgraceful fact
that female criminals may even at this day (1836) be
flogged, and stripped to suffer this ontrage on humanity
and modesty. No honourable man would behold such
an execution, much less sentence the punishnient."
Those are the expressions of a noble head and a
dauntless, yet gentle heart. Still, against the
opinion of THOMAS `PARLEY, against_ the
opinion of ERASMUS WILSON, againsybe opinion
of CHARLES NAPIER—in defiance of kailice, reason,
humanity, and common decency—Air.. llEcroa
ROSE passes an encomium upon the practice of flog-
ging young females in a state of nudity, and ,the
Reverend Dr. CUMMING pronounces s 00 whipcing
to be better than all the moral training in the universe !
We ask our compatriots, the men of England, can
such things as these be tolerated? GOD forbid ! Yas,
GOD forbid that the national character should have
so far degenerated as to allow such words, such cruel-
ties, such indecencies to transpire without eliciting a
shout of execration. We call upon the people, then, to
pronounce the destruction of a system of so much
barbarity. Let them speak, and it will have disap-
peared. Our voice shall swell the cry of indignation
with which the free men of these islands shall declare
the doom of corporal punithment.

The proceedings of the French Government with
respect to the netional currency of France, are emi-
nently worthy of notice, as indicating the only course
consistent with the safety of a country that has so
recently been involved in troubles and panics of no
ordinary character. It is manifest that if the theories
of the currency quacks—of those who believe that
the first and most important duty of a Cabinet is to
preserve the "integrity of _the stan-lard," and to
secure, by the most stringent, and, we will add,
most unnecessary regulations, the "convertibility of
the bank note"—were strictly observed, the greet( st
difficulties would be encountered, and it is impossible
to foresee what might have been the termination of
the monetary crisis. These formidable dangere
have, however, been averted by the simple and
obvious expedient of supplyin4 the deficiency
in the circulating medium occasioned by the
hoarding and concealment of the metallic
currency by the issue of inconvertible paper.
The resources and assets of the Bank of
France were so well known, that no doubt could
exist as to the perfect solvency of the establishment.
"Its credit for all domestic purposes was perfect.
There was no man in the country who was not
willing to take its paper as a means of circulation,
and even to give gold for it the moment he was assure d
that his neighbour would take it from him again.
'lhe gold was not wanted to be sent abroad, the
state of the foreign exchanges forbade it. There was,
therefore, no fear of depreciation of paper. The ne-
cessity and pressure were purely domestic. What
was wanted was something which everybody was
disposed to trust as a substitute for what everybody
distrusted; and the paper of the Bank of France
answered in such a state of things the purpose as well
as gold—it may be said to have done so even batter,
as being more transmissible, and reaching more
readily and rapidly the points where it was wanted.
In fact, its condition was so analogous
to that of the Bank of England during the panic of
1825, that we have adopted the very largunge of the
late Lord ASHBURTON, merely substituting the words
"Bulk of France" for " Bank of England." The
parallel was in (very respect complete; but the
French Ministry, in place of continuing insensible to
the state of the nation, and persisting obstinately in a
course that must have involved all classes in the most
fearful difficulti(s, and most probably led to new
disturbances and produced a civil war, wisely and
sagaciously bent to the storm and proclaimed the
inconvertibility of the bank note. Even the most
bigotted bullionist was compelled to acknowledge the
prudence of the course, and to confess that under the
peculiar circumstances of the case it was an act of
imperative necessity. The amount of notes thus
issued were fixed at 4:52,000,000 of francs, oar
18,080,0001. sterling, awl the auspicious re-
sults were immediately visible in the re-
followed. There was a gradual but rapid
improvement in the national finances ; the
much•despised "rags and lampblack" were not con-

tumaciously rejected; the butcher or the baker did
not refuse to accept them in exchange for meat or
bread. Strange to say, they were eagerly sought for
and even preferred to the silver standard of the
country, in consequence of their superior portability
and convenience ; and although cash payments were
only made for sums not exceeding 2001. sterling,
those very inconvertible notes actually commanded a
premium in the market where the " assignats," the
bugbears of the bullionists, formerly circulated.
Lest it may be supposed that these statements are
unworthy of credence, we readily give our authority.
The Times, the most strenuous and power-
ful supporter of the bullionists, the unflinch-
ing advocate of the present monetary code, and
of the convertibility of the bank note, admits the
fact. In its first leader on the 29th ultimo the fol-
lowing passage may be found :

"It is a remarkable circumstance that such is the
demand for the paper of the Bank of Franco that it bears
a premium in Paris, and that the Bank itself will only
make its payments below 5,000 francs in silver. So
that, in spite of the enormous metallic circulation of
France, there is still a strong demand for the increase of
the Bank issues."

Under such circumstances it is by no means sur-
prising that the French Ministry should comply with
the general re quest, and that a Bill should. be sub-
mitted to the National Assembly having for its
object the extension of the paper issues of the Bank
of France to 525 millions of francs, or 21,000,0001.
sterling. They are not so bigotted to the bullionist
fallacies as to involve themselves and the Republic in
one common destruction. They think it more desir-
able to enlarge the " scanty coverlid" alluded to by
LOCKE, than to permit any of the great family placed
under their charge, and for whose safety they are
responsible, to perish for want of sufficient covering.
This wise and judicious determination has of course
excited the greatest consternation in the ranks of the
bullionists in this country. The example thus
afforded may haply prove contagious. The British
people, when viewing the beneficial results of a
paper currency not convertible into bullion on
demand, but which still Possesses the " purchas-
ing power," and is readily received by all
parties in the State, because the national
credit and the national faith is pledged for its re-
demption, may chance to inquire why it is that we
should be prevented from enjoying similar advan-
tages. Is it for the gratification of Mr. JONES
LOYD and his Legislative aides, de-camp P Is
England still to suffer at their mere will and
pleasure ? The result of the French experiment has
shown how utterly futile are the fears of the alarmists.
The paper issues, so long as they are kept within
moderate bounds and judiciously managed, are even
preferred "to the silver standard of the country ;"
they actually bear "a premium in the market,"
and even "in spite of the enormous metal-
lic circulation of France, there is still a
strong ,demand for the increase of the Bank
issues." Why, then, should we not adopt a similar
expedient ? Must the salutary remedy be reserved
for a period of extreme depression ? Must universal
peace be regarded as an evil of no ordinary magni-
tude, occasioning greater hardships than the most
expensive war, because artificial restraints are thus
imposed upon the circulating medium—the very life-
blood of industry—which is rendered inadequate to
the wants and exigencies of the country.
Our Contemporary protests against the contemplated
increase, because it says that "it is evident that if the
resumption of cash payments be the object which the
French financiers have in view, the extension of
the circulation is a step in the wrong direction.
The greater the amount of paper in circulation
the more difficult will it be to revert to the metallic
system." Granted. It will undoubtedly be so, but
what necessity is there for the abolition of a system
that is found to work well and to afford the strongest
itirnulus to the national industry, and to return
and
ntdo
one which creates only dismay and panic, want
distress, on every side ? If any cvils shoull arise
from the intended measure they will not be occasioned
by the issuing of inconvertible paper, or by its in-

crease, so long as it is kept within reasonable limits, ,
but because it is adopted merely as a temporary
experiment, and not permanently on a well• defi!:ed
principle.
Our Contemporary acknowledges that, " under the
pressure and terror of the times, very large sums
have been withdrawn from the circulation
by hoards." This is a danger to which
a purely metallic or mixed currency is
peculiarly liable. The most ancient lawgivers saw
that it was one peculiarly to be guarded against.
LTCURGU3 prohibited the use of gold and silver as
money, and substituted iron and leather, as having no
intrinsic value comp:Jed with the amount it was in
tended to represent, a course that was especially
commended by PLUTARCH, and which was adopted
by PLATO in his scheme for a Model Republic, where
the money was to have a value among the members
of the state, but no value to the rest of the world.
We have seen the mode by which alone it could be
counteracted in former times, and although many
centuries have since elapsed the tendencies of man-
kind are but little changed : each will endeavour to
benefit himself at the expense of the community in
general, unless some means be adopted to render such
a course impossible. Unfortunately, however, we
have not a Lrcußcus cr a PLATO at the Exchequer,
and Sir CHARLES Noon will still indulge his own
vagaries at the expense of the suffring and discon•
tented multitude.

We would fain direct the attention of all those
who have at heart the progress and improvement of
the people to the very interesting proceedings which
took place at the celebration of the anniversary festival
of the Lancaster Mechanics' Institution, a report of
which, abridged from the Lancaster Guardian of
Saturday last, appears in another column. Mora
particularly would we commend to the attentive
study of all engaged in the great educational move-
ment that most eloquent, yet most logical, speech
with which the Rev. JAMES AsrINALL, the rector of
Althorn favoured the meeting on that occasion.
Never have " the universities of the people," as he
most happily denominates mechanics' institutions,
Ind a more eloquent, a more persuasive, or
a more convincing advocate than the Rev.
JAMES AsriNALL, who has shown himself the
worthy successor of BIRICBECK. It is grati
lying to those who bare from the beginning "fought
the good fight" in the cause of popular education to
see, at such meetings as this in Lancaster, the great
ones of the land expressing an anxiety to be known
as the active friends and supporters :of this righteous
cause--it is an additional proof of the immense pro-
gress that has been made within the course of tho last
twenty years; much, however, yet remains to be
dine, and the friends of progress must not bate one
jot or tittle in their exertions. To quote the words
of the Rev 3AMaS ASPINILL, their cry must still be
" Forward F'

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

The Paris journals of yesterday have been received.
The Siecle contains the following announcement :
" A Cabinet Council was held on the 20th November,
at the Elyse; to consider the Roman question. This
same day England had remitted a note, by which she
pronounces for the right of the Roman peop!e to
choose and regulate the form of their government."
The Suck then goes on to state that the British
Cabinet had decided to support the PRESIDENT in
carrying out his policy with regard to Roman affairs,
as explained in his letter to M. EDG AR NET, provided
the PRESIDENT, on his part, will act with England in
the affair of Turkey and the Hungarian refugees.
The Democratic Pacifique, in speaking of the recent
escapade of Mr. Consul DILLom at the Sandwich
Islands, say's—
"The French squadron has just taken, without re-
sistance, the fort of Honolulu, in the Sandwich
Islands. The principal object of this expedition was
to uphold in their disobedience to the authorities c f
the local Government the Catholic missionaries, the
Abbe MARcuAL, the Abbe CAUDEL, Cu., which
renders this expedition against a people who are
incapable of offering us any resistance a parody of the
Roman expedition.'
The Patrie announces that the President of the
Assembly will on the 9th give a grand dinner to 100
guests, at which the PRESIDENT of the Republic will
be present, and that on the 10th, the anniversary of the
election of the PRESIDENT of the Republic, there will
be a grand banquet at the Hotel de Ville, at which the
PStEtIDENT of the Republic will be also present, when
covers will be laid for 240 guests, which will be fel-
tatimislave leeri issued. - - -- - -

The Opinion Publigue, a Legitimatist journal, itsys
—"Out of the 46 persons arrested in the Rue Rumfort,
27 have been already set at liberty."
The Reform' of Sunday was seized on account of
the publication of an address to the inhabitants of the
rural districts.

M. LEDRU ROLLIN has published a pamphlet entitled
"Le 13 Juin ;" it is a defence of the conduct of him-
self and his colleagues on that day, and concludes with
advice to the electors as to the candidates for w horn
they should vote at the approaching election.
The Committee on the Transportation Bill has
determined to recommend the Assembly to confine
transportation to the Marquesas only, on account of
the unhealthiness of Mayotte.
A letter from Havre of the Ist inst. announces the
arrival there of the Phenix steamer from Belleisle,
having on board 98 of the insurgents of June, 1848,
and the Morlaisien, from Brest, with 85 of the same
category. The Archimede was expected from Belleisle
with 346, all of whom have been pardoned.
A number of Sergens de Ville left on Saturday
night for Havre, to escort to Paris 750 of the insurgents
pardoned, who arrived in Paris yesterday by the
Rouen and Havre Railway.
PARIS BOURSE, DEC. 3.—Latest Prices.—Five per
Cents., 90f. 20c.; Three per Cents., 57f. 35e.; Bank of
France, 2,405 f.

BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE
LONDON STOCK-EXCHANGE, Dm 3.
Boulogno and Amiens, 6—Great Indian Peninsula, 3/—
Luxembourg, 2—Orleans and Bordeaux, 31/a —Rou n and
Havre, 94—Sambre and Meuse, 2 3g—Tours and Nantes, 4.

PORTUGAL.
Accounts have been received from Lisbon of the
29th ult. A Ministerial crisis was at hand ; an in-
trigue in the Cabinet had been discovered against the
Count DB THoMAR, and it was doubtful whether he
would not have to resign. Should he not do so,
AVILA, the Finance Minister, would quit the Cabinet.
The Count DB THOMAR was accused of having been
bribe.d, by the present of a carriage, to confer the
Order of Christ on Senor FIG UEREDO.

The Cologne Gazette contains the following article
dated from. Berlin :

"It may he interesting to you to have a general re
view of the different notes and dinatches which have
passed between Prussia and Austria since the adoption
of the Interim. They commence with the much talked
of note of the 30th September, in witich Austria ellen-
c'ates its opinion of the legality of the f.!derel constitu-
tion and federal legislation. This was met by the note
from Prussia, dated 10th October, containing the
masterly and perfectly conclusive legal statement,
which was presented on the part of Prussia to
the Vervenlainge-rath, on the 17th October. The neat
Austrian dispatch of the 23d October brings a remon-
strance against the explanations given to the Vet seal
tungs-rath by the Prussian Plenipetentiary on the Bth
of October, that Prussia considered itself tee the repre-
sentative, at the Central Federal Cornmission of the
Federal States, and that it would submit to the considera-
tion of the Verwaltunge-reth, all the mere important
matters previous_ to their hang decided on by the
Central Federal Commis ion. The Verwaltungsereth,
continued the Austrian dispatch, was merely (stablished
to create closer union, for particular purposes, and must
remain subordinate to the larger federal power; more
particularly as the treaty of the 26,h of May owed its
origin merely to the absence of a central organ. In the
answer forwards(' to Count Bernsdoeff, Prussia explains
that if a formal and legal representation of the Vera's'.
tungs•rath by Pruseia, according to the treaty of Sep-
tember no, is net in question, Prussia can, neverthe-
less, not lose sight of the position it acquired by the
alliance of the 2Gth May, and will deferd the interests of
that alliance on every cecasien. The Austrian Govern-
meat, in another note, dated 24;:h October, expresses its
regret at the recent proceedings of the Verwaltungs rath, •
and adds its formal approval of the declaration sent in
by Hanover and Saxony on the 20th October. It is
well known that those tteo Governrnewts denied the legal
right of the Verwalturge-rath to publish lases for the
election of Members to the Erfurt Parliament, as beyond
the objects of the alliance as well as the intention of
Article 11 of the Federation A et. This note caPed forth
a sharp reply from the Prussian Cabinet, in %bleb,
amongst other things, it says thet the Saxon and Hano-
verian Governments must answer to their own con-
sciences for their proceedings respecting the German
question. About the same time Austria raised ole-
j,ctions to the Assembly of the Reichstag, atel in
a note which was sent to the Austrian Ambas-
sador to be reed to the Minister for Foreign A fleirs
here, Austria exprestee its fears, that by the assembling
of the Reichstag the ,democratic -agitation would_ be
revived, and explains its fears to arise from the excite-
ment which would ensue in the Austrian dominions.
Prussia, iu its answer'of the 30th of October, enumerates
the considerations which were believed to be of im•
portance sufficient to outweigh objections of that nature,
but which had nevertheless not been overlooked ; and
concludes a ith espreesing the confidence felt by the
Paue Cabinet of its cepebility of meeting real dan-
gers. The laat Austrian note is by this time notorious,
notwithstanding the attempted denials by some of our
journals hero. These same papers now scorn to think
the neater deserving of more serious attention than
they cli," at first. With regard to the central feelcred
commiseion, Austria at first demanded its solemn in-
etellation by the Reichsverweser, which demand it failed
to obfeim The Archduke will be able to abdicate only
iu presence of the Central Federal Commission. The
second demand will likewise fail to succeed. It re-
ferred to the presence of the other plenipotentiaries.
The negotiations are drawing t > a close, and it is
no longer doubted that the result will prove satia'actory
to es all."

The trial of WALDECK had heel three days, and
nothing whatever had transpired to implicate him.
The general opinion was that he would be atvittcd,
and that his co.accylsed, Osrt, who is the principal
witness against him, would he convicted.
" The Finance Committee of the Second Chamber
have made several important alterations in the project
for an income-tar. The Ministerial prtj, et proposes
that the valuation for the income-tax should be made by
the prechivl authorities generally: the Committee pro-
pose to place this power in the hands of particular com-
mittees, to be appointed for every parish, district, and
circle. Another important alteration proposed refers to
the inquisitorial inquiries into the property and income
of the parties to be taxed. The Government proposes to
give the Commission the power, in necessary cases, of
hearing witnesses upon oath, to discover the income of
an individual, and of summoning all parties to attend
with their private accounts, titles to property, contracts,
leas, a, &e. The Finance Committee, after a debate
which lasted ten days, unanimously adopted an altera-
tion to the t.fft ct that only the circle or parish com-
mittee shall have the power of calling upon individuals
to produce their account books, &c. St.o., and that :the
examination of witnesses upon oath, or of the parties to
be taxed, shall only take place in disputed cases."