The Sun.
London, England, 1849-02-27 00:00:00

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• xposed tq the electric shock of the Freat:h voittlution, and
they had reason to congratulate themselves that it had
taken such little root in this country, and that
.herefore it was their duty to be merciful. The con-
dition of the people of England was no ex-
cuse for keeping up our forces ; therefote,
the House ought to call upon the Government,
as an act of justice to the taxpayers, to reduce largely
the military and Laval forces of this country. He would
not d ell upon the advantage it would be to elmatori CC' 2.111
agriculture to reduce taxation. He would not read..
country gentlemen of the benefit of the reduction
of the malt and hop duty. But it was no awe
talking of the reduction of those duties unless they re-
duced the naval and military establishments. There
were all sorts of taxes which different persons desi;:ed
see removed; but none of them could be removed unless
they reduced the expenditure. They ought

to consider the probable amount of danger to the-
country from reducing -the forces, and the probable
amount of danger from continuing the burdens; they
could not but conclude that the country was in
more danger of being crushed beneath these bur-
dens than of being injured from abroad.
It might be said that we must increase our forces because
other powers had done the same. With regard to the navy
we were the first offenders. We had begun the increase,
and now France was willing to reduce, and we should

follow her example. In the cost of collection of the
revenue there was great extravagance, and they
might make a considerable reduction in that item.
Then, with regard to the Woods and Forests, i.

the Noble Lord the Member for Bath (Lord Duncan)
saved by his Committee only half the 600,00001.
be would enable the Government to make a great reduc-
tion in taxation. He would if he had the management
of the expenditure devote ten millions sterling
and no more for armaments, which would give
him 1,600,000/. more for civil expenditure than in 1835,
without exceeding the expenditure of that year.—
(Hear, hear.) He was convinced that every step
they took in mitigating the pressure of taxation
on the people did more for the securing that at-
tachment of the people to our institutions and,
by so doing, for securing the country against foreign
attacks, than all the armaments that they might maintain.
—(Cheers.) The Hon Member concluded by moving
his resolution.
Mr. HustE seconded the motion.
A long and interesting discussion followed, in which
the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, Mr. Hume, Sir
DE LACY EVANS, Mr. HERRIES, Mr. MILNER GIBSON,
Mr. BRIGHT, and several other Members took part, and
ultimately the motion was negatived by a majority of
275 to 78.

The cause of Financial Reform will be materially
promoted by the debate of last night. The Hon.
Member for the West Riding was never more suc-
cessful in the House of Commons. His speech will
bear comparison with the happiest efforts of RICUARD
COBDEN on the platform of Covent-garden Theatre.
There was the same simplicity and earnestness of
purpose—the same order and arrangement of
materials—the same clearness and lucidity, and
that plain and unadorned eloquence fot which
the Honourable Gentleman is so eminently
distinguished. The fair and temperate manner
in which be brought forward his views de-
servedly elicited the marked encomiums of the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer and the Hon. Member for
Stamford. The tone of the debate too was encourag-
ing, and afforded the strongest indications of the
progress which the question has made, and of its high
standing in the public estimation. Economy and re-
trenchment are not fashionable topics. Sneers and
ridicule would have been freely resorted to, if they
could be used with safety. The elaborate arguments
advanced by Sir C. WOOD and Mr. HERRIES, the finan-
cial leaders of the Whig and Protectionist parties,
proved how fully they were alive to the importance
of the subject. Men do not bring forward their
utmost force, or open their heaviest fire, to repel
some trifling demonstration or mimic attack. An
active and vigorous defence exhibits the strongest
evidence of the formidable character of the onslaught
that has been made. It is now manifest that the
great question of financial reform has obtained a
footing in the House, that it will receive a fair discus-
sion, and that its advocates will be listened to
with attention and courtesy. This alone is
a step of no trifling consequence:; an important posi-
tion has been attained from whence the future ope-
rations may be conducted. How many years elapsed
before CHARLES VinmEns received similar attention
when dilating upon the iniquities of the corn-law
monopoly, and the injustice of taxing the nation's
food for the benefit of a privileged class. How long
was it before a Cabinet Minister rose to reply to his
arguments ? The task was entrusted to some third
or fourth-rate Ministerialist—some candidate for
place, who was put forward to break his
first spear, to flesh his maiden sword against the free-
trade champion! How long was it before the entire
strength of Ministers was put forward, and every
vote anxiously canvassed by the Government
whippers-in ? Free trade was virtually carried—
the corn-laws were tottering on their foundation,
when more than 300 representatives of the people
divided on the motion annually brought for-
ward by the Honourable Member for Wol-
verhampton. Last night 353 Members re-
corded their votes, and the entire debate was lis-
tened to without impatience or interruption. Are
we not justified in saying that the cause of financial
reform made important progress, and that the most
sanguine anticipations may be indulged in as to its
future success ? It is true that the amendment was
rejected by a large and decisive majority, that 78
Members only walked into the same lobby with the
proposer and seconder, while 275 voted with the Go-
vernment. Still, for the reasons we have assigned,
we regard the proceedings of the evening as consti-
tuting a decisive triumph, and affording a most pro-
pitious omen of future success.
It must be borne in mind that Mr. COBDEN did not
profess any expectation that his proposition could be
carried into immediate execution—that the Budget
for the present year could be reduced to the standard
of 1835. That would take time to accomplish, the
retrenchment should take place gradually. Many
expenses must be suffered to die away—we cannot at
a moment's notice turn 100 admirals adrift, or
cashier 100 generals. It is by abstaining from
filling up vacancies that the number can be
reduced within reasonable limits. It is so in other
respects ; undertakings that have once been
commenced must be brought to a conclusion. It
would be an unwise economy to sacrifice all that had
previously been expended, for want of a small addition,
to permit the outlay of thousands to remain
worse than useless for lack of a few remaining
hUndreds. Vast reductions cannot be effected by the
mere wave of an enchanter's wand. They must be
slowly and; steadily carried out. Everything
must be patiently looked for. The great object
cannot be lost sight of for a moment. Now
it was that constant and unceasing desire
for economy that Mr. COBDIN wished to
enforce ; he did not demand immediate specific re-
ductions. If his motion had been carried, it would
imply nothing but the attempt to bring the national
expenditure within the limits which fourteen years
since bad proved to be sufficient, the House would be
committed to no particular course. A general
prudent economy wherever practicable was all that
was required. _

Many persons voted against the Hon. Gentleman
because, although desirous of limiting the national
expenditure, they did not believe that so much
as 10,000,0001. could be cut off, or that
the " Cobden Budget," could be fully carried out.
Had every real financial reformer voted for the
amendment, to say nothing of the professing
reformers, the minority would have been very con-
siderably increased. The Hon. Member for Glasgow
took the correct view when he stated " that be should
vote merely upon the principle of economy
in regard to the finances of the country, and without
reference to the expenditure of 1835, or of any other
year." This was the true point from whence the
matter should be regarded. We should consider the
present wants and exigencies of the country ; we
should reflect upon the many important changes
that have taken place, and suit our establish-
ments to present circumstances rather than to
those of a former period. Let our expenditure
he reduced to the utmost extent, but also let
the amount be more equitably apportioned and
fairly distributed upon those who have the ability
and who are in justice bound to sustain it. This is

e

BLk

We have received the Paris papers of yesterday. I
The Jourual des Debats publishes the following 1
account of the recent occurrences at Turin, from j•
which it will be seen that GIOBERTI has overcome
his colleagues, and that an armed interposition on
the part of CHARLES ALDERT, in support of the
Grand Duke of TUSCANY is imminent :
" The ieterveet:on et Pe diuont in Tuscany appeared
imneineet, from the ittt. ad ns manit.sted tl that point
by M. Gioberti, President of the Council, and tram what
has just passed at. Turin. We shed bow narra! e, with
some details, these events at Turin, ).ince They will
necessarily exercise a decisive influence on the res-lti-
tions of Rome and Fiore nee. In et, der to bring back
internal peace and cru liberty, and in order to restore ro
the national cause 01 Italian independence the lessee
turned away from that object by civil discord, M. Gru-
berti, on the 19th, proposed in the Council or Ministers an
intervention in Tuscan), in order to re-. stablish there the
Prince and the constitutional regime That proposition
was strongly opposed by all M. Giob, rti's colleagues,
.xcept M. Rattizzi. They declared that such a measure
would excite in the majority of the Chamber of Depu-
ties the most violent tumult, and, in tact, that majority
has already more than once given proofs of its ultra-
democratic tendency. M. Giuberti insisting in his pro
position, his colleagues appeared to yield, but they
demanded, by way of compensation, that the Roman Re-
public should be recognised. This M. Gioberti formally
refused, fur to do so would have been to act in contra-
diction to his principles and his recent manifesto,
which has done him so much honour. The next day,
M. Gioberti, not being able to remove the grave
difference which existed between him and his
colleagues, sent in his resignation, as did M. Ratazzi.
That intelligence, when it became known in the city of
Turin, was received with a universal sentiment of
regret and disquietude. The patriotism of M. Gioberti,
the decided services which ho had rendered to the cause
of national independence, and his late declarations in the
Parliament in favour of real liberty, and against the wild
follies of the Republicans, had gained him throughout
Piedmont a great popularity. His unexpected resigna-
tion was looked on as a public calamity. All the classes
of the population collected in the streets, discussing the
retirement of M. Gioberti, the causes which led to it, and
the opposition of his colleagues and of the Republican
party to his policy. 'I he intervention was approved
of doubly, under a social and under a military point of
view. If we do not enter Tuscany,' said they,
" the Austrians will be beforehand with us, and will oc-
cupy against ourselves a strategic line which the Tuscans
are not in a state to defend.' Soon after a great manifes-
tation took place spontaneously, and the people prcceeded
en masse to the square del Costello, crying Long live
Gioberti!' Long live the Kingl" Down with the Re-
publicans!' M. Gioberti appeared at the balcony of his
hotel and addressed the people, thanking them for this
marked approbation of his principles. He declared that
he could not remain in power except on the condition of
persevering in his policy, and of keeping apart from the
fierest errors which troubled Central Italy, and that the
confidence of the people was the best support that his
conscience could desire. After the ovation thus
paid to M. Gioberti, the crowd proceeded to the re-
sidences of M. Valerio and M. Brufferio, ultra-leaders
of the Ultra. Democratic opposition in ihe Parliament,
and both editors of journals, suspected of Republican-
len, A dreadful charivari was given them, sarcasms
and abuse were uttered against them, and showers of
stones were thrown, which broke all the windows.
Fortunately, a patrol of cavalry came up, and dispersed
the crowd. This day was a complete triumph for the
policy of M. Gioberti, and in the end his colleagues sent
in their resie..iatien.i, and he remained master of the
position, the King having charged him to compose a new
Cabinet. It was believed that the dissolution of the
Chamber of Deputies would be the necessary emse-
quence of that event. As to the entrance of a Pied-
muntese division into Tuscany on the 20th, we have
not yet received any certain intelligence on th point,
and the news appears to us premature, although we con-
sider, that its course must speedily take place. We learn
in a more certain manner that the Sardinian steamer the
Virgilio went to San Stephano tor the Grand Duke of
Tuscany, and took him en the 18th to Via Reggie., where
General Laurier was remaining with his troops. Via
Reggie. is a small port, about four leagues from Lucca,
in the north of Tuscany. The Grand Duke is about to
establish himself first at Lucca, with his own soldiers,
causing himself to be supported or followed, as may be
required by the Piedmontese. Thus will be avoided the
grave inconvenience of a foreign intervention—all will
pass amongst Italians. Several of the old Liberal mem -
berg of the Chamber of Deputies of Florence have pro-
ceeded to Turin to Charles Aluert and M. Globe rti, for
purpose of soliciting their active aid for the re-establish-
ment of the constitutional regime."
The Assemblei Nationale declares that the Sardi-
nian Envoy had, on Sunday, spoken of the entry of
the Piedmontese into Tuscany as certain.
The Members of the corps diplomatique (with the
exception of the Belgian and American Ministers)
were absent from the celebration of the anniversary
of the Republic on Saturday. The National is very
I indignant at what it considers as an insult studiously
ofiered by the Monarchical Powers to the French
. Republic, and animadverts more particularly on the
absence from this ceremonial of the Marquis of NOR•

MANGY.
The PRESIDENT of the Republic, on Sunday, pre-
sided at the opening of the Compeigne and Noyon
Railway. He afterwards held a levee in the Palace of
Compeigne.
The negotiations been the club of the Rue de Poic-
tiers and the central Bonapartist committee is at an
end, and the latter has put forth its programme. At
the desire of the President, M. NAPOLEON BoNA-
PARTE, although in reality the soul of the movement
does not come forward publicly, General BACHELER
is the ostensible President of the Committee, which
has the Liberte as its organ.