The Sun.
London, England, 1849-04-10 00:00:00

TO THE ELECTORS OF SHEFFIELD.
GENrasamx,--The invitation that you bays. been so kind as
to send to me, requesting me to become a candidate for your suff-
rages at the coming Election, I at once accept—thanking you most
sincerely for this signal and unexpected mark of your esteem and ap-
probation.
I say approbation, because I thus construe your invitation. Of
any political life you have taken uote—and noting, have approved.
You say that my past actions have been such as to win your confi-
dence. To those acts I must refer you, as the best and most com-
plete evidence of my political opinions. Eighteen years ago,
when
for the first time I was about to solicit the suffrages of my country-
men,' he the hope that they would place me in the proud position of a
representative of the people, I stated at some length the principles
'which would guide my conduct upon all the great questions of policy
which then occupied the attention of the nation. To that statement
I could now refer, and for the same purpose : I could refer to it, not
only as an exposition of my private opinions, but as a test by which
to try the consistency of my performance and my professions. The
experience of many years has, I hope, made me wiser, and taught
me the mode most conducive to the practical application of the prin-
ciples which I profess—but from the principles themselves I have not
eparted. •
The years that have elapsed since 1832 have indeed settled very
few of the questions which at that period interested and divided the
whole people. We have advanced—and are advancing—but at every
step the contest of opinions is renewed, and we have almost every
day to re-state the arguments by which each separate victory has
been obtained.
On the great and leading questions of constitutional reform,
though much has been done, much remains to be accomplished.
The many anomalies of our electoral system have yet to be removed
—a fuller scope must be given to the popular will—and numerous
classes who are now unwisely excluded must be brought within the
pale of the Constitution. Es cry statesman who really desires here-
after to provide for the well-being of the people will seriously con-
sider the question of the suffrage, in order to bring about speedily,
though cautiously, a large extension of it.
,qty opinion as to the best mode of taking the votes at elections I
Lave seen no reason to change. In order that opinion may be
freely expressed, the ballot seems to me absolutely indispensable.
In short, though the Reform Act was a great step in advance,
still the increasing intelligence of the country demands, and will in
its proper time attain, a reform of the Reform Act.
Although we cannot hope to win and retain complete good govern-
ment itself without perfection in the means, yet we most not post-
pone all other reforms until those of the Constitution are attained.
Our endeavours may at the same time be directed to many objects,
and I therefore proceed to touch upon some which appear at the
present moment of the highest importance.
Though, in my opinion, a Government cannot do much directly to
procure wealth and comfort for a people, it can, and unfortunately
does, do much improperly to diminish their substance, and thereby,
their comfort. Unnecessary expense—unmeaning, mischievous re-
titrictions upon the industrious labours of the people, have in all
ages been the vice of Governments. But the vigilance of the popu-
lar leaders must now be directed to curb this evil—not only must we,
then, enforce a rigid economy, but we must require that a perfectly
free trade should give full scope for the active energies of an Indus-
trious nation.
Connected with this subject In many ways, and with the well-
being of mankind in many more, is the great subject ofcolonization.
The colonies of England have been planted in spite of the miscnie-
vons interference, and not by the aid of the Government of England.
It is high time that the intelligence of herpeople should act upon our
rulers, and make them directly useful in extending our name, our
language, our institutions, and the blessings of an enlightened religion,
over the vast regions which nominally own our rule, but which lie
useless to us and to mankind To this end, it appears to me that the
whole subject of our colonies calls for a complete and immediate
revision.
While speaking of expense, and the impolicy and 'injustice of our
conduct towards certain outlying portions of our territories, I must
not forget a part of the empire itself, an integral and most important
portion of the United Singdom—l mean unfortunate Ireland. Our
conduct to Ireland has been, till a few years since, one continued
•act of terrible injustice ; and we now* wonder that the people,
• whom we have treated as slaves for centuries, should not have
the virtues and habits of free men. There is now but one course
of wise policy as regards Ireland. We must establish rigid justice
throughout the land. We must suffer no party, no sect, no class to
domineer over nay other; and to this maintenance of peace among
her hitherto contending sons, our efforts must he confined. If we do
more, we shall do serious injustice to the people of England and
Scotland, and render no service to those of Ireland. If we were to-
nnorrow to transfer the whole wealth of England to Ireland, we
should only create waste, idleness, and vice. A people must work
.out their own regeneration, and acquire wise, frugal, and virtuous
Itabits, by leading a wise, frugal, and virtuous life. The wealth
:that is not acquired by labour Is but too often squandered in ex-
rtravagance.
I have spoken above of extending over our wide and yet unsettled
-territories the inestimable benefits of an enlightened religion. This
naturally calls my attention to the situation of religion among our-
selves, both as regards doctrines and establishments.
lam myself a member of the Church of England. I was edu•
caned as a member of the Established Churn ; and after a care: ni
consideration I have sewn no reason to leave the fellowship of my
childhood and youth. But this determination ha,' been formed after
consideration, and is the result of my own wit', utte-ly independent
of that os any other man. What, tl:en, I have demanded for myself
—tile right that I have vindicated in my own person—l &man 1 fos
.all others. I insist upon religious as well as civil liberty. If my
mind be entaralied by arbitrary will, and rot by the suasion of
reason, I am more a slave than if you put my body in chains. While
I demand for all this freedom, whet' I have exercise , myself, I
Proceed yet further. I hold every coercion on this subject impolitic,
as well es unjust. You may compel to outward observance, and to
fa'se declarations ; you may create hypocrisy and discontent ; but at
rd of command you cannot make men believe.
With this view, therefore, I am led to deprecate, on all proper
occagions, every attempt to make establishments which exist for the
purpose of promoting any peculiar religious opinion State establish-
mews. In a country like ours, of complicated relations, of long-
estat lished habits and opinions, I cannot expect that my opinions on
stub. a subject should be immediately acceded to; and lam not
prone: to feel hurt er to take offence when I find men differ from me
conea using it. But though we cannot change at once what has been
long established, we can far more easily prevent new steps in a wrong
dire:ellen ; aid, therefore, to any extension of"such religious estab-
Thhn lents I shall direct unceasing opposition.
W ithin the narrow limits of an address like the present. I cannot
do more than indicate my views, and touch upon the leading opinions
I bad d. From this general view, however, an accurate conception
can be attained by you of the political character of the mal you
limos invited; and an opportunity will, I hope, be soon afforded me
cf a eplaining, to the satisfaction of all whom the matter may In-
terco t, my present feelings and future plans respecting our domestic
At y exposition, however general, which omitted a reference to
our oreign relations and policy would be indeed incomplete. My
belie) r on this subject is, that our true policy consists in abstaining
from all idle intertneddling with the affairs of other nations. Every
natio n in Europe has at this time enough to occupy Its attention in
settil ng its own affairs ; and the history of Europe, from the year
1830 to the present time, when compared with the history of Europe
from 1793 to 1815, is the best argument which historical experience
can «offer in favour of leaving a people to regulate and arrange for
them selves their own internal affairs. Interference in 1793 kindled
the fl times of war over the whole world—a war unequalled for the
blood that was shed and the wealth squandered in its terrible and
disas Irons conflicts. Non-interference in 1830 has allowed Europe
a ch ante of peace, and holds out to us a hope that the struggling
people will, in every nation of the great European family, eventually
attat a the inestimable benefits of a well-regulated popular Govern-
ment .
I roust end, Gentlemen, as I began; by expressing -to you my
bear ty thanks fur the honour you have conferred on me, and by
piaci ng myself at your disposal, for the coming election. I am
read: e, when it shall so pl use you, to present myself to your notice,
and o übmit to all such inquiry as you may thick right. Having
notle'ng to conceal, I have no fear of inquiry.
I beg to remain, Gentlemen,
Your most obliged and faithful Servant,
J. A. ROEBUCK..

_ARCHITECTS', BUILDERS', and
GENERAL FIRE AND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
69, Lombard-street, London.
CIIAIRMAN—SYDNEY SMIRKE, Eeq., A.R.A.
TRUSTEES.
T. L. Donaldson, Esq. I A. Salvin, Esq., F.S.A.
S. Grimsdell, Esq. I G. Smith, Esq.. F.S.A.
The rates for both Fire and Life Insurances are as low as can
with safety be taken. Those for Life Insurance may be paid
either yearly, half-yearly, or quarterly; one-half the annual pre-
mium may be left unpaid for seven years, or one-third to the end
of life. Thus large sums may be insured at the smallest present
outlay.
Prospectuses, Forms of Proposals; &c„ may ba had at the Office,
69, Lombard-street, or of the agents.
JOHN REDDISH, Manager.

ItOYAL ASYLUM. OF ST. ANN'S SOCIETY.
For ➢faintaining, Clothing, and Educating the Children of
thane once ht prosperity.

(By Voluntary Contributions.)
•The ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL will be celebrated at the
London Tavern, on WEDNESDAY, the 13th of June next.
The Right Hon. Lord ROBERT GROSVENOR, 3(.P., in the Chair.
A. FLORAL and FANCY FETE will be held, at the Hanover-
square Rooms on the 21st and 221 of JUNE neat, under Royal and
exalteA Patronage, which will be announced in r, few days.

E. F. LT:ER*9, Secretary.
2, Charlotte-row, Mansion Home, April 9, 1849.

flp EVOLUTION IN LIGHT-GOOD NEWS.
ILL What Lights are these? Vi ions of by- gone times, but now
realities—The Diamond Lamp is perfect—lts equal is unknown.
The Diamond Light for India is tranquil amid The draught of the
Punkah—The Vertical Lamp is shadowless and simple to perfection
—The Pearl Candle Lamp is worth a hundred of her Candle Lamps
All who desire the best of Lights can obtain nem only here—The
Star, the Golden, the Glass, and the Reflecting Gas Burners are be-
yond comparison the most brilliant of Gas Lights- The Metropolitan
Light Company her Majesty's dominions with Light supply. The
Public will have none other. The Eight New Lights are constantly
burning at the Company's Establishment, RICILVRD CLARK, Rest.
dent Manager, 447, West Strand, next door to the, Electric Telegraph
Company.

. ,
N.B. Guard all from buying tho Carcel Lamp% they are leaky and
males&

DARKNESS REIGNS NO MORE
The LIGHT of ALBERT gladdens the midnight scene
Darkness now wears a diadem of Light. A • beautiful little Light.
decidedly the hest Night Lamp known. All should use them.
Price, for the best, 9d. each. The Lights rrre 611. per box. The
Albert Lamps, with the genuine Lights for the rI. can be had at the
Establishme,ut of the Metropolitan Light Company, RICHARD
CLARK, Resident Manager, 447, West Stra od, next doer to the
Electric Telegraph Company.

F,YEBROWS, NAJUSTACIII,DS, and IV HIS•
_ILA KERS produced in a few weeks, and Baldness removed anf
prevented by the use of GRIAISTONE'S A RC MATIC REGENE-
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a few drops of which cure headache in a few' minutes ; it Is also
Most delightful, fragrant toilet perfume. S phi only in triangular
bottles, protected by the Government stamp, :et 4s. ; double the size,
7s, ; and double this size, 11s. each ; enclose. In a Pamphlet, con.
taming testimonials of undoubted authority, en tt tied " Three Minutes'
Advice on tbs Growth and Preservation of the. Human Hair, &c."
By post, 4s. 6d., 75. Sti„ and 125., for money sr:d era *eh..
Sold wholesale only at Grirnstonc's .ry, Highgate, new
London ; and by Messrs. Barclay and Son, Far rir.gdon-street ; Sanger,
Oxford-street; Messrs. Butler and Co.,Cheap' fide Fisher and Toiler,
Conduit-street ; Mr. Johnston, medicine wr .rehouse, 68, Cornhill •
and by all Chemists, Perfumers, and others For Edinburgh, J. and
It. Raimes,Leith-walk ; for Manchester, e res she and ion, Adver
User-office.