The Sun.
London, England, 1849-12-28 00:00:00

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LONDON, FRIDAY. DECEMBER 28, 1849.

WILA is Protection ? What is the literal meaning
of that much-used and much abused word ? "To
protect," says the dictionary, h " to defend, to save,
to shield." But this definition is far from solving the
difficulty, for then comes the question as to how the
said defence, salvation, or shield is to be obtained
There are two protective systems, it would appear,
the one diametrically opposed to the other in practice,
and yet, if we believe the advocates of each, both
identical in principle. In such a case what can dis-
passionate inquiries do but fairly compare the contra
dictory arguments. The decision is embarrassing,
for never did doctors disagree as these doctors.
Does a cautious man wish to " protect" his health
(luring this inclement season, the one party (Protec-
tionis•s par excellence) solemnly assure him that
the one, only, infallible means for so
doing is to avoid the rough touch of
the frosty air, and remain in warm coverings and
close rooms, in a continual state of siege, surely
" protected" and safe fr3m harm. At this the op•
posing party indignantly exclaim that by so doing,
instead of protecting, he will weaken his frame, and
inevitably fall a victim at the first real trial. On
the contrary, say they, the true protective sys
tem is from within, not from without. So
far from avoiding danger, learn to overcome
it! Freely encounter the rough blasts of winter,
instead of harming you they will strengthen
and develope your physical energies. Does a timid
Sovereign wish to protect himself from the assassin's
dagger, similarly opposite courses are pointed out to
him ; the one side recommending the defence of
strong walls and armed guards, and continual
seclusion ; and the other advising a frank reliance on
popular love, accompanied, of course, with such a
system of government as to render such a reliance a
sure safeguard. Does a parent wish to train up his
children in virtue, again two systems of protection
are suggested to him. He is counselled to
.guard
them sedulously from every companion, from
every book, from every whisper even likely
to familiarise them with the wickedness
of the world, and on the other hand he hears that
such a course will render them easy victims to temp-
tation. Do your best to develop your children's
moral strength, say these latter counsellors; make
them virtuous—that is the true protection against
rice. And so on, in innumerable instances. Now
which of these protective systems is the more con-
sonant to the dictates of reason ? Which is best
corroborated by the teaching of experience ? Is pro-
tection from without or from within ? This is
the difficult question—if it be a difficult question—
which we commend to the attention of all would. be

protectionists—a term which, in this instance, we do

not confine to the party who conventionally mono•
polise it. In our opinion, inclining, as we do, to the
belief that protection is from within, not from with-
out, we are disposed to regard as the true protectors
of British industry, not monopolists, but freG-traders.
As an evidence of this assertion we may cite the
admirable letter of a great free-trader, which will be
found in another column.

Sir ROBERT PEEL was once regarded on mistaken
premises as " the farmer's friend," but when, we
ask (and the question ialinits of no reply), when did
Sir ROBERT, the " Protectionist," ever express senti-
ments so well calculated to promote the true interests
of the agriculturist GS those contained in the letter
of Sir ROBERT PEEL, the free-trader, to the tenant-
farmers on his estate ? Although addressed to his
own tenants individually, the document is interesting
and important to the public generally. In the first place,
it holds forth most encouraging expectations to that
great multitude who are so nearly interested in the
question of cheap food ; and, secondly, it affords an
example worthy of imitation on the part of landlords
generally. Sir ROBERT does not say to his tenants—
" Go, make your land more productive ;" but he
cheerfully exclaims, "Come, let us co-operate for
our mutual benefit

" I am prepared without delay to co-operate with
you in preparing to meet, not foreign competition only,