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

THE SU N, LON DON,

NOTICE 1 THE
11/4T EW NOVEL-THE WILMING lONS
By the Author of

" Emilia Wyndharn,;) " Two Ohl Men's Tales," &c.
Will be rea.y at aF the Libraries,
With the Magazines, December 31, in 3 vols.
Henry Colburn, Publisher, 13, Great Marlborough•stre.t,

THE NEW WORK ON CANADA.
Now reirly, In 2 Tols., with numerous Illustrations, 21s.
.4Q, IR JAMES ALEXANDER'S ACADIE ;
A... 1 Or, SEVEN TEARS' EXPLORATIONS In CANADA. &c.

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" No other ti►riter on Canada can compare with the gallant author
of the present volumes In the variety and Interest of hts narrative."
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Henry Colburn, Publisher, 13, Great Marlborough-street.

FRENCH PLAYS and OPERA COMIQUE,
ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.
Mr. MITCHELL begs respectfully to announce the following ar-
rangements for the ensuing Season of French Performances at the
St. Jaeies's Theatre :
ENGAGF,MENTS FOR THE OPERA.—MdIIe. Charton, Mdlle.
Dehauser (pupil of the Conservatoire, Paris), M. Chollet (of the
Theatre de l'Opera Comique, Paris, his first appeaarnce). M. Lee
(Prem:er Tenor of the Theatres Bruxelles and Ghent, his first ap-
pearance), M. Nathan (Premier Masse of the Opera Comique, Paris,
has first appearance), M. Quilly Leroy (pupil of the Coneervateire,
Paris, his firs: appearance), Aldlle. Guichard, M. Buguer, Al.
Chateaufort, M. Soyer, M. Desvaux, Madame Mancini, Mdl c.
• &c.
▪ FOR THE COMEDY AND VAUDVILLE.-11. Samson, of the
Theatre Francais, Paris (his first appearance in this country) ;
eldlle. Denain, M. Regnier, Nathalie, (artists of the hea ire
Franca s, Paris) ; Mdlle. Dejazet (who has accepted a farewell en-
gagement in this country); M. Lafont, Aldlie. Figeac (of the The I, re
Du Varalevil'e) ; Halle. Page (of the Theatre da Varietes) ; e.
Constance (of the Theatre du Gymnase) ; Madlie. Baptiste (of the
Theatre de l'e)cleon).
An Engagement is also entered into with the eminent Trage-
dienne, Aldlie. Rachel, with whose performances the season will
terminate.
Mr. Mitchell begs further to submit an outline of the general
arrangements :—The Season will commence on Monday, January
7, 1850, by the production of a New Opera, in Three Acts, entitled
" Le Tel d'Andorre," produced in I'aris at the end of last year,
and since performed at the Opera Cemique, Paris, more than
100 nights, and at the principal Theatres of France, with the
greatest success. The Music by M. F. lialevy; the Libretto by M
De St. Georges, With the following distribution of the principal
chateeters:—Stephan (jeune chasseur des Pyrenees), M. Lac ; Le
Joyeux (capitalne de milice Francaise et recruteur), At. Chollet, who
has obligingly andertaken the part for the more effective production
of the Opera ; S eturnin (garde peche du Gave), M. Quill Leroy ;
Jacques Sincere (vieux ehevrier), M. Nathan (their first appearance
in this country); Theresa (fermiere du Val n'Andorre), Mdlle.
Guichard , Georgette (cousine de etephan), Mdlle. Coca; and Rose
de Mai (servarite de 'Theresa), Mdlle. Charton. The second pro-
duction will he Harold's celebrated Opera, in Three Acts, " Zampa,"
in which Al. Chollet will personate the character or Zatnpa, as
originally performed by him at the Opera Comique, Paris. Subse-
quently- will be riven, a new Comic Opera, in Twe Acts, entitled
"Le Caid," by the popular composer, A mbroise Thomas. And also,
Aaber's last new Ovcra of " Haydee," the character of IL:yoke by
Mdll Charton.
Other productions will be selected from the following : —Jeannot
et Colin, Nie,olo ; Le Rot d' Tvetot, Adolphe Adam ; Le Chevel de
Bronze, Auber; Le Macon, -tuber; Le Sirens, Amber; Lully et Qui-
melt, Ric le ; La Ferruche, Clapissou ; Le Valet do Charnbre, Ca.
rafa ; Uric Fole, Liebul ; with an occasional per.ormance of some of
the most miller operas produced last season.
According to present arrangements the representation of the Opera
Comique will be limited to the months of January, February, steel
March, terminating the season before Easter.
At the re-openi• g of the Theatre, after Easter, en Monday,
Aprii 1, M. Samson (of the Theatre Francais, Paris) will have the
honour of making his first appearance in this country, and will per
form with Mdlle. Denali' (also of the Tit, sire Francais) in several of
the most popular Comedies of the French stage; and subsequently
M. Regnier and Aldlle. Nathalie (both artiste; of the Theatre Fran-
cais) will ;tepeter in several of the most modern and suocessful Come-
dies recently prodneed in l'aris.
At the end of May, afdlle. Dejazet, whose re-appearanee at the
Thea're des Varietes, atter a severe and p, otraoted indisposition, has
bee , attended with her accnstomed and unrivalle:.: success, will ap-
pear in several new vaudevilles, as Le Marquis de Lauzun, Le Mou-
lin a Paroles, La Jeuttesse de Lully, &c.
The performances of Comedy and Vandevllle will be supported by
M. Lafont (of the Theatre des Varietes), Mdlle. Figs ,c, Mdlle. Con-
stance, Mdlle. Page, Mollie. Baptiste, M. Armand, M. Leon, and a
name; MU company.
The engagement of Mdlle. Rachel will commence at the end of
June, by her appearance in M. Scribe's new play of " Adrienne
Lecouvrear," a production which has excited more than ordinary
admiration ; Wile. Rachel wi 1 also perform, for the first time,
In Dumas' celebrated play of " Mademoisele de Be le-Isle ;" and
a new Petite Comedic, in One Act, entitled " Le Moineau de
Lesbie," by Armand Berthet ; and by the occasional representation,
each for one night only, of the classical Tragedies of " Pliedre,"
"Les Itoraces," "Andromaque," and "Bajazet," the season will
terminate.
The ORCHESTRA will be composed of the same eminent pre-
fesso-s engaged for the opera last season, ineuding M. Tolbeque,
M. Bourotte, it. Deloffre, M. Newsham, N. Barret, M. Baumann,
If. Pilet, M. Vaudreland, 3i. Itemusat, M. Lazarus, M. Nicholson,
M. Larkin, if. C. harper, M. T. Harper, M. Campanile, M. T.
Wright, &e. Di ector of the mu-ic and Chef- d'O:chestra, M. Charles
Haussens.
Sabscribers of the past season are solicited to make known their
desire of renewing their subscriptions on or before the Ist of January
next.

Arran3ements for season subscriptions may be made at Mr.
Mitchell's Royal Library, 33, Old Bond-street ; Mr. Sams's Library,
I. St. James-street ; Messrs. Andrews's, New Botal-street ; Ebers's
Sal Hookhaufs, Old Bond-street.
The Mom-office of the Theatre will be opened oa the Ist of
January.

11411 A rzx Al' Got. DUN

Tuts DAT —• °ruing, 12 min. after 12 I Evening, 37 min. after 12
To- Vc!xaow—Vt,:r.war , 4 mtn. dtter 1 I Evening, 29 min. niter 1

W &AMER.—Sufi (iFFICX, Mac. 28
runiatx.,mETEl Lowest, 20; Highest. 40. Noon. 21.
3113.0)1ETER, 29.38 ; the mercury is now ri,ing, having
gone down about an inch since 'Wednesday.
WIND N.N.W.—very sharp frost. Heavy snow during
the night, and stormy weather. I: is now fine sun
shine, wi'h a keen northerly breez

'eV rt
iqtfratntir r
- )444&
ONDON, FRIWcY DECEMBER 28, 184 P.

Wh .t is Protection ?At is the literal meacing
of that much-used and much abused word? "To
protect," says the dictionary, is " to defend, to stave,
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 w e believe the advocates of each, both
identical in principle. In such a case what can dis-
psasionate 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
during this inclement season, the one party (Protec-
tionists 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, surel,,
" protected" and safe from harm. At this the op.
posing party indignantly exclaim that by so doing
instead of protecting, he will weaken bis frame, and
inevitably fall a victim at the first real trial. On
the contrary, say they, the true protective sys
tern 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
daggt r, 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
tl.ein virtmius—that is the true protection against
vice. 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 he 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.

police it. In our opinion, inclining, as we do, to the
belief that protection .is from within, not from with-
out, wo are disposed to regard as the true protectors
of British industry, not monopolists, but free-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 admits of no reply), when did
Sir Itt,nurr, the " Protectionist," ever express senti-
ments so well caleu!ated to promote the true interests
of the agriculturist as those contained in the letter
of Sir licrnwr PEEL, the free-trader, to the tenant-

Farmers un estate ? Although addressed to Ids
own tenants individually, the document is interesting
and important to the public generally. In the firstplsce,
it holds forth most encouraging empectations to that
gnat 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 dues ❑ot say to his tenants—

_ ..
Go, make your land more productive ;" but he

cheerfully exc-Isitns, " Come, let us co-operate fcr

our mutual benefit !

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

but that competition with domestic skill and
which will be at least as formidable to those farmers
who are insensible to the rapid progress of sgricultural
improvement, and neglect to keep pace with it.
'I have not the presumption to off,r you advice as
to the practical manr-g,ment of your farms—but I may
try to impress upon you this truth, that if there be ally
of you who pr,:duce,- en the average, not more than
eighteen or ti.enty bushels of wheat per acre, and if
there be other farmers who, in not more favoured posi •
lions and on land of equal quality, produce forty—and
if they produce this, not by expensive farming, but by
wise economy—by the command of adequate capital—
by the application of scientific skill—by the liberal em-
ployment of labour—by the saving ot every particle of
manure, end the restoration to the earth of those ele-
ments of fertility which are withdrawn with every crop
—I mly, I say, without presumption, try to impress
upon you this truth, that there is no amount of pro••
tection from foreign produce, no abatement of rent,
which would enable you to meet the competition ot your
own countrymen."

Not from without but from within, not from an
arbitrary enwtment productive only of temporary
quirseence, but from "a clear stage and no favour,"
comes the true protection of indu3try. All legislative
interference here only encumbers, while it seems to
defend.

Viewing it solely as a question of protection to
Witish industry—(a fine sounding sentence so dear
to the "farmers' friend, l")—we say again, that tl.e
free trader's is the true protective system, tending,
as it does, to develope and invigorate our agricultural
resources, whereas the fruits of monopoly are
artificial but trost evanescent trosperity, and
rapid and inevitable ruin. But, important as
are our agricultural interests, the question of
Free- trade 21C1'.U.1 Monopoly has a yet more momentous
import. The price of food vitally concerns not one
class but ail classes of the community. The great.
destroyer of the corn laws, he who by that deed has
earned (as he desired) a continual and grateful
remembrance "in the abodes of those whose lot it is
to labour"—Sir ROBERT PEEL, in his recent letter,
thus alludes to the beneficial effects of the abrogation
of the (so-called) protective duties :
" There can, I think, be no question that the effect of
the.recent changes of the law in respect to the free im-
port of the main articles of subsistence, %Di be to main-
'sin a range of low prices in average seasons, and to
prevent very high prices in seasons ut dear:h. In other
words, their ( ffect will be to ensure, so far as legislation
can ensui o it, cheapness and abundauce of food as the
ordinary rule—to diminish tLe ri,l: of scarcity—and
to mitigate the suffering from it should it unfortunately
occur.

It is became I believe that this will bo the effect of
the changes to which I have referred that I look upon
,h,na as irrevccAble, and that I advi-e you to dismiss
altogether from your calculations the prospect of renewed
prote'ctio►n."

Thus, in a double capacity—as the manifesto of a
landlord and as the declaration of a free-trader—the
letter of Sir ROBERT PEEL to his tenants is emi-
nently satisfactory. The true interests of landlord
and tenant are identical, and high rents purchased by
unnatural " protection" are, in the long run, ruinous
to both, whereas mutual co-operation to develope all
the available resources of the land, after the plan
adopted by the landlord of Drayton and other true
farmers' friends, is only productive of mutual good,
to say nothing of the public benefits accruing from
such a plan—a plan founded on common sense and
0 ,mmon justice.

The communication horn Mr. Muzrz, which
appeared in our impression of Monday, was doubtless
received by many persons who have long respected
'be Hon. Gentleman as an independent, honest, and
unflinching free-trader and reformer of our monetary
code, with pleasure equal to that with which we gave
it insertion. We never for a moment supposed that
the Member for Birmingham had seen reason to alter
the liberal and enlightened views that had recom
mended him so strongly to the suffrages of the constitu-
ency of the metropolis of the midland counties, that he
should abandon his uncompromising hostility to the
iniquitous monetary cede that has produced the most
fearful distress and suffering among the industrious
classes, and brought the country to the verge of ruin;
nor did we imagine that he would lend his assistance
to the re-imposition of the corn-laws, or desire to
increase the price of food to those who earn their
daily bread by their daily labour. We gave him full
credit for the integrity of his intentions, and
telt the most perfect confidence that there
would be no tergiversation on his part. His
speech, however, at the annual meeting of
the Birmingham era Midland Counties Agricultural
Association might easily have been misconstrued by
i superficial reader. He declared himself to he "an
advocate for that protection Hilt would protect all
classes Equally, fairly, justly, and honestly; that
would equally protect the manufacturer and the
agriculturist." He did not, however, as we have
a!ready stated, explain the nature of th it general
protection that would benefit all, t xcept the "idle
money interest, the few " frvges consurnere nati,"
to whom the labour of the great body of the people
is mortgaged—that would stimulate production and
provide ample employment for all who were able and
willing to work. He did not denounce our system
of currency as the real fountain and origin of all the
evils we have encountered, under which merchants
end manufacturers, as well as agriculturists, have
suffered so deeply and so severely. His sentiments
might, therefore, easily have been tnistalten,
more especially as many of those who
enlightened the farmers at the various bucolic gather-
ings throughout the country declared themselves
friendly to " protection to every description of British
industry," although it was manifest that the only
protection they really desired was a tax on food,
which would enormously enhance the prices of the
necessaries of lire. The reactionaries might, there•
fore, possibly have claimed the Hon. Gentleman as a
convert to their doctrines were it not for the ex-
planation elicited by our notice.
Again, it might have been imagined that Mr.
Muerte advocated the imposition of a moderate fixed
duty on foreign corn, that he considered it an unob-
jectionable mode of raising the taxation. This erro-
neous impression will, however, be removed by his
letter. He says, "I see that you object to raise
revenue upon the importation of corn, and so do I.'
Nothing can be more explicit or satisfactory than this
declaration. 'The Hon Gentleman, however, goes
further. He says, " But so long as you raise revenue
upon the importation of manufactures, there is no
valid or reasonable objection why you should
not do so on corn also." Now on this point we differ
toto catlo from the Honourable Gentleman. We could
easily show, if desirable, that heavy and we grant
unjustifiable taxes on articles of luxury, or even of
comfort, are by no means so injurious to the great
body of people as duties upon articles of primary ne-
cessity. But it is useless to enter upon the discussion,
for as Mr. Meeerz agrees with us in thinking that
every species of indirect taxation should be abolished,
it ft.dlows that improper taxes should not be levied
for the purpose of creating an equilibrium, and
thus, perhaps, perpetuate the obnoxious and
objectionable system. The exertions of every
true reformer, and we believe Mr. Moe= to to
worthy of the came, should rather be directed to the
removal of the impolitic and inequitable taxes than

,he imposition of others fully as injurious, if not

more so.

We must also dissent from the opinion of the Hon.
Gentleman, that "the price would not be as much
higher as a /ow duty." Let us suppose, exempli
gratia, that a fixed duty of six shillings per quarter
' were imposed on foreign corn, in place of the
present rate of one drilling ; the result would
be an immediate rise in the price of corn of 53. per
quarter, and perhaps something more. At present,
taking the cost price of production, and the expenses
of freight, carriage, hrokerap, storage, and other
charges to which the foreign grower is liable, the
commodity can be brought into the market in round
terms at say 403. per quarter, and that would to a
• certain extent regulate the vrice of the home-grown
article of a similar quality. If, however, the additional
duty prevented the foreigner from sending his
in•o the market at a lower price than
453 , the English farmer vv; ul,l demand and
receive the rime rate for Iris preduce. Indeed, if
such were not the case, he would derive but little benefit
from the change.

There is, however, but little use in disputing about
minor details with one with whom we so full,,' coincide

on ail the points of rPal importance.

The conlessilift of

political faith with which Mr. MuNTz closes his

communication we heartily and unequivocally ta lopt
as our own, and we should indeed rejoice if it w ere
fully and fairly brought before the nation on eve, ry
possible opportunity. We quote his own words:—
"I should prefer that all import ditties should 'be

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