The Sun.
London, England, 1847-04-08 00:00:00

.pry
_

LONDON, TWURSDAY, APRIL 8, 1847.

Never was Sovereign so tardily seconded, during
an insurrectionary movement, as
MARIA DA GLORIA
of Portugal. SALDAIIIIA.I Waiting for 0 t
SAL
an accessi n o
his forces! say his
apologist,;
DANUA tarries
by the banks of the Douro fur the better organization
of his troop., and for the more d,sliberaktis,ib. considera-
tion of his aggressive plans ! SaLnAru
his time" for a more fit'ing opportunity! sALl:ding
is doing this, that, and the other, for such and&Zet
reasons, all very wise, sagacious and provident
Pshaw ! the arguments employed in palliation of
this very redoubtable, wise, sagacious, and provident
loyalist, are about as contemptible and valueless as a
" shotten herring." Why, a penny almanac is enough
to convict SALDANIIA of incapacity ! The mere enu-
meration of the days, and weeks, and months that
have lagged on since the commencement of his mili-
tary operations are sufficient, in all conscience, to pro-
claim the insignificance either of his skill or
his determination, or his army, or his courage,
or maybe all of them together. From the
first outbreak against the Government of Lisbon, the
followers of her Portuguese MAJESTY have insisted
hat the insurrection has merely originated in the in-
subordination of certain lawless guerillas, of sundry-
radical municipalities, and of a few profligate and in-
solvent nobles The Royalists have scorned to dignify
the disturbances with the name of civil war ; they
characterise them as nothing more than a local revolt;
they insist that the nation has no sympathy whatever
with the insurgent.; they contemn the hitter as the

creatures of an insolent junta, and a handful of de-
signing demagogues. Such is the notorious opinion
entertained by the Royalists ; and yet this
is mthiseseerabl
nest of guerillas, this paltry municipality,
de-
bauched and penniless nobles,Lsoeti,ttheatwdheofilaenccheivdaalrroinugs
array of Queen MARIA DA Gu
October,andNovember,
autumnal February,
m
foliage to the budding of the vernal
alongnallea thyes,ehn
thescvaatlicarnt
Field-Marshal of Portugal loiters
frontiers of the Minho. He comforts
.hihmesecloftnwpietlhs
the evanescent
the insurgent
a régc
etantt ofch
lac
ffteawi a
ss skirmishes me
escape
es ,
one of picturesquely
in an open boat ; and creates a perpetual ferment in
the capital by his procrastination.
Nothing is clearer in these Peninsular transactions
than that either the insurrection is preposterously
underrated, or the military commander of Queen
MARIA is preposterously overrated. The outbreak
is more like a national revolution than it was
originally described to be, or Marshal SALDANHA
has many of the characteristics of an imbecile, and
more of the qualities of a poltroon. One or other of
these deductions is inevitable. While the Royalists
have been thus dallying with circumstances, and in-
juring, if not destroying, the cause of their Sovereign,
the popular party within the battlements of Oporto have,
under the direction of Des ARIAS, been developing
all their resources; they have been arming themselves
aggressively by discipline, and defensively by accu-
mulating supplies of provisions. Spring is advancing,
but not SALDANHA. The latter appears to be
coy in regard to an attack upon the embattled
city ; he has a partiality for warlike flirta-
tions, and promises at last, like every mili-
tary coquette, to jilt the Battle that has been
hovering so long about the suburbs of Oporto.
Rumours are afloat that it is the intention of SAL-
• DANHA. to retire, if possible, upon Lisbon. Every
fragment of intelligence received from the Peninsula
is, however, so peculiarly suspicious, that we are dis-
inclined to regard even SALDANHA himself as capable
of an act of weakness so flagrant and contemptible,
especially after the egregious parade of his promised
victory and vengeance. Meanwhile the expedition
under the Viscount DE SA has departed apparently
for the Algarves, but in reality (as is generally sup-
posed) for the interception of the QUEEN'S forces in
case of any retrograde movement. Whether the Vis-
count DE SA will proceed by Aveiro, to establish him-
self upon the river Vouga for the molestation of the
Royalists during their retreat upon Lisbon, or not, it
is probable that some decisive step will be taken
forthwith for the settlement of these distracting em-
barrassments. Portugal cannot endure interminable
anarchy. Unless MARIA DA GLORIA obtain assist-
ance from foreign troops, or from more competent
generalship, her cause is infallibly ruined, and her
reign virtually brought to a termination. For, long-
suffering as the community is showing itself to
be, it must, under a continuance of this disastrous
civil war, rise up in its indignation and annihilate its
aggressors. Experitnce foretells this, and experience
is as prophetic as a Sibylline leaf. MARIA DA
GLORIA should listen to the voice of these inexora-
ble forebodings, and lean no longer on a broken reed.
Her MAJESTY should take good measures for a ream-
ciliation with her people, and to compass this most
effectually she should re-organize her councils.

A further reduction in the numbers of the
labourers employed on the public works, in addition
to that of 20 per cent. so recently made, has just been
announced. A circular has been sent to the different
relief committees, calling upon them to take prompt
and energetic measures fur giving effectual relief to
the destitute persons in their several districts, and
stating that the Relief Commissioners are prepared to
advance money where it is necessary to the finance
committees, when the required preliminary steps
shall have been taken, until which time the Commis-
sioners will be wholly unable to act. Any delay or
procrastination, therefore, on the part of those thus
addressed, will necessarily occasion the greatest
misery and suffering. The whole responsibility now
rests on their shoulders. The Government leave well
performed their parts. Ilenceforward local boatels
must give effect to the provisions made for the sup-
port of the people. The temporary Relief Act
will, it is said, be brought into operation in
Dublin even within the present week. A very
few days in addition will enable those interested
in the different districts to obtain its benefits. Sad,
indeed, will be the consequences of any neglect or
apathy. The people who may thereby be exposed to
the pangs of hunger will demand a heavy retribution
from tho.c by whose default their unnecessary suffer-
ings were occasioned. It, is incumbent on all classes
now to unite together and to labour vigorously and
efficiently for the welfare of their country. An ex-
cellent example has been set in the county of Wex-
ford, which we sincerely trust may be generally fol-
lowed. A Landlord and Tenant Association has been
formed, not for the purpose of recovering their lost
monopoly—not for the sake of protective imposts,
or of enhancing the price of food or agricultural
produce—but with the noble object of taking mea-
sures for the industrial and profitable employment of the
surplus labouring population. The committee, who
were appointed by the grand jury of the county, at
the late assizes, appear to be fully acquainted with
the real condition of all those interested in landed
property, and clearly to perceive the only means by
which the impending danger can be avoided, arid
themselves enabled—
" Fro:n the nettle danger to pluck th,- flower safety."
This can only be effected by the general union and
active co- operation of the owners and occupiers of
land. By that union the burden falling on each
will be comparatively light. Profitable employment
can easily provided for the people, but the land-
lords must set their own shoulders to the wheel.
Under the new sesteni of relief, which must speedily
come into operation, the surplus population of the
country must, if unemployed, be fed in absolute
idleness. The committee, in an address just issued,
explain what must be the inevitable results; they say—
" The consequences will be—fi.st, a heavy tax, from
the expenditure of which no p. ofitahle return will arise ;
-econdly, the demoralisation and degradation of the
lower ranks of society, whose habits of dependence, thus
acquired, will render taxation under the new Poor-law
a burden too heavy for the country to bear."

They clearly show that a general system of emi-
gration, so fondly relied on by many of their com-
peers, is at best but a slow mode of relief, anti not
available under present circumstances, and that the
only remedy is to provide full employment for the
labouring population. In order, then, to obtain the
necessary co-operation they recommend that the fol-
lowing steps should b.) taken, viz.—" That all land-
owners and occupiers throughout this county should
meet, and consult, without delay, upon the best mode
of immediately setting the surplus labourers of this
county to work." They say—
" To carry out this it is necessary that abseatce pro-
prietors should send authorised representatives, to call
together, consult, and act in unison with the tenant
farmers of the county. Likewise that all persons hav-
ing direct or indirect interest in landed property should
join in aid.
" An unequal share of burden will in many cases occur
—risk will threaten in others; but there can be no pause
when the only alternative involves the country and its
inhabitants in degradation and ruin.
" This committee will meet on the first Thursday of
every month, to secure unity of action throughout
the county. The relief committees of the several
poor-
law electoral divisions of the county have been
requested to act in conjunction with the baronial com-
mittees, as centres of action in their several districts.
" Thf se cornmi!tee& will search out means of em•
ployment of a general nature, such as e nlarged fish-
eries, reclamation& of uncultivated tracts, &c. More
limited means of employment, suited to different loeali
ti,,, will be ascertained more readily by those con-
t.,tueetieeeslithlenthdeo localities; hut a passing notice may
(fl II be bestowed on the vast field for profitable labour
(iittchh%unilra.ined laud, and the unnecessary banks and
deface and render so much of our country

The proportion of the number of persons employed
on the public relief works in their county was but
one to 23 acres of arable land. Surely in the manner
they have indicated full occupation may he found for
all. The advocates of a good and efficient poor-law
have ever contended that so soon as the proprietors of
the soil were satisfied that the people must be
maintained under any circumstances, the best
use would be made of their power and nduetry.
The address to which we have referred establishes the
accuracy of these predictions. Wexford has taken
the initiative in the movement that must speedily
become general throughout the kingdom. It has long
been regarded as one of the model counties of Ireland.
happily for its inhabitants, it numbers fewer absentees
among its landowners, and a larger proportion of un •
incumbered estates than aluioat any of the Irish

ounties—certainly than :my in tte., south or west of
the island. 'We shall anxiously await the event of
the intended steps. If all combine together in the
spirit by which the committee are actuated,
the result must be most beneficial. The
prosperity of the county will be secured, its
property saved from a heavy burden of unnecessary
taxation, it 3 labourers rendered happy and contented,
supported by their own honest industry, in place of
being paupera maintained by public charity; the
most friendly relations will be established between all
classes, and a brilliant example held out to other
localities. To the gentry of Ireland we would sav,
"Go ye and do likewise," and in the language of the
Wexford committee, we would remind them that
the result of their exertions will be the development
of fertile resources, and a provision for the future ;
and that a wise PROVIDENCE blesses well-directed
activity, while inaction ever produces ill conse-
quences.

The scene that presented itself on the shores of the
Mersey on Monday last will not easily pass out of
memory; on the contrary, it will be treasured in the
recollection as one of the most interesting manifesta-
tions ever witnessed in this country in support of its
enterprise, wealth, civilisation, and philanthrophy.
Inaugural exhibitions took place, connected with those
public works, each of which is certain of being pro-
ductive of vast benefit to the local and general welfare
of the community. The public health, and the re-
creation of all classes, has been humanely consulted,
by the opening of a beautiful park at Birkenhead,
which has cost nearly 128,0001.; the interests of
commerce have been strengthened by the opening of
the new docks at the same place ; and, lastly, the faci-
lities of inland traffic have been materially enhanced
by the completion of the extension line of the
Chester and Birkenhead Railway to the docks. Such
were the objects in celebration of which throngs of
people crowded the banks on either side of the
klersey, affording as animating, and, regard being
had to the respective causes of their congregation, as
ennobling a spectacle as could well gladden the eye
and elevate the mind of the spectator. Besides the
concourse of eminent merchants and wealthy landed
proprietors of the neighbouring counties, there were
present on this enlivening occasion distinguished
public men, whose handsome tribute of admiration to
the industry, intelligence, and benevolent liberality
of the promoters of the fresh adjuncts, already enu-
merated, must have proved highly gratifying to
them. The proceedings of the day were participated
in by Lord MORPETH, the Earl of LINCOLN, Lord
MON T EAGLE, and others, who have at different pe-
riods been officially and energetically employed in
fostering the trade and commerce of the empire, and
devising means for improving the sanatory condition
of the people. Lord MORPETH, with his accustomed
felicity, addressed his auditory in graceful and elo-
quent terms, replete with lofty sentiment and en-
larged counsel. Speaking of the new docks, Lord
Moarrrst breathed a hope, which was warmly re-
sponded to.
" A pleasing omen I shall think it, if amongst the
first uses of that ample basin into which Our ve.sel to-
day has been the first to glide, surrounded by all those
striking specimens of engineering skill and admirable
masonry, we should apply those works to the admission of
the surplus harvests ,y more pround regions, and make
provisions for the bread which keepalt alive."
This was an aspiration emanating from a spirit of
international charity, with which the mind of the
British statesman should be ever endowed, and for
which that of the Chief Commissioner of Woods and
Forests has always been peculiarly remarkable. The
retrospect of Lord AIORPETH'S career teaches us that
from no one more than himself could the hope alluded
to, which is so fraught with compassion for the dire-
ful wants of stricken multitudes in Ireland and Scot-
land, have come with greater effect. If ever a man
felt pained by a political severance it was Lord MOR-
PETH, when his present constituency refused to re-elect
him to Parliament, on account of the fidelity he evinced
to the question of abrogating the corn-laws ; and now
that his Lordship's foresight has triumphed, nothing
could be more grateful than finding himself with the
barriers of monopoly prostrate at his feet, enabled to
recommend that the extensive warehouses of Birken-
head Docks should, at an appalling crisis, be as
speedily as possible stored with the cereal riches of
distant lands, to feed the hungry and assuage the
unendurable miseries of our famishing fellow-crea-
tures. We cannot conclude this passing notice of the
auspicious proceedings at Birkenhead without ex-
pressing our belief, in the emphatic language of Lord
Mon rETH, that we have "forged a new and an abiding
link to that chain of amity, which ought ever to
connect England with America."

A letter from Constantinople of the 19th ult., in
the Au4sbure Gazette, contains the following:—

" The Ostowau Porte has not accepted the offer made
to it by M. Colo ti in his last note—to express regrt tnt
what had takt-n place, and to receive with marked kind-
ness a new hinbassad.,r. Ali Effendi and Reschift
Pacha have formally declared that they could not depart
from the ultimatum which they had sent in. Ali
Effendi has also expressed surpri a that M. Celetti had
not sent a special ambassador to Constantinople to ex
plain what had occurred. The Austrian Government
has recononended t, the Porte to act with moderation.
The Turkish Government is preparing a note on the
subject to be presented to the tive Powers, in order to
show how honourable has be,n the cointuct of the Porte
in the whole affair, and how anxious is has been to
terminate the existing diffarence by eiery melons in its
power."

The Spener Gazette quotes a letter from Vienna, cif
the 27th ult., sttting that, in consequence of disturb-
ances which have lately taken place in the environs
of that city, ft.( in the dearness of provisions, the es-
tabishinent of un additional body of police has been
derided on.

The Leipsic Gazette of the 30th ult. publishes an
edit of the Saxon Government for raibirg a loan, at
4 ker cent., of 10,000,000 thalers, one-half of which
is to he applied to the construction of the Saxo
Bavarian Railroad, and the rest to other State
purposes.

A decree has just been issued in the cityof Coburg,
by which the future sittings of the Municipal Council
are to be public.

Intelligence from Lisbon to the 31st March has
been received. SALDANMA still remained in his old
position, retained there from the want of fun is to pro-
ceed, all attempts on the psrt of the QUEEN'S Govern-
ment to raise a loan having entirely failed. The QUEEN'S
troops are deserting daily, while the troops of the
Junta are in high spirits, and are well supplied with
money and with provisions. So strong is the Junta
that it has assumed the offensive. SA DA BANDEIRA
sailed with an expedition of 1,250 men in the Min-
dells, Porto, and Vesuvio steamers, and, having
forced the blockade of the Douro, proceeded to the
southward. The expedition is most probably des-
tined for the Algarves, although it was reported in
Lisbon that it had landed in Peniche.
An offer has been made to Sir lIEN
SEYMOUR to give up the British ships
seized at Oporto, on condition that all claims
for demurrage shall be abandoned. It was commonly
supposed that British mediation between the insur-
gents and the Govern.nent would be accepted, and it
was said that the terms proposed were that the
insurgents should lay down their arms on the
QUEEN'S publishing a general amnesty and under-
taking to govern in accordance with the charter of
Don PEDRO.

Madrid papers of the 31st ult. have arrived.
The Cabinet is now completed, Senor BAHAMONDE
having accepted the office of MinistQr of Justice. Ile
belongs t. the Moderado party, and is rector of the
University of Madrid. The Pacheco Ministry is be-
ginning well. Its first act has been to lower the
postage duty on newspapers one-half. The Gaceta of
the 31st contains the following decree :
" Excellency,—lier Majesty the Queen (whom may
God long pre,ervel) adopting th, views contained in
your memorial, of the posbibility and the propriety of
reriticinv, the present rate of postage on newspapers, hao
deigned to order that in future the rate of portage on
these publications shall be reduced to one-halt that pro-
visionally impoiel by the ruyol ordinance ~f the 11th
of F, bruary, 1845; arid for the future the rate is defini
tively fixed at 50 reals vellon p,Tarroba.

" Madrid, 30th of March, 1847."

BENAVIDES."

"'l'o the directors of the Post-office and the Tole
graphs."

The QUEER has consented to the r 1
eca. of OLOZAGA,
and that not reluctantly, but spontaneously, and in a
manner Which tells well for the future peace of Spain.
The circumstances are thus related in a letter from
Madrid of the 31st :
" The permis-ion to M. Ob.zaga to return to Spain
was decided on la,t vvenin,. Ilis brother addressed a
respectful mem mial to th.. Queen on tho subject, and
her Majesty was ple:ised to write on the m srgin, ' This
demand is to be L;ranit d.' The memorial was then sent
to the Proitleut of the Council, who immediately bad it