The Sun.
London, England, 1841-04-20 00:00:00

HOLLAND.

THE HAGUE, APRIL 11.—Within a very short period
political and moral alterations of far more serious
tance than is denerelly believed, have taken place in this
country. The most remarkable changes have occurred
within the last ten years. In Holland every thing was
upheld by old King William—everything has been shaken
by his removal from the political acetic. The confidence
of the public mind has given way to uneasiness.
Nevertheless the constitutional opposition would meet
with great adhesion were it not suspected of Catholicism,
for, unfortunately, intolerance runs high in Holland, and the
greater part of the Protestants in this country are inclined
to consider as Catholics all who are unjust towards them.
The Catholic population forms two fifths of the whole po-
pulation of the kingdom ; but this proportion is but nominal,
as the Protestant population is far more powerful by its
position. With the exception of North Brabant and
Limburg, frontier provinces, consisting almost entirely of
Catholics, the wealth and functions belong principally to
tie Protestants, so that the liberal constitutional opposition,
although eminently aristocratic, receives but little support
from the Catholics, who in their opposition seek principally
Catholic views. If the constitutional opposition be strong,
and it is so undoubtedly, it is not so by its number, but by
its energy, talents, and the superiority of its political
views. It is also essentially tolerant in religious matters,
and by so briag it does not I:l7ase the main body of the
people. It would be powerful, indeed, were it fanatical
and intriguing. Its absence of power i; owirg to its
being political aid enlightened. Holland is much more
inclined to religious than to political struggles.
Here lies the danger, and the danger is a serious one.
At first the ultra organs of the Protestant party hi gan to
murmur, but soon declaimed against the pretended par-
tiality of the new King towards the Catholics. Never-
theless, noshing has been done for them yet.
They had solicited greater liberty for instruction, but
their prayers, though supported by the [liberal opposition,
have not yet been granted.
The execution of the concordat concluded in 1827 with
Rome—a measure highly desirable for the welfare of the
State, has been brought forward, it is true, but the affair
is still stationary.
Nevertheless this las excite alarm among the ProtPs-
tants, and pamphlets have been distributed to the people.
From elements such as these, painful results must arise !
What else can be expected, when religious hatred and pas-
sion!, are raised in the lower classes?

The weakness of the Government on the approach of
the crisis renders the peril more menacing. The Guvern-
merit is disorganised—there is no Cabinet—no govern-
mental system—no unity of action, while contradictory
measures are every where running foul of each other.
While parties are struggling, both in the Chamber and in
the pagers, the Council of State, the Council of Minis-
ter, remain divided, and are doing nothing.
It is highly necessary to introduce order and economy
into every branch of the public service, and to call back
public confidence, which certainly does not exist at pre-
sent. The present Ministers must be dismissed, and en
lightened talented men—men devoted to the constitutional
regimen, and possessing the esteem of the public in gene-
ral, must take office in their stead. The longer this im-
minent necessity is delayed, the more authority Govern-
ment will lose.