The Sun.
London, England, 1848-03-31 00:00:00

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LONDON, FRIDAY. MARCH 31, 1848.

Without presuming to pronounce a mere panegyric
upon that FOURTH ESTATE of which we ourselves are
a member, we must be permitted—if only from jus-
tice to a departed journalist who was for some consi-
derable time, and until very recently, one of our
most distinguished contemporaries,—to make parti-
cular allusion to a scheme which, according to the
prospectus of its projectors, is intended to constitute
an act of " public respect and gratitude " to the Press
of the United Kingdoms. The scheme is simply a
testimonial to the memory of a remarkable man ; in
other words, the erection of a monument to comme-
morate the enterprise, the perseverance, and the
intellect of the late Jonx WALTER through
whose individual efforts the steam engine was first
applied to the printing-press, and through the conta-
gion of whose example the floating literature of the
day was rendered consonant to the demands of an
extraordinary age and an unprecedented generation.
" Though we have in England," says the prospectus
to which we have already referred, and which pro-
spectus is literally composed of the " resolutions"
carried at a meeting convened in Bloomsbury, on
Monday the 28th of February, 1848, with LUXE
JAMES HANSARD as chairman,—" Though we have
in England," observes this prospectus, " numerous
and splendid monuments to poets, philosopkers, states-
men, heroes, and other great men, not a soli-
tary stone has yet been raised by the public
to the memory of a newspaper proprietor or
editor—confessedly the men who give the ' form and
pressure to the age in which we live,' and many of
whom, in learning, ability, firmness, character, enter-
prise, and even riches, are comparable with the first
names in British history." Such is the language of
a resolution emanating from the spontaneous enthu-

eiasm of a public assemblage. It is conceived, we
will acknowledge, in a spirit so emphatically eulo-
gistic, that we should certainly have abstained from
transcribing such expressions in this column of
our impression, but that the very sentence
itself calls most forcibly to our recollection the
fact that in England the man is concealed, is
unknown, is forgotten, is absorbed in the journalist.
The very employment of a pronoun smacking in-
variably of a sort of regal plurality is sufficient testi-
mony that the vice of egotism is incompatible with
the duties of editorship. TVe cannot, therefore, be
supposed to be actuated in the present instance by
any of that moral coxcombry which is contemptible
in an individual and impossible in a journalist. We
hazard a thousand chances of subjecting ourselves to
sarcasm because we would vindicate the dignity of
our profession, and commemorate the civic glories of
the deceased.
Never since the first union of Civilization and
Christianity has the press asserted in a more unde-
niable manner its predominant position in the social
edifice than throughout the storms of the present
eventful and unparalleled epoch. LestAaTINE, him-
self a great journalist, has enunciated his Creed of the
Ir NEW AGE. " Its faith," says he, "is reason, words
are its organs, the press its apostle; it will re-make in
its image religion, civilisation, society, and legislation :
in religion, it requires GOD one and perfect for
dogma, eternal morality for symbol, adoration and
charity for worship ; in politics, humanity above
nationality ; in legislation man equal to man, man the
brother of man, Christianity legislated." The Press its
Apostle!—it is a doctrine from the poetic and political
theology of LAMAILTINE. If current facts were
essential to corroborate the hypothesis of this illus-
trious and philosophic statesman, those facts might be
culled in abundance from contemporary occurrences.
Throughout the majestic and irresistible movement
of Democracy, which is now sweeping over the
European continent, one thing has been more con-
spicuous than another in the peremptory requisitions
of the multitude; the people have revealed their appre-
ciation of the power of the printing-press as the Apos-
tle of Liberty and the Champion of Humanity—they
have in Prussia, in Austria, in Hanover, in Bavaria,
in Wurtemberg, in Denmark, in Sardinia, in Tus-
cany, in Rome, in Modena, in Parma, and in Lom-
bardy, they have, in short, in the various principalities
of the Italian peninsula, and of the Germanic Confe-
deration, made the establishment of a perfect freedom
in journalism the sine qua non for the retention of
sovereign authority. Several of the less enlightened
rulers have been driven to abdication, expatriation,
and incarceration, for the refusal of this amonif
other constitutional improvements. In France
especially the puissance of the press has been the
most vividly demonstrated—at Paris the press has
almost reached its apotheosis. In the obscure apart-
ment of a morning newspaper, in the editor's room of
the Reforme, the provisional republic was first de-
bated, and the names of the Provisional Ministers
first written out in a catalogue. Almost every one
of the remarkable men installed in the national
palace 'of the Hotel de Ville, almost every
one of the eminent members of the Provisional Go.
vernment of February, were, up to the period of their
elevation to the responsibilities of power, labouring
in the cause of the people as journalists. FERDINAND
FEocox and LEDRU ROLLIN were of the Reforme,
ARMAND MARRAST was of the National, LOUIS
BLANC was of the Democratie Pacifique, ALBERT was
of the Atelier, and LAMARTINE himself was of the
Bien Publique. Nor have the upholders of an abso-
lute and despotic policy been indisposed themselves to
employ the stupendous weapon of typography.
Moderate reformers, conservatives, innovators,
and tyrants, have alike availed themselves of
that colossal weapon GUIZOT, in the Journal
des Debuts, and occasionally in the Revue
des Deur Afondes, ODILON BARYLOT in the
TIMERS in the Constitutionned, EMILE GIRAR•
DIN i❑ tne Presse, and, at this very juncture, the
Emperor .NicuoEAs himself in the uncompromising
columns of the Abeille du Nord. Every circumstance
tends to disclose still more plainly than heretofore
the vast and beneficent, because essentially argumen-
tative and intellectual, away exercised by the YOURTII
ESTATE.

Shall not the members of this fourth estate, there-
fore, receive at least one of the many guerdons of their
toil—the guerdon of remembrance ? In other coun-
tries a journalist is raised to political distinc-
tion by his very profession. Before the down-
fal of the Orleans' dynasty the more for-
tunate wielders of the pen were rewarded with
courtesies, with respect, with plaudits in the tribune,
with the insignia of rank and the titles of nobility.
Since the Revolution of February they have been
elevated by acclamation to the exercise of the su-
preme functions of the Government. None of these
adventitious and aristocratic recompenses are
required for the Press of England. Rather
let the journalists of the country continue to pass
away to their graves, as they have done, up to this
present time, " unknown and unrewarded," than
the journalism of England should lose one
iota of its independence ! Rather let the members of
the fourth estate be forgotten and neglected, than
the hone.ty of their organs become corrupted by
" patronage or promotion !" Nevertheless, we cannot
but think that the honours, the respect, and the ad-
miration which are obscured, or rather reserved,
during the life-time of such a journalist as JOHN
WALTER, of the Times newspaper, may, without any
peril whatever, be lavished over his tomb by way of
posthumous homage and disinterested commemora-
tion.

Poland is in arms. The insurrection of Warsaw
has become aggrandized into a revolution. The
whole nation has risen up against its oppressors, the
chains of bondage are riven asunder, the sword of
vengeance is unsheathed. Other kingdoms have
recently reconquered their liberties with compara-
tive facility, in some instances almost without a
struggle, and in all cases with no great amount of
bloodshed. But here the case is otherwise, and must
necessarily be otherwise, for the Poles have no ordi-
nary grievances to redress, and no common privileges
to re-assume ; on the present struggle depend their
rights, their liberties, and their very existence as a
free people, as a nation, and even as individuals. Since
that fatal day when—
" From the great book of nations fiercely rent,
Their country's page to Lethe's stream was sent,
But sent in vain!"—
until the present hour, when their swords are about
to reinscribe the name of Poland on the map of
Europe, the Poles have been deprived of the com-
monest rights of men and citizens, their only choice
has been between passing their existence in perpetual
exile:from their native land, or living at home in mental
bondage with the deserts of Siberia in prospect. If
the lovers of peace and universal brotherhood can
excuse any nation for flinging away the scabbard,
surely Poland is that nation. That she must fight,
and that right earnestly, for the repossession of her
liberty, is indubitable. It is possible, however, as it
is most earnestly to be desired, that no other kingdom
may become involved in the struggle, and that the
insurrection of Warsaw may not excite a European
war.

The firm attitude of France will go far towards
averting such a calamity. In that splendid exposi-
tion of their intended foreign policy, indited by their
most eloquent orator, the Provisional Government of
the French Republic declared that rightly under-
stood their foreign policy signified PEACE. That
policy they have hitherto rigidly maintained, and
even now this glorious temptation—the prospect of
effecting the emancipation of Poland—is not suffi-
cient to shake their pacific resolution. And this, not
because they are indifferent as to the regeneration of
Poland, but because they rightly perceive that peace
is the true friend to popular rights, and the best pro-
, muter of popular liberties. It was thus LAMARTINE
answered the Polish deputation. Three thousand
Poles, resident in France during their exile, recently
proceeded in procession to the Hotel de Vile, at
Paris, where a deputation of them were - re-
ceived by the Provisional Government. Their object
was threefold ; they came to proclaim to France
that the hour of Polish emancipation was arrived, to
thank the French for the hospitality they had vouch-
safed them in their hour of misfortune and more espe
cially to solicit the powerful co-operation of France
to aid them in effecting the deliverance of their coun-
try. LAMARTINE, in reply, warmly testified how
great was the sympathy of France for Poland.

TILE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING,

" Yes," said he, " since your last disasters, since the
day when the sword effaced from the map of nations
the last vestige of the existence of Poland, she has
not only been the reproach, but a living cause of re-
morse in the heart of Europe. France owes you not
only her best wishes and her tears, she owes
you a moral and eventual support in return,
brave Poles, for that blood which you have shed for
her on all the fields of battle in Europe.
Be assured that France will repay you all that she
ewes you." Nevertheless, admitting this, he yet re-
fused in the name of France to unsheathe the sword
for Poland. "No !" he exclaimed, " the firm and
pacific policy of the Republic succeeds too well for us
to wish to alter it. Look at Belgium, Switzerland,
Italy, all Southern Germany. Turn your eyes to-
wards Vienna and Berlin ! What more is necessary?
Even the possessors of your own land open to you a
path to your country, and call upon you to come and
re-establish it in peace ! Be not unjust either to-
wards GOD, towards the Republic, or towards your-
selves 1 The sympathising states of Germany, the
King of PRUSSIA, are opening the doors of their ci-
tadels to your martyrs ; the gates of Poland are open,
Cracow is enfranchised, the Grand Duchy of Posen
has again become Polish. These are the arms which
we have given you in one month I Do not
demand any more from us. The Provisional Govern-
ment will not allow its policy to be changed
in favour of any foreign people, however much
we may in our hearts sympathise with it. We love
Poland, but we love France better than all the rest
of the earth. At this moment we have in our hands
her future destiny, and perhaps that of Europe. This
is a responsibility which we will relinquish to none
but our own nation. Trust, therefore, in her—trust
in what has passed in the last thirty days, which have
gained more ground for the Democracy of France than
thirty pitched battles. Do not, therefore, either by
arms or by agitation, disturb the great work which
PROVIDENCE is accomplishing, with no other weapons
than ideas, for the regeneration and fraternity of all
mankind !" Yes, the last thirty days have gained
immeasurably more for the people of Europe than
thirty pitched battles. Happy is it for France
that her rulers are impressed with these sublime
ideas, and happier for Europe that they are
resolute in maintaining them. LAMARTINE has
now an opportunity of reducing to practice those
ennobling and benign principles, the promulgation of
which cast so much glory on his " History of the
Girondins," and he appears resolved to use that op-
portunity most advantageously. It is seldom that the
poet or the philosopher is enabled to realise his
dreamings or to act upon his theories, and still more
seldom, when the opportunity is vouchsafed, is it well
employed. In this instance, however, we venture to
anticipate it will be otherwise. In his history of the
first revolution, the present French Minister of
Foreign Affairs, while exposing the oppressions which
instigated, and the outrages which disgraced, that great
movement, combines the love of liberty of the most
zealous patriot with the abhorrence of bloodshed of the
most anxious philanthropist, and his ministerial con-
duct is a continued corroboration of those two noble
but sometimes antagonistic sentiments. While he
maintains these sentiments, and while France unani-
mously supports him, war, a general war, is not to
be apprehended. In this we rejoice most heartily'
and if the torch of Freedom may be ignited in Poland
without kindling a universal conflagration our exul-
tation will be complete. Yes, the events of the last
thirty days have gained more for liberty than thirty
battles. Let U 3 hope these events may be followed up
by others of a similarly pacific character. Nevertheless,
Poland mustbe emancipated, nay, she will be emanci-
pated, but not alone by peaceful means, however, Eu-
rope may stand aloof, and only take part in the struggle
in a pacific manner. The example of Europe is
already half the battle. France has struck the first
blow for Polish independence ; Prussia has happily
followed up the attack; while the concessions
wrested from Austria were literally " worth ten
thousand men." If the example of other kingdoms
prove an encouragement to the Poles, the example of
Austria must afford a terrible warning to the
Russians. We, also, will not be backward in offering
our pacific co-operation : our sympathies, our anxieties,
our hearty good wishes are with the Poles. England
will not be isolated from the glorious coalition ; we,
too, will assist, though " neiiker by arms nor agitation,"
but by our example, by our sympathy, by our
approval, and our encouragement, we will assist in
forwarding " the great work which PROVIDENCE is
accomplishing, with no other weapons than ideas, for
the regeneration and fraternity of all mankind."

Madrid journals of the 25th hare arrived.
Several persons have been arrested, among them
an Irish Priest, charged with attempting to get up
a republican movement.
The Duke and Duchess of MONTrENSIER, hare
arrived at St. Sebastian.
The Bolsa was closed on the 25th.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

PROCEEDINGS AT PARIS.

We have received the Paris papers of yesterday.
A telegraphic dispatch has been received from
Marseilles, announcing that General CAVAIGNAG has
refused to accept the office of Minister of War)
which has, in consequence, been offered to General
CHANG ARNIEN.

The Provisional Government having discovered a
the clubs for the arrest of
LAMANTINE and GARNEga PAGES, have determined to
plot among the exalter of
organize a civic guard of 1,600 men for the protection
of the Government. These ultra-Republicans of the
clubs, who pretend to be horrified at the moderation
of LAAWITINE are, the majority of them, police spies of
the
isabout late Governmentto ; and the Provisional Govern-
ment publish a history of their pecu-
niary and other relations with the Government of
Louis PHILIPPE. This will be a most useful pub-
lication, which will at once teach the French people
to distinguish their friends from their foes.
Disorders had taken place at Rouen on Tuesday,
and a mob of workmen succeeded in breaking open
the prison and liberating BLilcusits, the incendiary
who had set fire to the railway bridge. The next
day they attempted to set ,free other prisoners, but
the National Guards and other authorities interfered,
dispersed the lawless mob, and restored tranquillity.
The Provisional Government has materially re-
duced the salaries of all public functionaries.

The Provisional Government has fixed the Ist of
April for the reception of Mr. SMITII O'BRIEN and
the Irish deputation.
Several of the more ardent Republicans attacked the
office of the Presse, seized M. EMILE DE GIRAR.
DIN, and threatened to destroy his type. General
COURTAIS, the Commandant of the National guard,
succeeded, however, in getting them to disperse qui-
etly, by representing to them that the only effect of
destroying the type and machinery would be to
throw several men out of employment. They have,
however, given the mot d'ordre throughout Paris that
the Presse is not to be sold, and the consequece is that
it has entirely ceased to circulate in Paris.
The Moniteur of this m orning publishes the follow-
ing, among other decrees, which are important to all
connected in trade with Trance :

" The Provisional Government having taken cogni-
zance of the decree of the Ist March, which has pro-
rogued for ten days the eekteance of commercial bills due
frum Feb. 22 to the 25th or March. and considering that
the ordinary delay of fifteen days is insufficient in the
present circumstances, and that, besides, it is useful to
the endorsers to effect without exposure the reimburse-
ments which weigh upon them; on the report of the
Minister of Justice decrees, that the delay of fifteen days
granted to holders of bills; is prorogued for fifteen days
more, not including the doEisys of distance, that all con-
servatory acts done previously continue good and avail-
able.

" Done in the Council of Government, March 29, 1848.
THE SECOND DECILBE---
" Art. I.—The prorogslion of six months, to which
are submitted the reimbursements of the Bons du Tresor,
created anterior to February 24, 1848, and not since
converted iato Rentes, 5 per cent., is applicable to the
endorsers of those bonds, said consequently the rights of
the holders against the endorsers cannot be exercised
during the duration of the said prorogation.
" Art. 2.—After the payment of the interest attached
to each bond, such shall be marked with a stamp bear-
ing these words, • Renewal in capital for six mouths at
5 per ct.'
[The successive endorsements will thus be preserved
on the stamped bond, which shall be, transmissible by
means of a new endorsement.]
" Art. 3.—The member of the Provisory Government,
the Minister of Finances, is charged with the execution
of the present decree.
" Paris, March 28."
[Signed by the Members of the rrovisory Government.]