The Sun.
London, England, 1846-10-13 00:00:00

'', omit% .17-)Ant4

LONDON, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1346.

But that we recognise an awful importance in the
possible consequences of the Montpensier marriage
we should probably be inclined to participate with
certain of our Contemporaries in appreciating the
facetiousness of its preliminary circumstances. There
is such extravagant absurdity visible in the develope-
ment of this political and matrimonial alliance, its
principal actors are surrounded by so many of the
adjuncts of burlesque, and the whole proceeding is so
intimately blended with the humorous, that laughter
is alone suppressed from a dread lest the denouement
may be calamitous. While the Dukes D'AIIMALE
and DE MONTPENSIER are being tended by Spanish
Hebes in the mansion of Madame LARDIZABAL, " the
diplomatic sword" is being torn from its scabbard in
the Cabinet of a gigantic ally. While the
French princes are being regaled with the evo-
lutions of variegated petticoats and spotless pan.
taloons, the stormy influences of a reviving jealousy
are threatening to destroy the lengthened pacification
of Europe. And it is because we are convinced that
this farcical induction will, in all human likelihood,
lead to a tragical catastrophe, that we behold in these
circumstances rather texts for mourning than themes
for amusement.

Many hours must have already elapsed since the
double marriages were solemnized in the cathedral of
the Peninsular metropolis. Queen ISABELLA has
matter for gratulation in having espoused a prince
who was in no particular politically objectionable.
The Infanta MARIA LUISA FERNANDA has, on the con-
trary, received a consort by whose acceptance all h.r
constitutional claims have been endangered, and all
her regal expectations most seriously jeopardized. It
is unnecessary to particularise the relative position as-
sumed by the different Governments in consequence
of this precipitate ceremonial. The temporary e.-
journ of Mr. BULWER at Aranjuez is a tolerable in-
dication of the attitudes at present maintained in the
ministerial tableaux. When we consider the preca-
rious hypocrisy which has enviror.ed the cortege of
the Princes during their progress towards the Spanish
capital, and the purchased acclamations with which
they hare been welcomed in a land whose population
is in truth so infuriated at their advent, we can-
not but tremble for the bloody consequences which
may be thereby entailed upon an abused people.
Beholding the subservient enthusiasm of the Afran-

cesados on an occasion when the independence of a
great nation is virtually bartered for a debasing
friendship, we might paraphrase that startling allu-
sion of MIRABEAU to "those foreign satellites, who,
gorged with gold and wine, predicted in their
impious songs the subjection of France, and invoked
the destruction of Peninsular nationality." The
dilemma into which this misallzance has plunged the
affirs of "Western Europe is enormous; and the
uncertainty of their future is most embarrassing to
all the lovers of peace and civilisation. That extra-
ordinary state contrivance, which M. DE LAMARTINE
has happily designated as "an unfortunate temerity
and a giddy deception," commenced with the tears of
a QUEEN on the night of the 27th of August, has
terminated with the anguish of a people on the
morning of the 10th Octobe.a. " The posthumous
dream of 1713" has been realised ; but the penalties
cf its realisation have yet to be estimated. "L'asTur-
ance gee les Couronnes d'Espagne et de France ne
seroient jamais mises sur une meMe tote, a ete un des
principaux et des plus importons motifs de la guerre
qui a afill:;,1 l'Europe jusqu'a ce jour," said PHILIP V.
on the Bth of July, 1712. On the 10th of October,
1846, the junction of the tso diadems was again
placed within the limits of ro,sibility. May not
some other sovereign have occasion at some
future period to deplore as PHILIP did "la guerre qui
a affligk l'Europe jusqu' a ce jour," and that because of
this lamentable renewal of that same unnatural motive?
LOUIS PHILIPPE should have remembered while en-
deavouring to sate his kingly ambition, and to en-
hance his family influence, that some amongst his
greatest predecessors had been subdued while striving
to render the Pyrenees a nullity, and to transform
the Spanish dominions into a French province. lie
should have borne in recollection that "Le Grand
Monarque" was overwhelmed by a series of disasters
because of a similar policy towards the
Peninsula, and that even NAPOLEON LE GRAND first
rendered the stability of his colossal empire doubtful
by endeavouring to merge the realm of Spain into his
vast and complicated system. We cannot sufficiently
regret the accomplishment of this nefarious alliance.
It is the virtual abrogation of the constitutional laws
of the Peninsula; the hypocritical subjugation of an
unoffending race ; the trepanning of a helpless Prin-
cess ; and the advancement of a dynasty, at the cost
of an illustrious people. Such, at least, is the present
picture of the political position of Spain—that picture
may be reversed by Lord PALMERSTON

The prompt and vigorous decision arrived at by
the Irish Executive, as detailed in the letter of the
Chief Secretary to the Chairman of the Board of
Works, which we published in The Sun of Thursday,
has proved to the gentlemen who have exerted them-
selves for the purpose of procuring signatures to the
requisition calling the meeting of landowners to as-
semble together in the city of Dublin, that they may
repose the most unlimited confidence in the Govern-
ment, and that it is no longer necessary to petition
for an immediate meeting of Parliament, in order
that the provisions of the 9th and 10th Vic., cap. 107,
might be altered. Ills Excellency has taken upon
himself the grave responsibility of sanctioning the
expenditure of the money to be presented at the
different sessions assembled under that Act, in the
execution of such works of a reproductive character,
and of permanent utility within the districts as may
be selected at the sessions, and confirmed by the
officers of the Board of Works. And it was there-
fore manifest that the object for which the assemblage
of the Legislature was desirable being already at-
tained, there could be no advantage gained thereby
The committee have therefore resolved that they
would no longer be justified in acting upon the re-
quisition, and it has accordingly been withdrawn.
Indeed it could not be otherwise from the terms of
the requisition itself, which was limited to the altera-
tion of the provisions of that Act. It still, how-
ever, appears to us that it would be most
desirable that a general meeting of persons of all
varieties of political and religious feeling, who were
owners of, or interested in, land, should assemble to-
gether, that they should co-operate with each other
for the benefit of their common country ; and that
they should appoint a permanent committee, whose
especial duty it would be to take into their considera-
tion all questions relating to the existing, or probable
future, distress throughout the entire kingdom ; that
they should report on all projects submitted to them,
by which the condition of the people might be
ameliorated, particularly to such as related to an im-
proved cultivation of the soil, and the production of
such crops as might afford a substitute for the potato
as food for the multitude, in the event of a continued
failure of that esculent. We doubt not that the most
perfect good faith would be observed by Mr.
O'CONNELL and his supporters, and that no attempt
would be made at the introduction of any question
of an irritating nature likely to introduce party
dissensions or religious differences ; indeed, any
effort of the kind would instantly take
away from the efficiency of the body, which would
only be valuable as representing the opinions of all.
Mr. O'CoaNzLL is far too sagacious to effect by such
means the destruction of a body which mig'at confer
such vast benefit on his country, and this alone would
be a sufficient guarantee were it not confirmed by the
solemn pledges that would undoubtedly be given at its
formation, and which, indeed, have been already con-
tained in his letters on the subject. A fundamental
rule should be adopted in the first instance, similar
to that which bound the Repeal Association to act
only on the principle of moral force, and which
should provide that any person introducing any ques-
tion not having a direct reference to the objects for
which the body was created, should "eo instance'
cease to be a member. The reasons urged by Mr.
O'Cosmiu, in his admirable letters appear to us
quite unanswerable. It is, we hope, unnecessary
to say, that we are no repealers of the
union between the countries; on the con
trary, we are anxious to cement more closely the
ties by which we are mutually bound together, and
to raise the people of Ireland to a full and perfect
equality with ourselves in all their civil, municipal,
and political institutions. A perfect union can only
exist in a perfect equality. Suffer one of the parties
to be placed in an inferior condition under any pre-
text whatsoever, and you forthwith endanger the
stability of that union which it is for the benefit of
Loth nations to consolidate and strengthen by every
legitimate means. We cannot but think that the pa-
ternal solicitude, the energetic exertions of the Go-
vernment for the welfare of the Irish in this the
season of their trial will not be without their eirccts on
that generous and high-minded people. They will
see that they have been unduly prejudiced against
the English connexion, and that they will gain
everything from an united Legislature that may be
demanded by the exigencies of their country as fully
as if it had been submitted to the consideration
of an Irish Parliament sitting in College-green.
Already we have seen the good effects of per -
sons of opposite political opinions meeting together
on a neutral ground, where no causes of disunion
could wise, and where they could labour together for the
benefit of their suffering brethren. The feelings on
both sides have been softeneedown, and flowed in ,a
more kindly channel, and the prejudices by which
each party have been influenced, if not wholly re-
moved, have at least been greatly mitigated. From
this beneficial change we augur the happiest conse-
quences for the nation at large. We hope to see the
time when Irishman can meet Irishman without the
introduction of irritating topics, without difference,
and without contest. We think that the existence
of a permanent body in Dublin, of the kind proposed,
would greatly add to this friendly feeling, this entente
cordiale between all classes, and that if no other be

nefit were attained, ie results would be most advan

tageous. But there are many other respects in
which it would be highly beneficial. It would act as
a central body, to which communications might he
addressed by every relief committee—nay, by every
individval in the kingdom. The suggestions,
however valuable they might he in the:nselv,s, which
would command little authority, if put forward by a
private person or a small body, would instantly re-
ceive the greatest attention when fully considered,
and recommended by the representatives of the
owners of the soil in all parts of the kingdom. We
have seen that the deputations from the county
meetings that have been admitted to audiences with
his Excellency have produced the best Effects ; the
state of their several localities, the measures essentie
to be taken for relief, these have been fully explained,
and patiently listened to. They have given the
authentic information that has induced the Executive

to authorise and sanction the departure from the strict
letter of the Labour-rate Act, and to adopt a more
benecial, if not a more correct, interpretation of its
provisions. Surely, other questions may arise to de
mand the immediate attention of the Ministry, and
a body of practical men, well acquainted with, and
deeply interested in, everything relating to the ap-
proaching famine, in providing an adequate supply
of food for the people with the least possible addi-
tional burden on the already encumbered lands,
who would often meet together, would prove a most
valuable auxiliary to the Government, would urge
them on to the adoption of useful regulations, and
would be ready to point out the injurious tendency
of any rules that might not have been sufficiently
considered. They would spur them on when lagging,
and retard too rapid a progress. We sincerely hope,
therefore, that such a body may be constituted, and
that by its proceedings, and the useful results it
attains, it may prove how fallacious were the fears
and prophecies that it would be turned to any other
purpose than the legitimate one that led to and ori-
ginated its meetings.

The Levant mail brings intelligence from Constan-
tinople of the 27th and from Athens of the 30th ult.
A Constantinople letter of Sept. 26 states that the
Porte had received intelligence of a new and consider-
able advantage gained by the Circassians over the Rus-
sians. It appears that the fort of Asahseck, near Aba-
sakh, being short of provisions, the Governor sent out a
foragingparty, which fell in with a body of SCHAMYL'S
men, and, after a short but severe conflict, the Russians
were driven back within the fort. The Circassians then
besieged the place, opening a heavy fire upon the citadel.
An accident favoured the assailants. A lighted match
fell on the powder-magazine, and caused its explo-
sion, whereby 33 Russian officers and 200 men were
killed. The Circassians took advantouge of the con-
fusion, rushed into the fort, and, having put all the
rest of the garrison to the sword, completely demo-
lished the citadel. According to the same letter, the
whole of the Daghestan has revolted, and chosen
:-.CHAMYL for its chief, who is believed to be meditat-
ing an attack on Georgia.

The Aloniteur Grec states that M. COLETTI has
been dangerously ill, but is recovering.

It is announced, in a letter from Rome, of the 28th,
that the POPB had granted to Messrs. JACKSON and
Co. the concession of a railroad from Bologna to
Rome and Civita Vecchia.

A revolution broke out in Geneva o❑ Saturday,
October 3d, in consequence of the refusal of the
Council of State to vote for the unconditional dissolu-
tion of the League of the Catholic Cantons. The Council
stipulated for a dissolution of the free corps in the
first instance. This vote excited great discontent
among the movement party, and popular meetings
were convoked to protest against it. Proclamations
were even published, calling the people to arms, and
animated groups began to congregate in the quarter St.
Gervais. A first aassembly was held on Saturday, in the
Place du Temple, and five hundred citizens protested
against the decision of the Grand Council. They con.
yoked the people to a meeting for the next day, and it
took place in the church of St. Gervais, 2,000 per-
sons being present. M. JAMES FAZY read a protest
against the decision of the Grand Council, by which
the vote is declared unconstitutional, and, as such,
not binding, and null until the confederation had
pronounced on its constitutional value. This was
adopted by a show of hands, and M. JAMES FAZY
himself designated twenty. five persons to form
part of a constitutional committee charged to make
direct representations to the Vorort. The
agitation having assumed a very grave appearance,
the partisans of the Government placed themselves
on Monday at its orders, but at the same hour a
fourth popular meeting took place in the Protestant
church of St. Gervais. It presented a more violent
and audacious aspect than the preceding ones. M.
JAMES FAZY was of opinion to delay, saying that the
moment for acting was not yet come. But on the
proposition of M. SAMUEL MULLER, the meeting re-
solved, with cries of " Liberty or death !" to place
on foot 300 armed men, to act during the night as the
guard of the Faubourg. On its side the Government
did not remain inactive, as the Council of State or-
dered that five companies of the city and one of the
country should be called out.

During the night of Monday the insurgents erected
barriers is the Quarter of St. Gervais, which com-
manded the town. This step was adopted in conse-
quence of the Government having ordered the arrest
of M. JAMES FAZY. The Government troops attacked
the barricades, against which four pieces of cannon
were directed. The insurgents replied by a smart
and well-directed fire of musketry, and after a sharp
conflict the Government troops were defeated at all
points. The Council of State and the Syndic had
resigned, and the insurgents, who had been aided by
the Vaudois, were masters of the town when the dis-
patch left. This revolution will, at the next meeting
of the Diet, secure the vote of Geneva against the
ultramontanists, and thus turn the scale against the
Jesuit party.

Madrid journals of the 4th have arrived. The
Gazette continues to publish pompous accounts of
the progress of the French Princes towards the
capital.
The marriages were to take place on the 10th.
Don FRANCISCO D'ASSIS will continue to bear the
title of Serene Highness until the meeting of the
Cortes in December, when, in conformity with the
wishes of the QUEEN, it will be proposed to that
body to confer on him the title of King Consort.
It was rumoured in Madrid that Prussia would
shortly acknowledge Queen IsanELLA.
Mr. Eur.wErc has left Madrid for Aranjuez, :and
during the royal fetes he will make an excursion into
Valencia.

We have received the Paris papers of Friday and
Saturday.

The French Government received the following
telegraphic dispatch on Friday:—
"MADRID, OCT. 7.—The Princes entered Madrid
on horseback yesterday at three o'clock in the after-
noon, the weather being extremely fine. Their
Royal Highnesses received everywhere an their pas.
sage the most remarkable proofs of respect and sym-
pathy. The Queen and the Infanta received them
admirably. Madrid yesterday had the appearance of
a holiday. The most perfect tranquillity prevails
to-day."
In answer to the numerous misrepresentations of
the French Ministerial journals on the subject of the
protests of the English Government delivered to the
French and Spanish Cabinets against the Montpensier
marriage, the Conaitutionnel publishes the following
statement :
The Journal des Debats, exceedingly displeased at
seeing us fulfilling, with a constant moderatkn and an
imperturbable sincerity, the post of spectators and his-
torians which we have imposed on ourselves in the affair
of the Spanish marriage, endeavours to avenge itself for
the embarrassment which we cause it by sharpening
against us its best epigrams. It calls us the French
organs of the English Government; and then endeavours
to establish that wo do not know what we are talking of
—that we are ill-informed. The Debuts does not per-
ceive that in endeavouring to be severe, it fails in a
great want of logic. How can it find at the same time
in our article, which it endeavours to refute, a proof that
our news is erroneous, and that at the same time we
obtain it from the English Government ? These
two assertions cannot be true at the same time;
aud, let us add, they are both false. We declare,
first of all, that one correspondent has informed
us correely of the communications made by the
British Cabinet to the Governments of Paris and
Madrid. We find the confirmation of this intelligence,
except on a point of pure torm, in the pretended ratifica-
tion of the Debuts. We believe that it is perfectly true
that the communication made on Monday by Lord Nor-
manby to M. Guizot consisted not in the presentation of
a note addressed directly to the French Cisbinet by that
of London, but in the reading of a note which was to be
handed in by Mr. Bulwcr to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs in Spain. We ourselves announced two days
back that the communication had taken place in fret in
this way. But this point accorded, we say that the
Debars has itself confirmed what we have published.
English Csbinet seeing that the treaty of Utrecht
has for its object to prevent the union of the two crowns
of France and Spain on the same head, appears to have
remarked that in the stipulations of the treaty
two essential precautions have been taken to
rainier this union impossible ; on one side, the
Bourbons of Spain have renounced for themselves
and their descendants every claim to the crown
of France ; and, on the other hand, the Bourbons
France had renounced all claim to the crown of Spain.
England thinks that the marriage of the Duke de Mont-
pensior with the heiress of the throne of Spain destroys
this second precaution, and is a formal violation of the
treaty of Utrecht ; she believes that the veritable means
of reviving this stipulation would be to apply to the
Duke and the future Duchess de Montpunsier, for
themselves and their descendants, the renunciation to