The Sun.
London, England, 1848-05-13 00:00:00

The long-deferred motion for the appointment oi
Committee to inquire into the merits of the petition
of the electors of Stamford was last night brought
forward by Mr. Noon. The subject occasioned
some very earnest debating, the result of which was
a majority in favour of appointing a Committee—but
a majority of only one. After reading the speeches
on both sides of the question, it seems most
extraordinary that such should have been
the result, for the arguments of all or
nearly all these speakers may be regarded, prima
facie, as so many arguments for the motion. For
instance, if the Noble and Right Hon. Members for
Stamfol d be so firmly convinced of the inno-
cence of the Marquis of EXETER, as they
would appear to be, how can they shrink
from an investigation which would make his in-
nocence conspicuous to the world ? The friends
of the Marquis of EXETER (supposing the charges
to be false) are the very persons whom we should
presume to be most anxious to have the matter
cleared up. Hence, to our thinking, the reasoning of
the Members for Stamford is incomprehensible. The
Marquis is innocent, they say, the charges of the peti•
tioeers are utterly groundless, but let us say no more about
the nutter. Such reasoning in other affairs would
not be tolerated fur a moment. Such reasoning may
almost be taken as presumptive evidence in favour of
the petitioners. It, we again repeat it, if the
charges against the Noble Marquis be false, his
friends, and more especially the Members for the
borough in question, should be the very parties to
press fur an investigation. We do nut wish, prior to
such investigation, to give any opinion as to the con-
duct of the \ ,arquis of EXETER, yet, supposing him in-
nocent, we cannot but consider the proceedings of his
friends as being most injudicious. Their language
should have been similar to that of Loed J. RUSSELL,
who, without expressing a conclusive opinion as to the
merits of the case, but yet being anxious to disbelieve
the charges, declared himself in favour of a full
investigation, that being the fairest and most satis-
factory mode of settling the difficulty. " I should
say," observed Lord Joust RUSSELL, " that if
the voting for that Committee of inquiry was in any
way a condemnation of the conduct of Lord EXETER,
I should not vote for the Committee." But without
in any way condemning Lord EXETER, the Noble
Lord proceeded to state his reasons in favour of an
investigation. His arguments are most unanswer-
able, and sum up the whole matter in a few words.
" If," said Lord J. RUSSELL, " it should appear that
Lord EXETER exercises no other influence than that
which may be fairly and legitimately exercised, then
e must come to the conclusion that these
allegations have been brought forward without proof,
and the public mind will be satisfied. If; on the
other hand, these allegations should receive cerrobo-
ration, tnen we SUOUIII /AA Lit
.1113,faell ale CYCill,
in refusing the inquiry that has been asked for.
Upon the whole," added the Noble Lord, " I cer-
tainly come to the conclusion that those allegations
having been made, it is far better that there should
be some inquiry, than that, by one vote to-night, we
should agree that no further proceedings should take
place." In this conclusion the House have also
concurred, though by so very insignificant a
majority ; yet we cannot exactly call it insignifi-
cant, for that single vote which decided the majority
w.ll be fraught with very important consequences.
The result of last night's division cannot fail to afford
very general satistaction, for, however much opinion
may be divided as to the particular facts of the case,
the necessity which exists for a complete investiga-
tion is too indubitable to be for a moment called in
question.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY,

We have received the Paris papers of yesterday

M. PAGNERRE has been appointed Secretary of the
Executive Committee of the Government.
The members of the Executive Committee of Go-
vernment quitted their several ministerial residences
yesterday; LAMARTINE, LEDRU ROLLIN, and
A RAGO occupying the Palace of the Elysee Bourbon,
which will be the official Palace of the Executive
Committee, and in which their sittings will be held.
MM. GARNIER PAGES and AIARIR occupy apartments
in the Luxembiourg.
The Messager says—

" The public buildings which have been hitherto lent
to the different clubs for their meetings are no longer ti.
be so used, and tney must, in future, hire places of
meetio4, it they think fit to continue them. This may
probably have the etfcct of lessening their number."
The Commission named by the Minister of Justice
for the re-organization of the judicial system has de-
cided on the establishment of a bureau for the poor,
cotnpo=ed of an advocate, an avoue (attorney), and
other officers, whose duty it shall be to furnish legal
advice and assistance to those who cannot afford to
pay for them.
An order has come down to Boulogne from Paris
to put the whole line of coast in a state of defence,
and to mount guns on the detached forts, which are
built a little way out at sea. The gates of the upper
town are also to be repaired and fortified. A similar
order has been received at Besancon, on the Swiss
frontiers, and the army of the Alps is to be increased
by a fourth division of infantry, of three brigades,
coming from Algiers. It will then consist of 38,000

men.
Some apprehensions were entertained that an armed
demonstr Ition in favour of the Poles might take
place in Paris to-day.
It is said that the workmen on the Northern Rail-
road have struck work.

We read in the Commerce—" The Ultra-Republi-
cans of the National Assembly held a meeting yes-
terday evening in the seventeenth Committee-room.
The entrance of MM. TRELAT, FLocoN, JULES
AVRE, and JEAN REYNAUD into the Ministry is said
to have been satisfactory to the whole meeting, with
the exception of MM. BA.IIIIES and FRESTIN, who
wished to have M. FLOCON or M. JULES FAVRB for
Minister of the Interior. It is certain that M.
LEnau-RouaN insisted upon having one or other of
these two citizens for his successor, and threatened
to retire if one of them was not named. It was no
doubt this discord between 111. LEDRU-ROLLIN and
his colleagues that gave rise to the report of hi,
havingresigned his appointment as a member of the
cin iitee of the Executive Government."
uin
We find the following in the Siicle:—
" We have received the following note, with a request
to publish it:—' An imposing manite.tation in favour of
the Poles is in preparation
Nratiugitilohni Assembly.,raSau
rday
TMaybel3f.rienAdisi
the clubs of Paris are to assemble in one body to carry
up an address to the
f Poland are invited to meet at eleven o'clock on Satur-
Ai), on the Place de la Bastille. The proces,ion will
immediately move on its march along the Boulevards.
Measures are taken for the perfect preservation of order.'
We have not the least doubt of the good intentions

of those who have prepared this manifestation, but if
they reflect on the eonsequeneee that may ensue, n t
only tor the trarivetit) u. lee ,s but for the cause t' ey
wish toserve', we hope they will yet renounce their pro-
ject. To be strong, the National Assembly must be
free, and diseegeged from all pressure from without.
We know that the citiz-ns takisig part in this manifesta-
tion are animated with the same sentiments as those
which guide the whole National Assembly. But it
must necessarily follow that a certain number of the
members will hold themselves bound to resist measures
which will thus have the appearance of being imposed
upon them. If they are adopted it will not be with that
unanimity which makes their greatest force.
Abroad, they will be said to be the result
of intimidation, and then they will become
devoid of all salutary effect. Is there nut
also some danger for us in Paris? A part of the
National Guard Neill be on foot. The prbcession will
not be suffered to reach the Chamber. Who can say
that some misunderstanding may nut arise, and that a
conflict may not take place. At this time, when we
have so much need of a revival of confidence, how can
any one think Of thus taking the risk of such eventu-
alities? When we conjure all good citizens to abstain
from takiriggrpeaarttoionoithheisr rintanpilssta, twiehno,
persons, for the success of the cause which
wfeeara, rmeouruelytltihane
outhrugeyyaunhthoaetv.rea defended with so much devoted courage from
the realisation of such a project."
The following is a report of the proceedings in the
National Assembly yesterday up to the hour of
post:--
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.---SITTING or MAY 12.
The President took the chair at one o'clock.
The Members of the new Ministry took their places
in the seats previously occupied by the Provisional Go-
vernment, the first benches on the left of the President.
A proposition was made by an honourable represen
tative that the Minister of the Interior should submit to
the Assembly a return of all the funds placed at his dis-
posal since February the 24th; how these funds had
been applied, particularly with respect to the working
classes; also to state what was the condition of manu-
factures and commerce in Paris at present.
M. Jules de Lasteyrie presented a petition in favour
of Poland from the members of the Democratic Club.
M. Perdiguier presented a proposition declaring that
the situation of representative of the people was ineom-
patitile with that of public functionary, with the excep-
tion of offieers of the army, the executive council, minis-
ter and under-secretaries of state.
Referred to the standing committee.
The order of the day was the discussion on the mode
of nominating the Committee on the constitution.
Berryer said that there were two modes of appointing
the Committee in question—one by the Assembly direct,
and the other by the bureaux. In the first Case, it would
be certain that the Assembly, atter fining discussion,
would choose the men who appeared most likely to draw
up the best draft of the constitution ; but there was this
disadvantage, that many men who could throw out ex-
cellent ideas were afraid to speak from the tribune, and
thus their experience or the knowledge which they could
bring to the question would be lost. If the bureaux were
to
.name the Members of the Committee, it might hap-
pen that the men of the greatest information should be
in the minority, and thus be excluded from the Com-
mittee. He should propose a mode by which the
two plans could be reconciled, which was to have the
matter first discussed at large in the Assembly, and then
the whole of the Members to be appointed by lists in the
bureaux. When the bureaux had voted, the different
lists would be compared together, and the thirty-six
who had the greatest number of votes nominated.
M. Lterbette declared that the bureaux, by the plan
proposed, must be voting as if it were in the dark. lie
thought that for so important a question the nomination
of the Committee ought to be as solemn as possible—in
other words, ought to be effected by the whole Chamber
M. Coyne proposed that the bureaux should name
four members each, and that the representatives thus
named should be brought before the Assembly, and
there selected, thirty-six names being chosen as the
committee.
M. Ducoux proposed that there should be elected a
preparatory Committee chosen from the whole Chamber,
elle fur every 210,000 inhabitants of Fiance, or 150
Members out of the whole Chamber, who shou d
eithdraw to the old Chamber, and then, atter
mature deliberation, appoint in their turn a definitive
Committee of thirty-six Members, who should prepare
the draft of the Constitution.
M. Callet proposed that there should be eighteen
members chosen by the bureaux. and eighteen by the
Assembly, the thirty-six thus chosen being considered
definttive.—( Hear, hear.)
M. Berryer signified that he withdrew his proposition
in tavour of that just brought forward.
M. Jolly and two other Members having addressed
the Assembly on the various plans brought forward, the
discussion was declared to be closed.
The Assembly decided by a show of hands (the first
having been doubtful), that M. Callet's proposition
should be first decided on.
Tne Assembly first voted, by a large majority, that
the number of the Committee should be thirty-six.
The Marquis de Larochejaquelin said that be should
propose to the Assembly to have the 18 members of the
bureaux appointed first, and then the other 18 in the
Assembly. Also that in the latter case the election
should be by ballot, the whole 18 homes on each list, and
by an absolute majority. (If this last part of the pro-
i.osition were to he adopted, the ballot would last nearly
from morning till night.)
M. Cremicux declared himself opposed to the number
of 36 for the Committee, and even the mode of nominat-
ing the members composing it. It was neither an ap-
pointment of the Assembly nor by the bureaux—it had
none of the advantages, acid all the inconveniences, of
both. He preferred M. Corne's plan.—(Agitation.)
a1.,1110 rue ther diseessi isteee, at n tiNon NI.
Callet's proposition, though previously appearing to have
given satistaction to the great majority of the Members,
was rejected.—(Renewed agitation.)
M. Übine proposed that a Committee be appointed
to consider all the propositions brought forward.—Re-
jected.
The Assembly then went back on the number, of
which the Committee was to be composed, the former
vote going for nothing, being considered applicable to
M. Callet's proposition alone.
There were various numbers proposed, viz., 150, 36.
25, 18, 12, and 9. The highest number was submitted
to the Assembly first. The numbers were rejected suc-
cessively until the number 18 was come to, which was
agreed to.
M. Carne considered his proposition excellent when
36 members were to be named, but he thought it objec-
tionable when the number was reduced to 18. In conse-
quence he withdrew it.—(Great agitation.)
Another Member said that he should in that case
adopt the proposition, and bring it forward for him-
oh!)
Some discussion of a corfased character here arose,
and the Honourable Member who wished to take up
Se. Corer's proposition signified that he should not
insist, but in consequence of some suggestions made to
him, should withdrew the signification he had just given.
The President said that, as great diffieulty was evi-
dently felt coining to an arrangement, he should
decide that the oi,cussion should then go no further,
out :should be resumed next day, thus giving the Mem-
hers of the Assembly time to discuss the matters in their
bureaus.
M. Napoleon Bonaparte (son of Jerome, ex-Ring of
‘Whoeusidpnalslyia)oime et)hyeed htathinet tahile
tMni
huisterot.
documentsFtreig
irt.li A
relating
tinffair
gies
ene these, h
e2-Istahido,f
wF.
aesb rieuhise royluttio)ly the
eperees:
sl'eittottdimaen.d I,trehlyissoi
sary, for the better information of Members, for the dis-
cussion which was to take place on Mt nday.
G.
oß2ahs t i de
[The likeness of this gentleman to the Emperor Ns-
that all
pole. n is most extraordimary.]
documents(Miui
as could be made public without inconvenience or injury
stererlsotiinFg'otoretihgen
oAotiffeeatirrtse?grreeapTleieeedi:
to pending negotiations, should be at once deposited
the
n
the archives for the examination of the members of
Assembly.
lative M. Lasteyrie (reporter of the to
Committee
brought forward the rules and reulations re
• And voting such du-
the mode of presenting, discussing,
. on petitions)
cuments.
They differ but little from the rules followed. in the
old Chamber, and several points which were not
decided
on were referred to the Committee on the Constitution
when appointed. With the exception of these points, the
regulations were agreed to.
M. Darieux inquired if it was true that the Executive
Committee did not intend to attend the public sittings ?
M. Cremieux replied that he had not heard a word of
the matter, and did not believe it to be true.
(Left sitting)
BOURSE.—PARIS' FRIDAY, MAY 12.
TH REE O'CLOCK.artly by the
ness at the Bourse to-day, produced p
1 b the
rumours as to the intention of the clubs; part y y
—Teem was a great deal of uneasi-
the statement in the J 1 ouiteur ; andtipfiar
w ir tor ther reports
newor ts
that none of the patio: werehsat
a.collii,,o
ofpowers
ministerial arrangets, anti t a
bad state of the Bank of France accountis,
from
snown by
had already taken p consequence was a
inept and the new Ministers. The
felle funds. For the Account, the
heavy fall in the price o
21.25 e., Five per Cents. fell 21.
French Three per Cents.
let between the Executive Govern-
w done at 29f. dis-
Cents. fell 2f. Benda du Tresor no
hares fell 20f., Belgian Bank
count, Bank of France s
; Two-and-a-Halt per Cents.
Shares not quoted, Brig.=
r Cents. offered largely at
75c. Fur Money, the Three per_ Cents. fell 21. 25c., Five per
not quoted, espanish Three fell l,}
f I per cent., Roths-
17t, but no purchasers;
fall. n lf. 25c., Versailles
Versailles Right Batik have .
have fallen 20f., Rouen 5f.,
Left Batik 21. 50c.; Orleans Northern 5t , Nantes,
Marseilles 10f., Bale, 2f. 50c.. .
2f 50
Havres have risen . c.;
child's Receipts at 72f. 50c. Rouen
Railway Shares for cash:-
2'. 50c., Lyons 3f. 75c.;
were No s,
rtherne
The only shares done for the account
at a fall of 3f. 75e.
RAILWAYS AT THE
BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN _
Viereons, Bordeaux, and Strasboargs are unchanged.
ees—Northern of Frazee. 3if
Boulogne and Ainieus,
Sambre and Meuse, 434.
Orleans and Bordeaux.
IRELAND•
LONDON STOCK EXHA. &L. Ble7- 12.
QUEEN'S BENCII.—
THE QUEEN v. MITCHELL.
MAT 12.
the Attorney-General the
f
Court has appointed Monday, the 29th inst ~ or h t e trial
of this cause. the Clerk of the Crown
At the Crown-office this day,
Upon the application of
presided, for the purpose of striking a jury in tsis
matter, and forty eight names were accordingly drawn
from the balloting-box.---(From the Dublin Evening
Mail of Friday.

heclur has also received
haThneotesChforancellsl7.rfroofmtil, Eivz.cc.
is.